Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas

208 | Rick Beato on the Theory of Popular Music

Aug 22, 2022

Rick Beato, a renowned music producer and educator, dives deep into the theory of popular music. He unpacks how specific chord changes and structures create emotional responses, illustrating music's relationship with mathematics. The conversation touches on the evolution of music production and the tension between technological accessibility and artistic depth. Beato also critiques conventional songwriting, urging new artists to innovate beyond familiar patterns. His insights illuminate how understanding theory amplifies our enjoyment and appreciation of music.

01:11:17

Episode guests

Rick Beato

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Episode notes

Intro

5min

The Journey from Personal Sharing to Music Education on YouTube

4min

Decoding Perfect Pitch

7min

The Emotional Language of Music Theory

22min

The Art of Composition and Musical Innovation

11min

The Evolution of Music Production

19min

The Evolution of Popular Music and Recognition of Talent

2min

The Importance of Music Theory in Deepening Appreciation

3min

There is no human endeavor that does not have a theory of it — a set of ideas about what makes it work and how to do it well. Music is no exception, popular music included — there are reasons why certain keys, chord changes, and rhythmic structures have proven successful over the years. Nobody has done more to help people understand the theoretical underpinnings of popular music than today’s guest, Rick Beato. His YouTube videos dig into how songs work and what makes them great. We talk about music theory and how it contributes to our appreciation of all kinds of music.

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Rick Beato obtained a master’s degree in jazz studies from the New England Conservatory of Music. He is currently a producer and owner of Black Dog Sound Studios in Georgia, as well as host of a popular YouTube channel. He has worked as a session musician, songwriter, and lecturer at Berklee College of Music and elsewhere. He is the author of The Beato Book Interactive as well as other music-training tools.

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