Any Melody Can Be Awesome - Ben Levin

[@michaeloliverio7019]

I love how this method takes the pressure off the composer to create a new melody. The music already exists, it just needs to be understood and contextualised.

[@punksterbass]

"I'm just not that happy" #relatable

[@fleshman4joe]

same hahahaha *sobs*

[@arthurmee]

Me too.

[@PaulDavids]

Wonderful!

[@BenLevin]

Thanks Paul, I really like your song in pi!

[@happypuppy-i4k]

Paul Davids Mundane, Moonlight sonata, and a begining idea. Aka...boring. Moonlight sonata is not boring but this aping is because it represents a starting point. Why did he not finish the piece? I will assume the reason. BORING!!!!!!

[@happypuppy-i4k]

gooby pls you think these two individuals are geniuses? Hahahaha!!!!! Thankyou for the laugh!!!! You do not listen to classical or you are very, very casual with using genius as a compliment!!!!!

[@ShortMan_123]

@@happypuppy-i4kexcuse me?..

[@GuyNamedSean]

The end result to me feels like I’m finding my way out of a dense storm on the seas. I’m not safe yet, but I can see the sunlight beginning to peak out.

[@ajadrew]

You've explained it so effectively with your end result sounding gorgeous...

[@Oweng40000]

You’re like music bob Ross

[@marhobane3040]

In the body of a very tired Frank Zappa.

[@savourymilkman8147]

A Jewish frank zappa

[@epiczeven6378]

Wow... That was amazing. Inspiring video, you turned a weird ass melody to a beautiful piece.

[@FernieCanto]

You can take a 12 tone row and make it "beautiful" through tonality. Or you can see the 12 tone row as beautiful for what it is.

[@bigPianist99]

wolzly1 Can you justify your statement?

[@wolzly1]

Can you discredit it?

[@bigPianist99]

wolzly1 Sort of. I think a 12-tone-row can indeed be a beauty of its own, since even a sequence of notes or some intervals can create emotion. And if something is emotional, it can be considered beautiful, scary, sad - you name it. Beauty has nothing to do with the complexity and/or origin of a piece. Sure, a c#-minor impromptú can be beautiful, just as beautiful as Ligeti's Lux Aeterna - or Arvo Pärt's Credo? The point I am trying to make here is that judging modern compositional techniques to be "hipster bullshit" is just as stupid as calling classical pieces outdated and old-fashioned. A proper musician should altercate each and every style and genre of music and - even if he dislikes it - at the very least appreciate the effort and the intention of the composer. My opinion.

[@wolzly1]

I said post-modernist for a reason, not hipster. And I didn't say bullshit though you can stretch my use of language into more inflammatory regions if that helps you make your argument (I don't think it does). You are making my argument while you try to oppose it: "at the very least appreciate the effort and the intention of the composer". I do. 12 randomly chosen (or nature-inspired, or whatever) tones does not constitute intent.

[@bigPianist99]

wolzly1 I did not quote you, but bring up a general opinion that seems to refuse anything post-classical or consider it unintentional and what not. And according to your comment you also represent that opinion - correct me if I'm wrong. I don't know though why a twelve tone row should be unintentional. For one, the notes are arranged according to strict rules. And other than that, there are certainly reasons why composers pick certain notes over others. Sure, some chose to pick them randomly, but try to get a twelve tone row to actually sound melodic and *beautiful*! It actually takes a lot of effort, understanding and intention. So there's that...

[@Nyuu3]

Whoa. I wasn't even that sceptical in the first place, but the finished product was still FAR above my expectations.

[@EclecticSceptic]

Yeah same, turned out really well. Could be a song in its own right.

[@JimDooley]

Damnit. I'm trying to get some work done, but I can't pass this video up. Any melody? really? I have to watch.

[@cameodamaneo]

What was your conclusion from this video?

[@jasonsteves734]

+1

[@fryingwiththeantidote2486]

you weak fuck, you would’ve known this already if u payed attention while u were in shoenberg class at primary school. dickweed.

[@fryingwiththeantidote2486]

I didnt watch this video btw, cus i took notes in shoenberg class, i just sensed some dumb shit from this corner of the internet.

[@thecactus7950]

@@fryingwiththeantidote2486 Schoenberg class in primary school?

[@Anatolat]

I used to use exactly these techniques in my compositions. Some weird things to try in addition: -use functional harmony for your chord progression. The contrast between atonal melody and tonal harmony can be so unexpected -use the 12-tone row as a bass line, and explore different chord qualities. The odd root motion can have surprising effects - for added limitation, take two 12-tone rows (maybe one is a retrograde, inversion, or retrograde inversion of the other - avoid strict transposition, though). Put one as melody, and the other as root motion. Try to find some chord qualities that work

[@matcoddy6097]

also Imitation, etc.,

[@gejugfeguug5623]

For someone like me who was really against using atonal concepts such as 12 tone rows in music, this really opened my mind to the possibilities. I always thought 12 tone rows sounded bad because all of the atonal music i have checked out so far have been jarringly dissonant and basically unlistenable for me. This actually sounds tonal in the context of the chords that you chose, but more importantly it sounds really beautiful. I was skeptical that this would turn out good but im glad that you proved me wrong. Keep up the great work ben.

[@ggauche3465]

A listen to some late Stravinsky will cure that. e.g. Variations for Orchestra or Movements for Piano and Orchestra

[@gejugfeguug5623]

Graeme Gerrard thanks for the recommendations. Stravinsky is amazing.

[@ggauche3465]

Neo-classicism or serialism, he is an amazing composer and orchestrator.

[@gejugfeguug5623]

Graeme Gerrard i checked out those 2 pieces u recommended just now and yeah its not for me. Just sounded like insolent noise. I do love stravinsky though. The firebird is one of my favorite songs ever.

[@ggauche3465]

I would have described Mozart's 40th in the same way when I first heard it! I have listened to these and other late Stravinsky pieces a lot over the past 50 years. To me they are breathtaking. We're all different.

[@boarderking133]

That better be on the the next bent knee record. That was beautiful.

[@zachgalsky]

Imagine going in for a colonoscopy only to have the honor of Dr. Ben Levin showing up

[@jackpepperpwb]

Wha- er... no, no thank you.

[@yonisemel6933]

#relatablw

[@MawcDrums]

And he introduces himself as "Fake Dr. Levin" and lets you know that it's Wanky Wednesday.

[@BenLevin]

We can make that happen!

[@tjprosper7704]

@@BenLevin Legend

[@noveltyaccount11]

whenever i am working with a melody that frustrates me, i revisit this video. cannot express how much this has helped me.

[@armadaparade2503]

This is the best education on harmony I think I've ever received. Thank you Ben.

[@BenLevin]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@arceom07]

this thing sounds like my homeboy Debussy

[@creatief_met_kaas]

I thought the same thing :O

[@MisterDoctorBaconman]

The techniques and methods he played with were in a similar vein, just not quite as abrasive as a 12tr (for the most part)

[@matcoddy6097]

I've always found Debussy's music hard to follow when analyzing it, etc., but pleasant to listen to.

[@beng2617]

uhh not really?

[@seanmolloy9297]

A Debussy fern, sitting beside a dark Satie.

[@normantepeltu]

This is one of the best composition tools I've ever had explained. Can't wait to try it out!

[@ABCD27814]

Possibly one of the most beautiful things I have ever heard in my life. Genius. Ben you are incredible. Thank you.

[@AimeeNolte]

What a great idea and so well-executed! Maybe someday we can take your crusty music ears and pair them with my ginormous ones and make a 24 tone row with microtones. 🤔😝

[@BenLevin]

I'd be down to work with you anytime, Aimee!

[@juanchis.investigadorsonoro]

@@BenLevin Aimee is everywhere. I'd love to mix whatever you work on. Since I have no music skill I sit on the other side of the desk. :)

[@ThatViolaKid]

That would be so funnnnn

[@jonathantruesdale1707]

How many micro tones are there in a whole step?

[@johnhetherton9005]

@@jonathantruesdale1707 four, if you mean quartertones. like, there are two per semitone

[@quizbrennan1939]

Dude people like you are what brings music alive.

[@jobiy1999]

I watched a video interview of Jacob Collier recently. In it he theorizes that the harmony of chords can be anything as long as each note has good motion. This video reminded me of that video :)

[@cshirle3]

1) Adam Neely sent me. 2) I love your Nickelodeon-style graphics. 3) Thanks for the beautiful music.

[@daisyrushton1574]

bloody hell that sounds incredible!

[@TheJimmyp427]

That last chord hits so hard

[@instrumentenfreak]

I just love lydian chords

[@zachgalsky]

Very true

[@cstubbssubs7746]

how do ya play that

[@bigPianist99]

The most modern sounding voicing in my opinion. Beautiful!

[@vmdp8790]

instrumentenfreak Thelonius monk

[@paullim1843]

Wow that constellation was truely a thing of beauty

[@AlanNess]

This is inspiring for a music noob like me to hopefully create some magic in music in the future

[@attuneu]

My current favourite video on music ever. Thankyou

[@ASclassical]

This is the beauty of music, you went from having nothing to something unique and wonderful. And a very good practice to gain confidence and ability composing! Thanks

[@brandobin]

I gotta say you are hands down the best music educator I've found on the entirety of the internet. Every video knocks up my muse with new ideas thanks Ben!

[@adrian5b]

The result was mesmerizing… I love you, Ben.

[@jungxophr9014]

EVERY video I watch from you gets me to write a new song with an inspiring new perspective. You're a true muse, thank you. This piece is absolutely beautiful!

[@jonathanbain2722]

Why ya gotta be so brilliant my guy? Thanks for sharing the good stuff doc

[@christopherspoelstra1096]

The way you create music is absolutely inspiring!

[@exeromusic]

Thank you for this epic demonstration

[@namanh8547]

It sounds so beautiful .

[@ericgill5069]

Ben, having recently discovered you via Samurai, I have been obsessively watching your videos and I just want to tell you that your ideas for practicing and writting music are the most intresting, useful, creative and inspiring thar I have ever seen/heard. I am a trained musician, and studied at Berklee, and in my opinion, your exercises aren't simply out of the box, they kick the box across the room and then smash it to oblivion. I want to thank you for sharing your incredle outlook and methods with the world.

[@freudsbreakfast4060]

This is phenomenally creative. Very satisfying and obscurely enlightening

[@lordapophis93]

Ben, I love your videos because I feel like I relate to your personality and I love it that. Makes it easier for me to put myself out there too.

[@bundr]

The title didn't lie!! That was AWESOME!! Subscribed!!

[@martinjstephens]

Awesome work! As you point out at the start, the rhythm is also super helpful as it adds a tonne of expression.

[@dclarkmusic]

You ought to make this a full track! Gorgeous.

[@scottkunghadrengsen2604]

This is fantastic. For years I have been looking for a harmonic practice similar to my melodic one(Raga de Jour)where I make up a scale based on the intervals that feel best to me that day. I love how the melody here is a given and the harmony is given the weight of expressing the spontaneous inner landscape, thanks..

[@sunloveone]

Amazing... the end result was unexpectedly beautiful sounding!

[@brandonmains8958]

Your videos are so sick! Love the clash of art with music you do.

[@RohannvanRensburg]

I've seen like two of your videos and I auto-hit like on this one as soon as I opened it. You've provided me with more creative inspiration in ~15 mins than many channels have in months.

[@nookers]

You make me happy, Ben. Just the words you use.

[@neveratrivers]

Very good!! Simple and beautiful.

[@meatymatmart]

The exact type of inspiration I needed today. This channel has helped me for so long, thanks!

[@davidsimpson2560]

That was hauntingly beautiful.

[@japas]

Your logic (as well as with the rhytmic indian singing thingy) has really expanded the way I compose. Thank you thank you thank you!!

[@nschul4]

Beautiful results at the end

[@jacktraveller8290]

this is perfect for something I'm writing that's a bit atonal that I've been stuck with the harmony for. Thanks Ben!

[@elistewart8665]

wow this is just beautiful

[@yothatswacks]

Oh wow. This is beautiful.

[@notyetskeletal4809]

I wrote the notes on paper, pu them in a ball, shook the ball, picked them out of a ball at random, stuck them to a page and made it work. It was a fun create your own jig saw puzzle. You decide what the picture looks like. I felt like once it was done I needed to turn it into a sprawling epic song so I wrote the chords down and spent my Sunday doing other things instead.

[@danielrc14]

The result was actually fucking beautiful.

[@pedroalvesvalentim7652]

This is really a thing! Many people think music is bound to the rules of music theory when, in fact, the theory comes AFTER the music to define and patternize similarities. Art is far beyond those tiny concepts.

[@IsothermeMusic]

Ben, that B #11 chord is gorgeous. Nice movement.

[@TheNormalUniverse]

I loved the constellation metaphor

[@Setri123]

this is plain beauty

[@SherKhan-ku9oq]

This is such ridiculously high quality and original content Ben.

[@frooshante]

wonderfully done, Mr. Levin. i think i speak for a great lot of us when i say we'd enjoy a piece that develops this melody even further! with real strings!

[@bloodknightbob]

Really thought provoking! Thanks man!

[@jaredmeit6127]

Love it. I'll be trying this tonight.

[@aidanburke8316]

beautiful, like a walk through a magic forest

[@calebneff5777]

Honestly, that was one of the most moving pieces of music I’ve ever heard.

[@JUTESDARKMATTER]

Fantastic! Thank you, Ben!

[@RobTFilms]

This piece is so beautful!

[@Batvolt]

Nice job! This was one of the most interesting videos I 've ever seen. You explained it easy to understand and I want to write a tone row boat that will chug down some paddle wheel world I've never heard before.

[@nuxapower]

I know this video is old but suddenly i wanted to harmonize a twelve tone row and this helped me out a lot! Thank you ben

[@CAYENNEOREZ]

Thank you so much! What a great explanation and a beautiful chord progression.

[@vidsantoro]

I can't believe you gave this away for free. Salute

[@crumb5756]

I need to get onto this level of music theory. Wow, absolutely beautiful. I think Ben must have some good taste to boot

[@Joshua-sp1kd]

I just had this realization yesterday :’)

[@blackgemstone801]

Dude, you care! I haven't seen such passion in a while, great vid

[@raydolfmitler7049]

Very, very cool lesson

[@salvadorroibon]

AMAZING! Thanks a lot man! Regards from Argentina

[@opuitska]

Incredible video, mind blowing

[@ajibanezharvey]

I love this video and I use the same technique in some compositions of my own, I was really excited to see you do it this way as well. I also like the Ron jarzombec 3, 4 note diminished chords idea too, he has a great video on this well. It sounds awesome in Blotted Science!!

[@callummoodley6311]

Beautiful

[@sammiller9855]

I love your videos, bro! I love it when chromatic melodies sound as beautiful as diatonic ones, which is what you have done.

[@JamesJones-zt2yx]

How neat. It's a tone row, but not the sound I'd always associated with them. The way you used what in math they'd call a locally tonal neighborhood in the tone row is seriously cool!

[@stephenbourque2970]

I love this, Ben. Thanks so much!

[@SamChaneyProductions]

I've been really digging into non-functional and pseudo-functional harmony recently and trying to figure out how to force myself to create a composition that employed it, and lo! This is the perfect exercise to release me from my functional harmony cage!

[@mezzafinook]

ben! thank you for all the wonderful lessons and your humilty for sharing all of your knowledge with us :)

[@ideitbawxproductions1880]

I could never figure out how to get a 12-tone row to sound like anything other than chaos... this has definitely opened my eyes to the possibilities

[@proppergentleman8690]

what an amazing video truly amazing final product. Love your videos everytime man!

[@pattocetamol]

Great video dude. Really inspired me to try this out. Great choice of chords

[@mikeleffler6051]

Super inspiring! I bet one could determine "a key" that this piece is in. Probably could be interpreted to be in various keys. Part of me likes the freedom of not needing to define it to a key. Another part of me thinks it could be useful for certain purposes, like for remembering the piece and playing it again. Maybe also for connecting with each chord in the key which could support general musicality.

[@matthewlind3102]

It's like engineering a song. This makes sense to my brain

[@jeremyy22]

I love your lessons, and have been watching them for years now. I like this approach, but I would like to see how you would approach the same tone row, but with the strict rules of serialism being used for the harmonies too. Amazing lesson as always! Great inspiration!

[@stxxcrisler]

Nice exercise! How can I get an "Embrace Failure" shirt?

[@brunocatapluft]

Thumbs up for the metaphor of the constellation!!!

[@juanportillo6278]

I hardly know anything about music but when I watch your videos I feel smarter after 👍🏼

[@seleniticdawn]

This was great! I just bought a Korg Volca FM + and Pocket Operator and I think this might be the first thing I try on it when it arrives.

[@alejandronieto576]

Thank you Ben.

[@Bills_Place]

Stop reading my mind, Ben. A singer I work with recently gave me a vocal melody and asked me to come up with the chords to fit. I sent him a mostly major version, a dark minor one, and a jazz one that got way out there for the third option. Of course, we went with #4 which is totally different at a faster tempo, because there is no "wrong" when it's your own music. Great vid, and a stellar example that shows even the weirdest melody can find a home.

[@BryanDenham]

I just have to tell you , i so much enjoy your videos. you inspire me to want to learn , its exciting when i make the smallest of progress , and your videos are a refreshing look at music theory, id love to have a one on one lesson with you.