CPTP088: 15,390 Pop Songs and Counting: The Hooktheory Story

Hooktheory is a truly innovative site. It looks at harmony from a completely different perspective than traditional music theory. This is what happens when you bring together three engineers with a shared passion for music.

By analysing the underlying chord progressions of thousands of pop songs – these guys are not simply learning what makes for a hit. They've also developed new ways of teaching music theory so that students can see their instrument as a toolbox to be explored.

The approach the guys at Hooktheory have taken is so inspiring. I'm delighted to be having them on the show today to talk about their journey and their philosophies on music education.

Transcript

If you'd like to download a PDF transcript of this episode, please click below.

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In this episode, you’ll learn

• Where the idea for Hooktheory started
• How pop songs get added to the site
• What to do when you first go to Hooktheory
• Whether the infamous four chords are as common as we think
• How a pop song can "sell" music theory to students
• Why exploration is missing from many piano studios
• The surprising lessons learned from creating Hooktheory
• How to use Hooktheory as a teacher in groups and private lessons
• When to expect a version that works on iPad

Links Mentioned

• Hook Theory tabs
• Hook Theory books
• Hook Pad software
• I analysed the chords of 1300 pop songs for patterns. This is what I found.
• Hook Theory – Hands Down the Best New Resource for Music Teachers
• How Learning Guitar Made Me a Better Piano Teacher
• No Book Beginners Course

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Are you a fan of Hook Theory?

Have you looked around the Hook Theory site? What do you think of their approach to pop music and music theory?