Welcome to the Preparatory Section of Storm Studios Learning!

If you’ve arrived here from the introduction to our Traditional Harmony Course, it means you understand the importance of building a strong foundation before diving into more advanced concepts. This section is designed precisely for that: to give you the essential tools and knowledge you need to make the most of the main course.

Why a Preparatory Course?

Our Traditional Harmony Course, rooted in an exceptional lineage that traces back to Shostakovich, is deep and rigorous. To follow the lessons effectively—and especially to complete the practical exercises (chorale composition), which are key to this method—you must first master two fundamental areas: Interval Theory and Basic DAW Usage for working with MIDI files. This preparatory course will guide you through both.

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1. Mastering Intervals: The Foundation of Harmony

Why it matters:
Intervals—the distance between two notes—are the fundamental building blocks of chords and melodies. Without a clear understanding and fluent recognition of them, navigating the world of harmony is like trying to build a house without knowing your materials. The Traditional Harmony Course assumes you already have this knowledge.

Upcoming Lessons (Links/Videos Coming Soon):

• Lesson P1: What Is an Interval? (Definition, Harmonic vs. Melodic)
• Lesson P2: General and Specific Classifications (2nds, 3rds, 4ths, 5ths… Perfect, Major, Minor)
• Lesson P3: Augmented and Diminished Intervals
• Lesson P4: Interval Inversions and Their Rules
• Lesson P5: Compound Intervals (Beyond the Octave)
• Lesson P6: Practical Recognition Exercises (Visual and Aural)
  (Note: This may link to our Interval Training Apps)

Important:
Please make sure you fully understand and master these concepts before starting the main Harmony Course.

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2. Digital Tools: Basic Sequencing (Cubase 13) and MIDI

Why it matters:
The core practice in the Traditional Harmony Course is four-part chorale composition. To complete these exercises—and most importantly, to submit them for review to our upcoming Virtual Tutor—you’ll need to write them using a sequencer (also called a DAW – Digital Audio Workstation) and export them as MIDI files.

Why Cubase 13? And What If You Use Another DAW?
Our example lessons will use Cubase 13, since it’s the software I know best (we’re avoiding version 14 for now due to changes in score editing). However, the basics of MIDI sequencing are very similar across most DAWs (Logic, Pro Tools, Ableton, Reaper, etc.). If you use a different DAW, you should be able to adapt these principles easily.

Upcoming Lessons (Links/Videos Coming Soon):

• Lesson C1: What Is a Sequencer/DAW? What Is the MIDI Format and Why Use It?
• Lesson C2: Quick Tour of Cubase 13 (Basic Interface for MIDI Work)
• Lesson C3: Creating MIDI Tracks (Four-Voice Setup)
• Lesson C4: Writing Notes in the MIDI Editor (Entering Chorale Notes)
• Lesson C5: Basic MIDI Editing (Durations, Velocities if applicable, Simple Quantization)
• Lesson C6: The Key Step! How to Export Your Chorale as a MIDI File (.mid)

Note:
These lessons only cover the essentials for this course. There are many excellent, in-depth tutorials online (YouTube, etc.) if you want to explore Cubase or your preferred DAW more deeply.

Important:
Make sure you’re comfortable writing notes and exporting MIDI files before starting the main course assignments.

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Ready to Begin?

By dedicating time to these preparatory lessons, you’ll ensure that you have the solid foundation needed to navigate and fully enjoy the value of the Traditional Harmony Course. The initial effort will be well worth it!

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Once you’ve mastered intervals and basic sequencing, head back to the [Intro to the Harmony Course Page] and begin your harmonic journey!