Hack Music Theory founders Kate & Ray Harmony (a.k.a. Revolution Harmony). Vancouver BC, Canada.

 

Be careful who you learn from...

 

“Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach.”

You've probably heard this saying. Sadly, it's mostly true. Especially following the 2020 lockdowns when it became almost impossible for musicians to make money. So, many of them launched YouTube channels and online courses. But now, for people like you who want to learn how to make music, it's overwhelming trying to choose a teacher.

We can help, though. Here's how to choose: A good teacher is someone who has studied music and education. You see, teaching music requires two completely different skill sets: knowledge of music, and knowledge of how to teach. Unfortunately, most online music courses are taught by people who are not qualified in either skill.

Hack Music Theory is taught by Ray Harmony, a multi award-winning college lecturer. Ray studied at Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California, and has made music with multiplatinum Grammy-winning artists. He did his teacher training at West London College in England, where he taught music theory and composition for 10 years.

However, if you feel Ray's unorthodox approach to music education isn't right for you, we totally understand, it's not for everyone. For an orthodox approach, we recommend Music Matters courses, taught by the brilliant Gareth Green.

Ray Harmony


Hello, I'm Ray Harmony (né Ray Holroyd), grandson of renowned South African artist Diederick During (1917–1991).
 
I was born in Cape Town, where I began playing piano at the age of seven, and guitar at 12. I started teaching privately in 1995, and went on to form the band Royd. We received national acclaim in 1996 when our debut single reached No. 1 on the rock chart of South Africa's most popular national radio station, 5FM. We returned to the No. 1 spot in 1998. After achieving the highest grade from the Royal Schools of Music in music theory, classical guitar and piano, I moved to California in 1999 to study guitar and voice at the world-renowned Musicians Institute. I lived in Hollywood for two years while studying, making an album with my new band Gray Race Evolution, and playing the Los Angeles music circuit, including shows on the legendary Sunset Strip.

In 2001, I immigrated to England, where I studied education and did my teacher training. For the next 10 years I lectured music theory & composition at one of the UK's largest colleges, West London College, later becoming the course director and lead internal verifier for the music department. In my decade at the college, I was honoured to win two prestigious awards: Learner First, and Vocational Qualification Hero. In 2006 I formed a new band, 12 Ton Method. A couple years later we got signed and released our debut EP, only to break up a few months later. At this time I unintentionally became a music journalist (long story), and after writing for Kerrang! magazine from 2009 to 2010, I moved on to Terrorizer, where I also became the editor of their new guitar magazine, Sick Sounds. I ended up writing for Terrorizer magazine from 2010 until 2017, when Kate and I started our YouTube channel.

 

Winning the prestigious Learner First Award in 2010

 

I also founded and ran the non-profit record label Grade 9 Records from 2008 to 2012, which exclusively released my students' music and donated all the proceeds to charity. In 2011, I relocated to Vancouver BC, Canada, and developed this dream by launching my new and improved non-profit record label, Revolution Harmony, which released over 40 records worldwide, including Cryptopsy's self-titled 2012 album. In 2013, I streamlined Revolution Harmony to focus exclusively on my All-Star charity singles, which featured multiplatinum Grammy-winning artists: Tom Morello from Rage Against The Machine, Serj Tankian from System Of A Down, and many more. All the proceeds from these singles were donated to the South African charity Buskaid, and the Kenyan charity Hope Runs (sadly defunct now).

 
Producing at Metropolis Studios in London, England
 
 
In 2014, I moved to Salt Spring Island BC to get away from distractions and focus on writing my music theory book. On the island, I also met the love of my life, Kate, and together we started a music school. In 2015 we re-immersed ourselves in the city energy, and kicked up our production. After the success of our Hack Music Theory YouTube channel, though, we once again retreated to the island to stay grounded. In 2023 we emerged from our little cabin deep in the forest and returned to the city, this time to Calgary, Alberta. Why Calgary? Well, because Kate is a descendant of the Southern Alberta Pioneers and all her family still lives there.
 
A heartfelt thank-you for being here. You're a vital part of this, because together we are all the Revolution Harmony.

 

 

Featured Releases

Hello

Ray Harmony

  • Ray Harmony - composition, arrangement, production
  • Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine) - guitar solos
  • Eric Wainaina - vocals
  • Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree) - vocals
  • Kool Keith (Ultramagnetic MCs) - vocals
  • Madchild (Swollen Members) - vocals
  • Chris Turner - vocals
  • Stefan Loh - guitar
  • Mixed by Rohan Onraet
  • Mastered by Ted Jensen
  • Art by Maria
  • Ray Harmony - composition, arrangement, production
  • Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine) - guitar solos
  • Eric Wainaina - vocals
  • Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree) - vocals
  • Kool Keith (Ultramagnetic MCs) - vocals
  • Madchild (Swollen Members) - vocals
  • Chris Turner - vocals
  • Stefan Loh - guitar
  • Mixed by Rohan Onraet
  • Mastered by Ted Jensen
  • Art by Maria Picassó
Read more…

We Are

Ray Harmony

  • Ray Harmony - composition, arrangement, production
  • Serj Tankian (System Of A Down) - vocals
  • Ihsahn (Emperor) - vocals
  • Devin Townsend (Strapping Young Lad) - guitar solos
  • Abbie Johnson - vocals
  • Stefan Loh - guitar
  • Mixed by Rohan Onraet
  • Mastered by Ted Jensen
  • Art by Diederick During & Maria Picassó
Read more…

Kate Harmony

Featured Releases

The Harmonys