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Music Theory for Electronic Musicians 5: Structure (Udemy.com)

Electronic music theory, digital music theory, and dance music theory. Learn music theory with on the MIDI Grid.

Created by: J. Anthony Allen

Last updated May 2026

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What you will learn

  • This class is the "Writers-block Antidote" - if you are getting stuck or having problems finishing tracks, this is the solution.
  • By the end of this course, you will have improved your tracks by understanding how to build chords and melodies that work together.
  • By the end of this course, you will have improved your tracks by understanding how form and structure work in most music.
  • How to use Standard Forms
  • Techniques for Creating Variety
  • Melody and Melodic Phrases
  • Using Motives and Form to Tell a Story in your Music

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Course Description

Welcome to the MUSIC THEORY FOR ELECTRONIC MUSIC Guide - Part 5!

I like to think of this class as the "antidote for writers-block."
What we are going to do in this class is look closely at form and structure. That means we will be spending time diving into the whole track, and it looking at how it flows between sections, why it flows between sections, and how we can make that happen in our own tracks. So dust off some of those old sessions that you've been able to finish because this class is going to give you the tools you need to get those done.

If Your Music is Missing Something, This is Probably It.

If you are finding that you are writing track after track, and while they sound good, there is something they are missing - then this it. You are missing the sense of harmony that professional producers have. In this class, I'll arm you with all the tools you need to produce those tracks just like you imagine them.

Who should take this course?  
Anyone interested in producing their own music. This will get you up and running and give your tracks a unique sound in no time.

100% Answer Rate! Every single question posted to this class is answered within 24 hours by the instructor.

Structure 
This course consists of video lectures, which all contain a session in Ableton Live 10. If you are using a different program (or none at all), no worries! This isn't a class on how to use Ableton Live, and the concepts can be applied to any DAW.

Topics include:

  • Form

  • Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Break, Drop, etc.

  • Analysis Sections

  • Using Standard Forms

  • Binary Form

  • Ternary Form

  • Rondo Form

  • Theme and Variation

  • My Secret-Weapon Form (top secret!)

  • Techniques for Creating Variety

  • Density and Texture in Form

  • Melody and Phrases

  • The Science of Melody

  • Motive Alteration Techniques

  • ... And much more!!!

The course is a roadmap to finding the missing piece in your tracks, or just getting started making great tracks.

All the tools you need to make, produce, and start your music career are included in this course, and the entire course is based on real-life experiences - not just academic theory.

Please click the "Take This Course" button so you can start making great tracks today.


** I guarantee that this course is the most thorough music theory course available ANYWHERE on the internet - or your money back (with the Udemy 30-day money-back guarantee)

Closed captions have been added to all lessons in this course.


Praise for Courses by Jason Allen:

⇢  "It seems like every little detail is being covered in an extremely simple fashion. The learning process becomes relaxed and allows complex concepts to get absorbed easily. My only regret is not taking this course earlier." - M. Shah

⇢  "Great for everyone without any knowledge so far. I bought all three parts... It's the best investment in leveling up my skills so far.." - Z. Palce

⇢  "Excellent explanations! No more or less than what is needed." - A. Tóth

⇢  "VERY COOL. I've waited for years to see a good video course, now I don't have to wait anymore. Thank You!" - Jeffrey Koury

⇢  "I am learning LOTS! And I really like having the worksheets!" - A. Deichsel

⇢  "The basics explained very clearly - loads of really useful tips!" - J. Pook

⇢  "Jason is really quick and great with questions, always a great resource for an online class!" M. Smith




Students who register for this course will receive ongoing exclusive content and discounts for all future classes in the series. 

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Instructor Details

J. Anthony Allen

Dr. Allen is a 2026 Apple Distinguished Educator.

Dr. J. Anthony Allen is a distinguished composer, producer, educator, and innovator whose multifaceted career spans various musical disciplines. Born in Michigan and based in Minneapolis, Dr. Allen has composed orchestral works, produced acclaimed dance music, and, through his entrepreneurship projects, he has educated over a million students worldwide in music theory and electronic music production.


Dr. Allen's musical influence is global, with compositions performed across Europe, North America, and Asia. His versatility is evident in works ranging from Minnesota Orchestra performances to Netflix soundtracks. Beyond creation, Dr. Allen is committed to revolutionizing music education for the 21st century. In 2011, he founded Slam Academy, an electronic music school aimed at increasing accessibility to music production education. His innovative approach to academia was highlighted in 2024 when he received tenure and resigned from his university position on the same day.


As a composer, Dr. Allen is known for his unique synthesis of diverse musical influences, often blending acoustic music with electronic dance music elements. With a Ph.D. in Music Composition, multiple master's degrees, and numerous awards, Dr. Allen's academic and professional achievements are substantial.

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Reviews

4.6

198 ratings on Udemy

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By Rory Anderson on 11/9/2024

I am really impressed with J. Allen's way of demonstrating strategies to apply theory. This course is an awesome crash course that treats theory with respect, but none of the fear that it can be taught with at university. I came out of the course remembering that the purpose of using any theory tool is to help me be a better musician in some way.

By Mark Balas on 8/31/2024

A solid course; sometimes I felt that instead of the lengthy explanations, some more practical examples could have been more helpful in grasping the concepts. Still a very good course, and gives very good foundation for these topics.

By Kazem Hemeida on 1/20/2024

excellent instructor. I’m never bored from his way of teaching. He is able to select and combine relevant information in an effective and efficient way!

By Gareth Bellamy on 3/12/2023

enjoyed this part 5, though the early structure type could have been covered very easily in one video. really like the reverse sample instrumentation technique in one of the variation videos which i am using on my own music, thanks J keep up the good work

By Calvin Hood on 11/9/2022

Have not thought too much of songs and the sections following patterns - this is very interesting and now I'm listening to songs and trying to identify the different sections...so I can apply it to my stuff...

By Tony Bushell on 8/5/2021

Jason is an excellent teacher with a warm and engaging style. All the key points of structure are covered in depth with explanatory clarity . I would highly recommend this course.

By Philip Flood on 1/22/2021

This starting making my mind work in different directions. I got some great ideas out of this course, and I have a notebook filling with tips to provide inspiration where needed. I'm looking forward to Course 6, but I may jump into some of the other theory courses, too.

By Michael Curtis on 11/9/2020

I took this course assuming that it would be too basic for me and I knew everything that would be discussed, but I was wrong. I learned a lot and it has inspired me to finish 2 tracks that I was struggling with. As always J's style of teaching proves to be as effective as ever and I know some more skills to put into practice with my songwriting.

By Pedro Macedo on 8/10/2020

it was just good. It could be much better. The melody part for example could be increased by including some talks about contours, its caracteristics, melody structure, stable notes, non stable notes, and other topics that could help us with the melody construction. You could and should have talked about how to make good transitions between sections, a very important topic. I think this course in fact was built a little bit too fast and it didn't get as good as your courses used to be.

By Phil Hollis on 8/8/2020

Jason manages to convey the same ideas that he covers in his standard music theory class in a simplified form. I thought that learning in the context of a DAW might give me a different perspective on the subject and it did. The only thing I could critisise is the volume balance between Jason's voice (quiet) and his musical examples (loud). Oh and please, no more Mary had a Little Lamb.

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Overall Score : 92 / 100