Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this episode, I'm joined by David Bennett — composer, educator, and one of YouTube’s most respected music theorists — to talk about the deeper side of music creation. We explore why harmony feels so good, the role of music theory in the creative process, teaching and learning in the modern era, and what life is like behind the scenes of his massively successful channel. I hope you enjoy!
⭐ Channel Membership:
Become a member at the "Mind of Max" tier (or higher) for bonus videos on music theory, ear training, composition, and more! See the videos here: youtube.com/playlist?list=UUMOUzHYuS7EdFSQvOJBZNet6g
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Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
00:43 – What Is Music?
05:12 – Why Harmony Feels Good
18:34 – David’s Background, Songwriting & Workflow
28:15 – Ear Training, Rhythm & Meter
37:08 – Intonation, Tuning & How We Hear
50:21 – Evolving Taste, Exposure & Dissonance
57:23 – Expectation in Music, Genre Rules & Atonality
1:03:29 – Teaching on YouTube, Learning & Why David Teaches
1:16:06 – Teaching Philosophy, New Album & Finishing Music
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🎹 Try Sonofield Ear Trainer (my app)
An innovative ear training app for mobile devices. Download it for free:
sonofield.com/get/ear-trainer/16
📚 My Courses (Music Warp Drive)
- Music Theory Fundamentals, Mind & Ear Training: maxkonyi.com/mwd1
- Melody, Scales & Modes: maxkonyi.com/mwd2
- Chord Progressions & Harmony for Composition: maxkonyi.com/mwd3
By using these specific links, you are supporting me most directly 🙏🏼
💬 Community (Discord)
Supportive feedback, Q&A, weekly production challenges:
sonic-sorcery.com
🎛️ Chordwatch (On-screen keys & chord names)
gumroad.com/a/909907059
🌐 More about me:
maxkonyi.com
————————
🎥 David's Channel:
youtube.com/@DavidBennettPiano
▶️ "The Music Theory Iceberg Explained":
youtu.be/NmeogiNhdHI?si=eAuyYMbWegGdVxCW
In this episode, I'm joined by David Bennett — composer, educator, and one of YouTube’s most respected music theorists — to talk about the deeper side of music creation. We explore why harmony feels so good, the role of music theory in the creative process, teaching and learning in the modern era, and what life is like behind the scenes of his massively successful channel. I hope you enjoy!
⭐ Channel Membership:
Become a member at the "Mind of Max" tier (or higher) for bonus videos on music theory, ear training, composition, and more! See the videos here: youtube.com/playlist?list=UUMOUzHYuS7EdFSQvOJBZNet6g
————————
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
00:43 – What Is Music?
05:12 – Why Harmony Feels Good
18:34 – David’s Background, Songwriting & Workflow
28:15 – Ear Training, Rhythm & Meter
37:08 – Intonation, Tuning & How We Hear
50:21 – Evolving Taste, Exposure & Dissonance
57:23 – Expectation in Music, Genre Rules & Atonality
1:03:29 – Teaching on YouTube, Learning & Why David Teaches
1:16:06 – Teaching Philosophy, New Album & Finishing Music
————————
🎹 Try Sonofield Ear Trainer (my app)
An innovative ear training app for mobile devices. Download it for free:
sonofield.com/get/ear-trainer/16
📚 My Courses (Music Warp Drive)
- Music Theory Fundamentals, Mind & Ear Training: maxkonyi.com/mwd1
- Melody, Scales & Modes: maxkonyi.com/mwd2
- Chord Progressions & Harmony for Composition: maxkonyi.com/mwd3
By using these specific links, you are supporting me most directly 🙏🏼
💬 Community (Discord)
Supportive feedback, Q&A, weekly production challenges:
sonic-sorcery.com
🎛️ Chordwatch (On-screen keys & chord names)
gumroad.com/a/909907059
🌐 More about me:
maxkonyi.com
————————
🎥 David's Channel:
youtube.com/@DavidBennettPiano
▶️ "The Music Theory Iceberg Explained":
youtu.be/NmeogiNhdHI?si=eAuyYMbWegGdVxCW
