The Music Interval Theory Podcast

Download the free guide "5 Spells Every Composer Needs." These spells are interval-based composition techniques that work like magic. In this guide, I explain 5 of my most-used spells with examples so that you can implement them in your compositions as well. https://musicintervaltheory.academy/spells/ Frank shares a powerful story from a conversation with a magician friend and composer, revealing the real benefit of learning interval theory — not just sounding different or adding tricks to your music, but saving time and eliminating frustration. Discover how interval-based thinking can help you translate your musical ideas into reality faster and with more confidence.

Download the free guide “5 Spells Every Composer Needs.” These spells are interval-based composition techniques that work like magic. In this guide, Frank explains five of his most-used spells with examples so you can implement them in your compositions right away. https://musicintervaltheory.academy/spells/ In this episode of The Music Interval Theory Podcast, Frank challenges the traditional view of the 12 musical intervals and introduces a fresh, practical approach for composers. By grouping intervals into just six core personalities — plus one wildcard tritone — you'll learn how to simplify your composing process and gain deeper control over tension, emotion, and movement in your music. This mindset shift helps you connect theory with real-world composing in a fun, intuitive way.

Explore the Circle of Interval Magicians. You find the Circle quickly by googling "Circle of Interval Magicians," or by following the link in the show notes. https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about?ref=bfbebbc3d8d04a84806842a78f42963a Frank shares a surprising insight from the world of Hollywood scoring: most modern film scores are written in C concert with no key signature. Why? Because emotion demands constant modulation, and session players prefer clarity over tradition. By dropping the key signature, composers can let their harmony follow the picture more freely. Frank explains how this shift changed his own workflow and offers encouragement for composers looking to break free from rigid key thinking.

Download the free guide “5 Spells Every Composer Needs.” These are powerful interval-based composition techniques, and yes—counterpoint is part of the magic. https://musicintervaltheory.academy/spells/ In this episode, Frank reframes counterpoint as a vibrant conversation between musical lines rather than a rigid academic exercise. You'll learn how counterpoint can bring clarity and energy to your music, especially when applied to full sections in orchestration. From emotional exchange to structural storytelling, this episode is a fresh take on a classic technique—with some interval theory magic sprinkled in.

Explore the Circle of Interval Magicians. You find the Circle quickly by googling "Circle of Interval Magicians," or by following the link here: https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about?ref=bfbebbc3d8d04a84806842a78f42963a In this episode, Frank shares a game-changing insight about enharmonic spelling and how simplifying your notation can lead to better performances. It's not about impressing musicians with theory-perfect accidentals—it's about writing parts that read and feel intuitive. A small shift in thinking that can make a big difference on the stage or in the studio.

Download the free guide “5 Spells Every Composer Needs.” Spells are interval-based composition techniques that work like magic. In this guide, I explain 5 of my most-used spells with examples so that you can implement them in your compositions as well. https://musicintervaltheory.academy/spells/ In this episode of The Music Interval Theory Podcast, Frank shares why he refuses to join the “music theory police” and how the internet often turns helpful knowledge into gatekeeping. He explores the value of curiosity in learning, why asking questions should be safe, and how theory is best used as a creative tool—not a strict rulebook. If you're tired of rigid opinions and just want to make great music, this one's for you.

Download the free guide “5 Spells Every Composer Needs” — interval-based composition techniques that work like magic. https://musicintervaltheory.academy/spells/ In this episode, Frank shares how he stopped overthinking intervals and started using his keyboard or guitar as a simple visual tool to speed up his workflow. He explores the difference between writing inside scales versus composing with intervals — and how blending both approaches can bring uniqueness and familiarity to your music. You'll also hear practical tips for applying interval thinking in your own compositions, whether you're scoring for film, games, or just experimenting.

Download the free guide "5 Spells Every Composer Needs." Spells are interval-based composition techniques that work like magic. In this guide, Frank explains five of his most-used spells with examples so you can implement them in your own compositions. https://musicintervaltheory.academy/spells/ In this episode of the Music Interval Theory Podcast, Frank shares how years of teaching pattern-based music theory helped him develop instant pattern recognition—both visually and aurally. He breaks down why structured learning is far more powerful than "winging it," and how repeating intervallic patterns can train your inner ear like nothing else. You'll hear how these concepts apply directly to composition, and how to avoid common mistakes by understanding the “why” behind what works.

Download the free guide "5 Spells Every Composer Needs." These spells are interval-based composition techniques that work like magic. I explain 5 of my most-used spells with examples so that you can implement them in your compositions as well. https://musicintervaltheory.academy/spells In this episode of The Music Interval Theory Podcast, Frank unpacks why chords like C6 and Am7—despite using the same notes—feel so different. The secret lies in the harmonic series and how we interpret the root. You'll learn how shifting the fundamental changes the chord's function, complexity, and emotional color. We go from simple sixth chords to rich 13th structures, all using the exact same tones. It's a powerful lesson in musical context, function, and the nature of harmony.

Download the free guide "5 Spells Every Composer Needs." Spells are interval-based composition techniques that work like magic. In this guide, Frank explains 5 of his most-used spells with examples so you can implement them in your compositions too. https://musicintervaltheory.academy/spells In this episode, Frank dives into the technique of Scaling—an interval-based approach that instantly adds emotional depth and that “Disney sparkle” to your music. He explains how using a simple formula from a major triad and an anchor note can unlock rich harmonic textures. With easy step-by-step guidance, you'll see how to use Scaling to create wide, expressive harmonies that still feel grounded and intentional.

Download the free guide "5 Spells Every Composer Needs." Spells are interval-based composition techniques that work like magic. In this guide, Frank explains 5 of his most-used spells with examples, so you can start using them in your own compositions: https://musicintervaltheory.academy/spells In this episode of The Music Interval Theory Podcast, Frank explores the idea that the patterns and habits in your music aren't mistakes. They're your musical fingerprints. He shares how years of trying to “correct” his tendencies actually led to less authentic music, and how embracing those repeating ideas brought his compositions to life. If you've ever felt self-conscious about sounding too much like yourself… this one's for you.

Download the free guide “5 Spells Every Composer Needs.” Spells are interval-based composition techniques that work like magic. In this guide, Frank explains 5 of his most-used spells with examples, so you can implement them in your own compositions: https://musicintervaltheory.academy/spells In this episode of The Music Interval Theory Podcast, Frank shares how recording his composing process inside Sibelius helped him spot creative blocks, speed up his workflow, and become more self-aware as a composer. Inspired by how athletes analyze game footage, this simple practice can help any composer improve—even if you never publish a single video. It's a behind-the-scenes strategy with surprising power!

Explore the Circle of Interval Magicians. You find the Circle quickly by googling "Circle of Interval Magicians," or by following this link: https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about?ref=bfbebbc3d8d04a84806842a78f42963a In this episode, Frank shares how composing in isolation can distort your creative judgment—and how inviting feedback into your process can unlock surprising clarity and growth. Through personal studio stories and practical examples, you'll discover why community matters, how different ears catch different things, and what it really feels like to shape your music while the clay is still soft. Step inside the Circle of Interval Magicians and find your musical mirror.

Download the free guide “5 Spells Every Composer Needs.” These are interval-based techniques that work like magic — and they're ready for you to use in your own compositions!

Download the free guide "5 Spells Every Composer Needs." Spells are interval-based composition techniques that work like magic. In this guide, I explain five of my most-used spells with examples so that you can implement them in your compositions as well. https://musicintervaltheory.academy/spells In this episode of The Music Interval Theory Podcast, Frank opens up about the power of unfinished work. From half-orchestrated ideas to 8-bar sketches, these "tiny reps at the gym" are actually the foundation of musical growth. He shares a raw, personal sketch from years ago and discusses how sharing imperfect work with fellow composers builds confidence, sharpens instincts, and keeps the creative momentum alive. If you've ever felt like your half-finished cues don't count, this one's for you.

Explore the Circle of Interval Magicians. You find the Circle quickly by googling "Circle of Interval Magicians," or by following the link in the show notes. https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about?ref=bfbebbc3d8d04a84806842a78f42963a In this episode, Frank explores how composers truly discover their unique musical voice. Not by force, but by consistently writing and recognizing their own patterns. From harmonic habits to go-to textures, these so-called “bad habits” are actually key to identity. He shares insights from his own journey in film, animation, and games, and reminds us that innovation doesn't mean throwing away our taste—it means letting it evolve.

You find the Circle quickly by googling "Circle of Interval Magicians," or by following the link in the show notes.

Download the free guide “5 Spells Every Composer Needs.” Spells are interval-based composition techniques that work like magic. In this guide, Frank explains 5 of his most-used spells with examples so that you can implement them in your compositions as well.

Download the free guide “5 Spells Every Composer Needs.” Spells are interval-based composition techniques that work like magic. In this guide, I explain 5 of my most-used spells with examples so that you can implement them in your compositions as well. Link: https://musicintervaltheory.academy/spells In this episode, Frank explores how to create dark and mysterious music by doing less. Learn how slowing down your harmonic rhythm, thinning out textures, and using soft low instruments can evoke deep emotion and tension. Plus, discover how small intervals in the lower register can add fragility and danger without crowding your mix — perfect for underscore and cinematic moods.

Download the free guide "5 Spells Every Composer Needs." Spells are interval-based composition techniques that work like magic. In this guide, Frank explains five of his most-used spells with examples so that you can implement them in your compositions as well. Link: https://musicintervaltheory.academy/spells Summary: In this episode of The Music Interval Theory Podcast, Frank shares a crucial yet often overlooked first step in his scoring process: locking in the tempo and bar count before composing. By doing this, he avoids the stress of music slipping out of sync with the scene and creates a solid structure for emotional storytelling. Whether you're scoring your first short film or your tenth game soundtrack, this simple tip could be a game-changer.

Download the free guide “5 Spells Every Composer Needs” — interval-based composition techniques that help you create clarity and emotional impact in your music.

Explore the Circle of Interval Magicians. You find the Circle quickly by googling "Circle of Interval Magicians," or by following the link in the show notes.

Audio Artist RISE Program: https://www.skool.com/audio-artist-rise/about?ref=bfbebbc3d8d04a84806842a78f42963a The Circle of Interval Magicians: https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about?ref=bfbebbc3d8d04a84806842a78f42963a This special episode explores how to use scaling of triads—a wonderful technique for creating that classic Disney-style sound. The best part is that everything comes straight from simple major and minor triads.

Grab the five spells every composer needs and take your writing to the next level: https://musicintervaltheory.academy/spells/ This episode shows how a simple motor or pulse can bring a stalled cue back to life and create forward motion without changing your harmony. Even the smallest repeating rhythm can act like an engine that keeps your music breathing and moving.

Grab your free guide: "5 Spells Every Composer Needs" and learn the interval magic that makes your ideas clearer, stronger, and more original: https://musicintervaltheory.academy/spells/ The main takeaway from this episode is that sketching is the backbone of a strong composition. When your sketch works on a simple piano or grand staff, orchestration becomes a joyful process of adding color instead of fighting problems. A solid sketch saves time, reduces stress, and gives your cue a clear identity from the very beginning.

If you want to go deeper into these ideas and learn magical interval-based techniques with other composers, join the Circle of Interval Magicians — the community is open and we'd love to have you: https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about?ref=bfbebbc3d8d04a84806842a78f42963a Main Takeaway: Your music becomes more emotional and memorable when you slow down your harmonic pacing. Giving a chord time to unfold allows the listener to actually feel the moment instead of rushing past it. Patience creates depth.

In this episode, Frank dives into one of the most overlooked superpowers in a film composer's toolbox: the reappearing theme. A simple motif, placed with intention, can shape the emotional arc of an entire story while making the composer's job smoother and more focused. Frank explains how a recurring theme acts as a guidepost for the listener, creates cohesion across scenes, and reduces the need to generate endless new material under tight deadlines. Using examples from classic scores like Indiana Jones and modern masterpieces like Up, he breaks down how great composers shape and reshape a single idea to carry an entire film. You'll learn why repetition is not lazy, how a returning motif helps the audience stay anchored, and how Interval Magic allows your themes to adapt without losing their identity. Frank also shares insights from the Circle of Interval Magicians, where small motifs become powerful storytelling tools. If you've ever wondered how to make your themes more flexible, more emotional, and more memorable, this episode shows you how to put that into practice right away. Ready to go deeper? Join the Circle of Interval Magicians and explore Interval Magic with a community of composers who are growing their craft one motif at a time: https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about?ref=bfbebbc3d8d04a84806842a78f42963a

Join the Circle of Interval Magicians and learn how to bring your musical ideas to life through practical interval-based techniques. This is where we explore concepts like the ones you heard in today's episode, and you are invited to be part of it: https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about?ref=bfbebbc3d8d04a84806842a78f42963a In this episode, I share how a simple two-note ostinato suddenly felt tired and how a tiny interval-based change brought it back to life. We talk about why even the smallest movement can add direction, expression, and emotional clarity to your sketches. I also share a couple of real stories from my composing experience that show how interval thinking can lift a cue instantly. The main takeaway is simple: your music becomes more alive when you let even your smallest ideas breathe and move.

Check out the Circle of Interval Magicians — our community where composers learn, share, and grow together using practical interval-based techniques. https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about?ref=bfbebbc3d8d04a84806842a78f42963a Most valuable takeaway: A pedal tone (or repeating pulse) acts as an emotional anchor in a cue, allowing harmony, texture, and orchestration to evolve without losing clarity or stability — making your music far more usable in film, TV, and game scenes.

If you want to go deeper into concepts like this, check out the Circle of Interval Magicians — it's where these ideas turn into real breakthroughs. https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about?ref=bfbebbc3d8d04a84806842a78f42963a Main Takeaway: Avoiding every doubling slows you down and weakens your orchestration. Smart, intentional doublings can add weight, color, and clarity when used with purpose — and they often unlock the fullness your cue was missing.

If you want to join a supportive community of composers who are mastering the art of writing with intervals, come check out the Circle of Interval Magicians. I'll place the link right here: https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about?ref=bfbebbc3d8d04a84806842a78f42963a In this episode, we explore a simple but powerful mixing technique that brings more breath and life into orchestral and hybrid tracks. By adding a very soft vocal layer or breathy texture, you can lift tired-sounding strings, open up the top end, and create a sense of clarity and emotional presence. This subtle approach blends naturally with interval-based writing and can transform the feel of your music with just a small touch.

Join the Circle of Interval Magicians: https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about?ref=bfbebbc3d8d04a84806842a78f42963a If you want to go deeper into interval colors, intuitive composition, and a community that helps you grow as a composer, you're invited to join the Circle of Interval Magicians. Episode Summary: In this episode, we explore why forcing a piece to stay inside your first theoretical idea can actually limit the emotional truth of your music. Instead of locking your cue into the mode you chose at the beginning, you'll learn how to let the harmony evolve naturally — following the emotional direction of the piece rather than rigid rules. When you trust the drift, your music becomes more honest, expressive, and alive.

Join the Circle of Interval Magicians: Discover the interval-based techniques that make composing faster, clearer, and far more intuitive. Click the link below to become part of the Circle and start leveling up your craft.

Join the Circle of Interval Magicians: https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about?ref=bfbebbc3d8d04a84806842a78f42963a If you want to become a faster, more confident, and more original composer, join the Circle of Interval Magicians. Instead of waiting for the “perfect” motif, we learn why it's better to start with a strong musical character, even if it's rough, weird, or incomplete. Ideas grow when you let them live. Perfection can come later, after the music has something to say. If you often get stuck waiting for the perfect idea, this episode will help you relax, trust the process, and let your motifs speak.

Join the Circle of Interval Magicians and become part of a community of composers who grow together: https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about?ref=bfbebbc3d8d04a84806842a78f42963a In this episode, we explore a powerful and slightly uncomfortable truth about orchestration: it doesn't hide weaknesses in your music – it exposes them. You'll learn why the orchestra reveals the real quality of your ideas, why sketches often give you a false sense of confidence, and how the orchestration process actually helps you discover what your music truly wants to become. This episode is designed to give you a mindset shift that will change how you approach both writing and orchestrating.

I'm Frank. I'm an Interval Magician. That's my superpower, and I'm looking for composers who want to break free from generic progressions and write music that truly stands out. ✨ Welcome to the Circle of Interval Magicians ✨

I'm Frank. I'm an Interval Magician. That's my superpower, and I'm looking for composers who want to break free from generic progressions and write music that truly stands out. ✨ Welcome to the Circle of Interval Magicians ✨

I'm Frank. I'm an Interval Magician. That's my superpower, and I'm looking for composers who want to break free from generic progressions and write music that truly stands out. ✨ Welcome to the Circle of Interval Magicians ✨

I'm Frank. I'm an Interval Magician. That's my superpower, and I'm looking for composers who want to break free from generic progressions and write music that truly stands out. ✨ Welcome to the Circle of Interval Magicians ✨

I'm Frank. I'm an Interval Magician. That's my superpower, and I'm looking for composers who want to break free from generic progressions and write music that truly stands out. ✨ Welcome to the Circle of Interval Magicians ✨

I'm Frank. I'm an Interval Magician. That's my superpower, and I'm looking for composers who want to break free from generic progressions and write music that truly stands out. ✨ Welcome to the Circle of Interval Magicians ✨

I'm Frank. I'm an Interval Magician. That's my superpower, and I'm looking for composers who want to break free from generic progressions and write music that truly stands out. ✨ Welcome to the Circle of Interval Magicians ✨

The Circle of Interval Magicians https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about?ref=bfbebbc3d8d04a84806842a78f42963a My mission is to help composers break free from generic progressions and write music that truly stands out. You don't need more theory, you need more MAGIC! Grab my free guide: "5 Spells Every Composer Needs" https://musicintervaltheory.academy/spells/

The Circle of Interval Magicians https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about?ref=bfbebbc3d8d04a84806842a78f42963a My mission is to help composers break free from generic progressions and write music that truly stands out. You don't need more theory, you need more MAGIC! Grab my free guide: "5 Spells Every Composer Needs" https://musicintervaltheory.academy/spells/

The Circle of Interval Magicians https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about?ref=bfbebbc3d8d04a84806842a78f42963a My mission is to help composers break free from generic progressions and write music that truly stands out. You don't need more theory, you need more MAGIC! Grab my free guide: "5 Spells Every Composer Needs" https://musicintervaltheory.academy/spells/

The Circle of Interval Magicians https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about?ref=bfbebbc3d8d04a84806842a78f42963a My mission is to help composers break free from generic progressions and write music that truly stands out. You don't need more theory, you need more MAGIC! Grab my free guide: "5 Spells Every Composer Needs" https://musicintervaltheory.academy/spells/

The Circle of Interval Magicians https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about?ref=bfbebbc3d8d04a84806842a78f42963a My mission is to help composers break free from generic progressions and write music that truly stands out. You don't need more theory, you need more MAGIC! Grab my free guide: "5 Spells Every Composer Needs" https://musicintervaltheory.academy/spells/

The Circle of Interval Magicians https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about?ref=bfbebbc3d8d04a84806842a78f42963a My mission is to help composers break free from generic progressions and write music that truly stands out. You don't need more theory, you need more MAGIC!