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Storytelling in Music · The Seven Modes

Compose music that tells a story.

The seven musical modes - Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, Locrian - distilled into 35 lessons. No theory background required. Session files, MIDI, and stems included for every mode.

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Take a quick look inside

0Lessons
0Hours of Video
0Musical Modes
0Years Industry Experience

What's inside Storytelling in Music

Storytelling Basics

Scales, chords, modes, melody writing, rhythm, and mixing essentials. The foundation - no theory background required. By the end, you have the vocabulary to compose with intent.

The Seven Modes, Dissected

Deep-dives into all seven: Ionian (bright), Dorian (melancholic), Phrygian (exotic), Lydian (dreamy), Mixolydian (bluesy), Aeolian (natural minor), Locrian (tense). Each mode broken down to its character and how to use it.

Compose-Along Examples

Watch each mode applied in real composition. Hear what changes. Understand why a single mode can shift the entire emotional arc of a piece - and how to pick the right one for what you want to say.

Session Files & MIDI Included

Every mode comes with full Cubase sessions, MIDI files, mixed stems, and final masters. Open them in your DAW, dissect them, build on them - learn by hands-on, not just theory.

From students Alex has trained

"The courses and lessons from Alex are absolutely incredible. I was able to significantly optimize my workflow, both in composition itself and in the business aspects."

Christoph Kuhlmann · Music Composer

"What Alex has prepared with his set of courses is no less than brilliant. Anyone looking to start a serious music business or scale one would benefit greatly from his mentorship."

Quentin Bellow · Music Composer

"Alex has put together the best program of its kind that I know of. I've done loads of courses - you've found the best ones. You're in the right place."

Dave Graham · Music Composer
Alex Pfeffer - composer behind Two Steps From Hell, Crysis 2, and trailers for Pacific Rim and Harry Potter

Who's teaching

Alex Pfeffer

I've spent 20+ years writing trailer music and game scores - Crysis 2, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, trailers for Pacific Rim and Harry Potter, and work with Two Steps From Hell. The seven modes are a tool I reach for on almost every cue I write. This course is everything I'd want a younger version of me to know about composing with intent - story first, theory after.

Ready to compose with intent?

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Looking for more?

Alex teaches four other courses on trailer music, video game music, and YouTube growth. Browse them all in one place.

More courses by Alex
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