The Music Interval Theory Podcast

40 Episodes
Subscribe

By: The Music Interval Theory Podcast

Many composers feel stuck writing the same old ideas, wondering why their music doesn’t sound as original as they want. Inside the Music Interval Theory Academy (MITA) and our community (The Circle of Interval Magicians), we reveal the deeper architecture behind music, the interval magic that helps you break free from the generic sound and step into your own creative power. The truth is, the composers you admire weren’t born with secret gifts. They learned "spells." They trained their ears, sharpened their instincts, and discovered the hidden structures that shape emotional storytelling. And you can learn them, too. If y...

✂️ Clip this podcast
One Tiny Formula Keeps This Piano Piece Going - Composition Analysis
One Tiny Formula Keeps This Piano Piece Going - Composition Analysis episode artwork
#253
Today at 9:15 AM

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about I teach you interval-based composition in 30 days (or less)! From the basics to advanced concepts, I'll guide you step by step. Start your free 7-day trial today, and after that, it's less than one coffee per week! If you're new here, my name is Frank, and I'm the co-founder of the Music Interval Theory Academy (MITA), which I've been running since 2015. I teach composers how to stop guessing and start creating music with real intention, using intervals as the foundation instead of chords. How I got here... ** 1993: Heard the Jurassic Park score in the...


An Orchestra Goes for a Bike Ride
An Orchestra Goes for a Bike Ride episode artwork
#252
10/27/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about I teach you interval-based composition in 30 days (or less)! From the basics to advanced concepts, I'll guide you step by step. Start your free 7-day trial today, and after that, it's less than one coffee per week! If you're new here, my name is Frank, and I'm the co-founder of the Music Interval Theory Academy (MITA), which I've been running since 2015. I teach composers how to stop guessing and start creating music with real intention, using intervals as the foundation instead of chords. How I got here... ** 1993: Heard the Jurassic Park score in the...


Composing Beyond the Diatonic System Using Intervals
Composing Beyond the Diatonic System Using Intervals episode artwork
#251
10/23/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about I teach you interval-based composition in 30 days (or less)! From the basics to advanced concepts, I'll guide you step by step. Start your free 7-day trial today, and after that, it's less than one coffee per week! If you're new here, my name is Frank, and I'm the co-founder of the Music Interval Theory Academy (MITA), which I've been running since 2015. I teach composers how to stop guessing and start creating music with real intention, using intervals as the foundation instead of chords. How I got here... ** 1993: Heard the Jurassic Park score in the...


One Interval a Whole Orchestra - Light in the Sky
One Interval a Whole Orchestra - Light in the Sky episode artwork
#250
10/20/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about I teach you interval-based composition in 30 days (or less)! From the basics to advanced concepts, I'll guide you step by step. Start your free 7-day trial today, and after that, it's less than one coffee per week! If you're new here, my name is Frank, and I'm the co-founder of the Music Interval Theory Academy (MITA), which I've been running since 2015. I teach composers how to stop guessing and start creating music with real intention, using intervals as the foundation instead of chords. How I got here... ** 1993: Heard the Jurassic Park score in the...


From One Interval To The Full Score
From One Interval To The Full Score episode artwork
#249
10/16/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about I teach you interval-based composition in 30 days (or less)! From the basics to advanced concepts, I'll guide you step by step. Start your free 7-day trial today, and after that, it's less than one coffee per week! If you're new here, my name is Frank, and I'm the co-founder of the Music Interval Theory Academy (MITA), which I've been running since 2015. I teach composers how to stop guessing and start creating music with real intention, using intervals as the foundation instead of chords. How I got here... ** 1993: Heard the Jurassic Park score in the...


Mark DuBerry - Pulling Silk Podcast - Interval Composer Spotlight
Mark DuBerry - Pulling Silk Podcast - Interval Composer Spotlight episode artwork
#248
10/13/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about I teach you interval-based composition in 30 days (or less)! From the basics to advanced concepts, I'll guide you step by step. Start your free 7-day trial today, and after that, it's less than one coffee per week! If you're new here, my name is Frank, and I'm the co-founder of the Music Interval Theory Academy (MITA), which I've been running since 2015. I teach composers how to stop guessing and start creating music with real intention, using intervals as the foundation instead of chords. How I got here... ** 1993: Heard the Jurassic Park score in the...


10 Orchestration Lessons - Live Masterclass (Part 2)
10 Orchestration Lessons - Live Masterclass (Part 2) episode artwork
#247
10/09/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about I teach you interval-based composition in 30 days (or less)! From the basics to advanced concepts, I'll guide you step by step. Start your free 7-day trial today, and after that, it's less than one coffee per week! If you're new here, my name is Frank, and I'm the co-founder of the Music Interval Theory Academy (MITA), which I've been running since 2015. I teach composers how to stop guessing and start creating music with real intention, using intervals as the foundation instead of chords. How I got here... ** 1993: Heard the Jurassic Park score in the...


Four Plain Triads - Then We Put a Chord Between Them
Four Plain Triads - Then We Put a Chord Between Them episode artwork
#246
10/06/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about I teach you interval-based composition in 30 days (or less)! From the basics to advanced concepts, I'll guide you step by step. Start your free 7-day trial today, and after that, it's less than one coffee per week! If you're new here, my name is Frank, and I'm the co-founder of the Music Interval Theory Academy (MITA), which I've been running since 2015. I teach composers how to stop guessing and start creating music with real intention, using intervals as the foundation instead of chords. How I got here... ** 1993: Heard the Jurassic Park score in the...


8 Orchestration Lessons from One Real Score (Live Masterclass)
8 Orchestration Lessons from One Real Score (Live Masterclass) episode artwork
#245
10/02/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about I teach you interval-based composition in 30 days (or less)! From the basics to advanced concepts, I'll guide you step by step. Start your free 7-day trial today, and after that, it's less than one coffee per week! If you're new here, my name is Frank, and I'm the co-founder of the Music Interval Theory Academy (MITA), which I've been running since 2015. I teach composers how to stop guessing and start creating music with real intention, using intervals as the foundation instead of chords. How I got here... ** 1993: Heard the Jurassic Park score in the...


An Orchestral Piece Built Only from Triads
An Orchestral Piece Built Only from Triads episode artwork
#244
09/29/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about I teach you interval-based composition in 30 days (or less)! From the basics to advanced concepts, I'll guide you step by step. Start your free 7-day trial today, and after that, it's less than one coffee per week! If you're new here, my name is Frank, and I'm the co-founder of the Music Interval Theory Academy (MITA), which I've been running since 2015. I teach composers how to stop guessing and start creating music with real intention, using intervals as the foundation instead of chords. How I got here... ** 1993: Heard the Jurassic Park score in the...


The Hour After the Sketch
The Hour After the Sketch episode artwork
#243
09/25/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about I teach you interval-based composition in 30 days (or less)! From the basics to advanced concepts, I'll guide you step by step. Start your free 7-day trial today, and after that, it's less than one coffee per week! If you're new here, my name is Frank, and I'm the co-founder of the Music Interval Theory Academy (MITA), which I've been running since 2015. I teach composers how to stop guessing and start creating music with real intention, using intervals as the foundation instead of chords. How I got here... ** 1993: Heard the Jurassic Park score in the...


Move One Structure, Shape Your Piece
Move One Structure, Shape Your Piece episode artwork
#242
09/22/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about I teach you interval-based composition in 30 days (or less)! From the basics to advanced concepts, I'll guide you step by step. Start your free 7-day trial today, and after that, it's less than one coffee per week! If you're new here, my name is Frank, and I'm the co-founder of the Music Interval Theory Academy (MITA), which I've been running since 2015. I teach composers how to stop guessing and start creating music with real intention, using intervals as the foundation instead of chords. How I got here... ** 1993: Heard the Jurassic Park score in the...


Do This for More Colorful Orchestration
Do This for More Colorful Orchestration episode artwork
#241
09/18/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about I teach you interval-based composition in 30 days (or less)! From the basics to advanced concepts, I'll guide you step by step. Start your free 7-day trial today, and after that, it's less than one coffee per week! If you're new here, my name is Frank, and I'm the co-founder of the Music Interval Theory Academy (MITA), which I've been running since 2015. I teach composers how to stop guessing and start creating music with real intention, using intervals as the foundation instead of chords. How I got here... ** 1993: Heard the Jurassic Park score in the...


Dont Pick the Scale First
Dont Pick the Scale First episode artwork
#240
09/09/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about I teach you interval-based composition in 30 days (or less)! From the basics to advanced concepts, I'll guide you step by step. Start your free 7-day trial today, and after that, it's less than one coffee per week! If you're new here, my name is Frank, and I'm the co-founder of the Music Interval Theory Academy (MITA), which I've been running since 2015. I teach composers how to stop guessing and start creating music with real intention, using intervals as the foundation instead of chords. How I got here... ** 1993: Heard the Jurassic Park score in the...


Be Simple in One Place
Be Simple in One Place episode artwork
#239
09/08/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about I teach you interval-based composition in 30 days (or less)! From the basics to advanced concepts, I'll guide you step by step. Start your free 7-day trial today, and after that, it's less than one coffee per week! If you're new here, my name is Frank, and I'm the co-founder of the Music Interval Theory Academy (MITA), which I've been running since 2015. I teach composers how to stop guessing and start creating music with real intention, using intervals as the foundation instead of chords. How I got here... ** 1993: Heard the Jurassic Park score in the...


How a Blocky Chord Sketch Becomes a Full Orchestral Cue
How a Blocky Chord Sketch Becomes a Full Orchestral Cue episode artwork
#238
09/04/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about I teach you interval-based composition in 30 days (or less)! From the basics to advanced concepts, I'll guide you step by step. Start your free 7-day trial today, and after that, it's less than one coffee per week! If you're new here, my name is Frank, and I'm the co-founder of the Music Interval Theory Academy (MITA), which I've been running since 2015. I teach composers how to stop guessing and start creating music with real intention, using intervals as the foundation instead of chords. How I got here... ** 1993: Heard the Jurassic Park score in the...


Great Introductions and Endings (using INTERVALS)
Great Introductions and Endings (using INTERVALS) episode artwork
#236
09/01/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about I teach you interval-based composition in 30 days (or less)! From the basics to advanced concepts, I'll guide you step by step. Start your free 7-day trial today, and after that, it's less than one coffee per week! If you're new here, my name is Frank, and I'm the co-founder of the Music Interval Theory Academy (MITA), which I've been running since 2015. I teach composers how to stop guessing and start creating music with real intention, using intervals as the foundation instead of chords. How I got here... ** 1993: Heard the Jurassic Park score in the...


Replace Generic Chords with this interval trick
Replace Generic Chords with this interval trick episode artwork
#237
09/01/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about I teach you interval-based composition in 30 days (or less)! From the basics to advanced concepts, I'll guide you step by step. Start your free 7-day trial today, and after that, it's less than one coffee per week! If you're new here, my name is Frank, and I'm the co-founder of the Music Interval Theory Academy (MITA), which I've been running since 2015. I teach composers how to stop guessing and start creating music with real intention, using intervals as the foundation instead of chords. How I got here... ** 1993: Heard the Jurassic Park score in the...


Line Writing Workshop
Line Writing Workshop episode artwork
#235
08/29/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about I teach you interval-based composition in 30 days (or less)! From the basics to advanced concepts, I'll guide you step by step. Start your free 7-day trial today, and after that, it's less than one coffee per week! If you're new here, my name is Frank, and I'm the co-founder of the Music Interval Theory Academy (MITA), which I've been running since 2015. I teach composers how to stop guessing and start creating music with real intention, using intervals as the foundation instead of chords. How I got here... ** 1993: Heard the Jurassic Park score in the...


The Top 3 Traps Most Composers Fall Into
The Top 3 Traps Most Composers Fall Into episode artwork
#234
08/28/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about I teach you interval-based composition in 30 days (or less)! From the basics to advanced concepts, I'll guide you step by step. Start your free 7-day trial today, and after that, it's less than one coffee per week! If you're new here, my name is Frank, and I'm the co-founder of the Music Interval Theory Academy (MITA), which I've been running since 2015. I teach composers how to stop guessing and start creating music with real intention, using intervals as the foundation instead of chords. How I got here... ** 1993: Heard the Jurassic Park score in the...


Why Composers Write in Flat Keys
Why Composers Write in Flat Keys episode artwork
#233
08/21/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about I teach you interval-based composition in 30 days (or less)! From the basics to advanced concepts, I'll guide you step by step. Start your free 7-day trial today, and after that, it's less than one coffee per week! If you're new here, my name is Frank, and I'm the co-founder of the Music Interval Theory Academy (MITA), which I've been running since 2015. I teach composers how to stop guessing and start creating music with real intention, using intervals as the foundation instead of chords. How I got here... ** 1993: Heard the Jurassic Park score in the...


Composing with 3s and 9s
Composing with 3s and 9s episode artwork
#232
08/14/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about I teach you interval-based composition in 30 days (or less)! From the basics to advanced concepts, I'll guide you step by step. Start your free 7-day trial today, and after that, it's less than one coffee per week! If you're new here, my name is Frank, and I'm the co-founder of the Music Interval Theory Academy (MITA), which I've been running since 2015. I teach composers how to stop guessing and start creating music with real intention, using intervals as the foundation instead of chords. How I got here... ** 1993: Heard the Jurassic Park score in the...


Interval Composition Based on Bernard Herrmann
Interval Composition Based on Bernard Herrmann episode artwork
#231
08/07/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about I teach you interval-based composition in 30 days (or less)! From the basics to advanced concepts, I'll guide you step by step. Start your free 7-day trial today, and after that, it's less than one coffee per week! If you're new here, my name is Frank, and I'm the co-founder of the Music Interval Theory Academy (MITA), which I've been running since 2015. I teach composers how to stop guessing and start creating music with real intention, using intervals as the foundation instead of chords. How I got here... ** 1993: Heard the Jurassic Park score in the...


The 4 Ways to Write Music - Most Composers Only Know 2
The 4 Ways to Write Music - Most Composers Only Know 2 episode artwork
#230
07/31/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about I teach you interval-based composition in 30 days (or less)! From the basics to advanced concepts, I'll guide you step by step. Start your free 7-day trial today, and after that, it's less than one coffee per week! If you're new here, my name is Frank, and I'm the co-founder of the Music Interval Theory Academy (MITA), which I've been running since 2015. I teach composers how to stop guessing and start creating music with real intention, using intervals as the foundation instead of chords. How I got here... ** 1993: Heard the Jurassic Park score in the...


Composing with Just One Polychord
Composing with Just One Polychord episode artwork
#229
07/24/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about I teach you interval-based composition in 30 days (or less)! From the basics to advanced concepts, I'll guide you step by step. Start your free 7-day trial today, and after that, it's less than one coffee per week! If you're new here, my name is Frank, and I'm the co-founder of the Music Interval Theory Academy (MITA), which I've been running since 2015. I teach composers how to stop guessing and start creating music with real intention, using intervals as the foundation instead of chords. How I got here... ** 1993: Heard the Jurassic Park score in the...


The Best Composers Use Only 3 Composition Techniques, Not 30
The Best Composers Use Only 3 Composition Techniques, Not 30 episode artwork
#228
07/17/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about I teach you interval-based composition in 30 days (or less)! From the basics to advanced concepts, I'll guide you step by step. Start your free 7-day trial today, and after that, it's less than one coffee per week! If you're new here, my name is Frank, and I'm the co-founder of the Music Interval Theory Academy (MITA), which I've been running since 2015. I teach composers how to stop guessing and start creating music with real intention, using intervals as the foundation instead of chords. How I got here... ** 1993: Heard the Jurassic Park score in the...


3 Different Starting Points for Better Compositions
3 Different Starting Points for Better Compositions episode artwork
#227
07/10/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about I teach you interval-based composition in 30 days (or less)! From the basics to advanced concepts, I'll guide you step by step. Start your free 7-day trial today, and after that, it's less than one coffee per week! If you're new here, my name is Frank, and I'm the co-founder of the Music Interval Theory Academy (MITA), which I've been running since 2015. I teach composers how to stop guessing and start creating music with real intention, using intervals as the foundation instead of chords. How I got here... ** 1993: Heard the Jurassic Park score in the...


The "1+1" Interval Game
The "1+1" Interval Game episode artwork
#226
07/03/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about Learn Interval Magic and write music that truly stands out and is unique. Start your free 7-day trial today, and after that, it's less than one coffee per week! If you're new here, my name is Frank, and I'm the co-founder of the Music Interval Theory Academy (MITA), which I've been running since 2015. I teach composers how to stop guessing and start creating music with real intention, using intervals as the foundation instead of chords. How I got here... ** 1993: Heard the Jurassic Park score in the theater and was blown away. ** 2000: Started to compose...


Why Composers Freeze at Bar 5
Why Composers Freeze at Bar 5 episode artwork
#225
06/26/2026

Start here: Free Flipbook — Five Spells Every Composer Needs: https://musicintervaltheory.academy/spells/ Or join the community: Circle of Interval Magicians — $18/month: https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about/ If you're new here, my name is Frank Herrlinger. I'm the co-founder of the Music Interval Theory Academy (MITA), which I've been running since 2015. I teach composers how to stop guessing and start creating music with real intention, using intervals as the foundation instead of chords. How I got here... ** 1993: Heard the Jurassic Park score in the theater and was blown away. ** 2000: Started to compose and learned traditional theory. Quickly, I hit the...


The Secret Is Prediction, Not Talent
The Secret Is Prediction, Not Talent episode artwork
#224
06/19/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about There is a reason some composers always seem to know what to play next, and it is not what most people think. This episode gets into the quiet habit that builds real musical confidence from the inside out.


Fix the Score, Not the Knobs
Fix the Score, Not the Knobs episode artwork
#223
06/12/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about When something sounds wrong in your orchestration, the instinct is to reach for the controls. But what if the real problem is somewhere you have not looked yet?


Diatonic vs. Intervallic - Which One is Better
Diatonic vs. Intervallic - Which One is Better episode artwork
#222
06/06/2026

https://musicintervaltheory.academy/interval/interval-quiz.html Most composers never question the system they learned in. This video does. Diatonic and intervallic thinking each have their own advantages, and knowing the difference can change how you compose. Watch to find out which approach fits where you are right now. Take the free 4-minute quiz in the link above to find out where you are in your compositional journey.


5 Spells Every Composer Needs
5 Spells Every Composer Needs episode artwork
#221
05/29/2026

https://musicintervaltheory.academy/spells/ Grab it! - It's free, and one of the best resources for composers available.


The Note Your Scale Won't Allow
The Note Your Scale Won't Allow episode artwork
#220
05/27/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about There's a question that trips up almost every composer trained in functional harmony. The answer most theory books give is complicated. Intervals make it simple.


The 48-Hour Composition Challenge
The 48-Hour Composition Challenge episode artwork
#219
05/25/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about Most composers don't have a creativity problem. They have a completion problem. Frank talks about why that folder full of almost-finished pieces might be the thing quietly holding you back.


Color Doesn't Belong to a Genre
Color Doesn't Belong to a Genre episode artwork
#218
05/22/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about You want richer harmony but every attempt starts sounding like jazz. Frank shares why color has nothing to do with genre, and what one small borrowed sound can do for your music.


When Lines Do What Chords Cannot
When Lines Do What Chords Cannot episode artwork
#217
05/20/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about There is a moment most composers know well: the melody feels right, but the harmony just won't cooperate. Frank shares what happened when he stopped thinking in chords and started thinking in lines instead.


Think In Energy, Not Chords
Think In Energy, Not Chords episode artwork
#216
05/18/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about In this episode, Frank explores why adding more complex chords doesn’t always improve your music. Instead of focusing on chord labels, he invites you to think in terms of musical energy—shaped by elements like density, register, rhythm, and orchestration. By aligning harmony with the energy a moment truly needs, your compositions can feel more intentional, clear, and expressive.


Fix The Context, Not The Chord
Fix The Context, Not The Chord episode artwork
#215
05/15/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about In this episode, Frank explores the idea that “wrong” chords are often just incomplete musical moments. By adding context, adjusting harmony, and staying curious a little longer, composers can transform uncertainty into expressive and original harmonic choices. The episode encourages a shift from judgment to exploration in the creative process.


Momentum Over Perfection
Momentum Over Perfection episode artwork
#214
05/13/2026

https://www.skool.com/circle-of-interval-magicians/about In this episode, Frank explores how early self-judgment can quietly shut down your creative flow. By allowing your first ideas to be rough and unfinished, you create space for momentum, connection, and playful exploration. The focus shifts from proving something to simply building something, helping you reconnect with a more natural and enjoyable composing process.