Fundamentals of Music Theory

man teaching music theory online with guitar next to him

This course, revised in 2022, will introduce you to the theory of music, providing you with the skills needed to read and write Western music notation, as well as to understand, analyse, and listen informedly.

You will cover:

  • pitches and scales
  • intervals and clefs
  • rhythm and form
  • metre phrases and cadences
  • basic functional harmony.

Covering the fundamentals of Western music theory, this is an in-depth but rewarding course for musicians of all levels.

The learning materials from this course are also available as a free and open e-book. The resources in this e-book include video lectures and their transcripts, as well as supporting text explanations, examples and illustrations.

Fundamentals of Music Theory (E-Book)

View course on Coursera

This course is hosted on an external learning platform.

[The course] exceeded my expectations in several ways. The content was well-structured and covered a wide range of topics, from basic musical notation to more complex concepts like harmony and melody. The lectures were engaging, and the real-world examples provided helped to illustrate difficult concepts clearly. I particularly appreciated the interactive elements, such as group discussions and practice exercises, which made the learning experience enjoyable and effective. The instructor was knowledgeable and approachable, always encouraging questions and fostering a supportive learning environment. Overall, I feel that I not only gained a strong foundation in music theory but also developed a greater appreciation for music itself.
Summary
  • Type of course
    Short course: Study a subject through videos, articles, discussions or quizzes.
  • Cost and certification
    Free, with option to upgrade for a certificate
  • Duration
    6 weeks
  • Weekly effort
    2-3 hours
  • Difficulty level
    Introductory: No previous knowledge required
  • Learning platform
    Coursera
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