Beginners often think composers choose major or minor first…but most of the time, it’s the emotion that comes first. Here’s the simple way to think about it: Major is used when the music needs to feel: - Stable - Confident - Bright - Resolved Minor is used when the music needs to feel: - Emotional - Reflective - Tense - Mysterious or dramatic But here’s the part that surprises a lot of students: Composers don’t think,“I’ll write in major because it’s happy.” They think,“What do I want the listener to feel right now?” Then they choose the sound that supports that feeling. That’s also why great music often switches between major and minor. Contrast creates story. Tension makes resolution meaningful. ⁉️When you write or listen to music, do you notice yourself leaning toward major or minor more often—and why?