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    • Music Theory

    Music Theory Courses Online

    Learn music theory for a deeper understanding of music. Study scales, chords, rhythm, and harmony.

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    Explore the Music Theory Course Catalog

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      J

      Johns Hopkins University

      Linear Algebra from Elementary to Advanced

      Skills you'll gain: Linear Algebra, Algebra, Applied Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Mathematical Modeling, Advanced Mathematics, Engineering Analysis, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Numerical Analysis, Geometry, Graph Theory, Applied Machine Learning, Markov Model, Probability

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      180 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • N

      Nanjing University

      Chinese Culture and Contemporary China

      Skills you'll gain: Music, Culture, Classical Music, World Music, Social Studies, Cultural Sensitivity, Ancient History, Media and Communications, Art History, Language Learning, Cultural Diversity, Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, Electronic Media, Intercultural Competence, Performing Arts, Anthropology, Sociology, Nutrition and Diet

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      519 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      M

      Macquarie University

      Negotiation skills: Negotiate and resolve conflict

      Skills you'll gain: Conflict Management, Negotiation, Intercultural Competence, Stakeholder Management, Leadership, Leadership and Management, Organizational Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Cultural Diversity, Self-Awareness, Communication

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      773 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

      Anticorrupción: Introducción a conceptos y perspectiva práctica

      Skills you'll gain: Network Analysis, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Business Ethics, Public Administration, Accountability, Policy Analysis, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Analysis, Social Sciences, Systems Thinking, Regulation and Legal Compliance, Governance, Social Justice, Legal Proceedings, Political Sciences, Complex Problem Solving, Performance Measurement

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.4K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      Universidade Estadual de Campinas

      Pluralidades em Português Brasileiro

      Skills you'll gain: Language Competency, Intercultural Competence, Vocabulary, Oral Comprehension, Cultural Diversity, Language Learning, Culture, Grammar, Liberal Arts, Literacy, Learning Strategies, Music

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      929 reviews

      Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of California, Davis

      DevOps Culture and Mindset

      Skills you'll gain: DevOps, CI/CD, Process Mapping, Culture Transformation, Continuous Improvement Process, Lean Methodologies, Risk Management, Process Improvement, Organizational Structure, Operational Excellence, Operational Efficiency, User Feedback, Systems Thinking

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      581 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • T

      The University of Edinburgh

      Philosophy, Science and Religion: Science and Philosophy

      Skills you'll gain: Research, Scientific Methods, Science and Research, General Science and Research, Biology, Systems Thinking, Anthropology, Cultural Responsiveness, Psychology, Sociology

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.1K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • T

      The University of Tokyo

      Words Spun Out of Images: Visual and Literary Culture in Nineteenth Century Japan

      Skills you'll gain: Photography, Art History, Culture, Aesthetics, Cultural Diversity, Writing

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      762 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: New
      New
      Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      I

      Illinois Tech

      Business Management Essentials

      Skills you'll gain: Process Improvement, Process Management, Global Marketing, Business Process, Business Process Management, Financial Statement Analysis, Process Analysis, Financial Statements, Brand Management, Leadership and Management, Financial Analysis, Marketing, Team Leadership, Strategic Marketing, Organizational Change, Decision Making, Cultural Diversity, Branding, Inventory Accounting, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

      Build toward a degree

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      259 reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • D

      Duke University

      Copyright for Multimedia

      Skills you'll gain: Intellectual Property, Data Sharing, Multimedia, Music, Video Production, Electronic Media, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Photography

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      417 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      B

      Berklee

      Music Production Capstone

      Skills you'll gain: Musical Composition, Post-Production, Music, Peer Review, Media Production, Music Performance, Editing, Timelines, Creativity

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      124 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Cape Town

      Climate Change Mitigation in Developing Countries

      Skills you'll gain: Economic Development, Environmental Policy, Environmental Issue, Mitigation, Policy Development, Policy Analysis, Socioeconomics, Mathematical Modeling, Systems Thinking, Economics, Research, Innovation

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      584 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Music Theory learners also search

    Music
    Music Business
    Music Technology
    Music History
    Classical Music
    Music Production
    Piano Theory
    Media
    1…333435…146

    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular music theory courses

    • Linear Algebra from Elementary to Advanced: Johns Hopkins University
    • Chinese Culture and Contemporary China : Nanjing University
    • Negotiation skills: Negotiate and resolve conflict: Macquarie University
    • Anticorrupción: Introducción a conceptos y perspectiva práctica: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
    • Pluralidades em Português Brasileiro: Universidade Estadual de Campinas
    • DevOps Culture and Mindset: University of California, Davis
    • Philosophy, Science and Religion: Science and Philosophy: The University of Edinburgh
    • Words Spun Out of Images: Visual and Literary Culture in Nineteenth Century Japan: The University of Tokyo
    • Business Management Essentials: Illinois Tech
    • Copyright for Multimedia: Duke University

    Frequently Asked Questions about Music Theory

    Understanding why you want to learn music theory, whether to improve your musical skills, compose music, or understand music better, will keep you motivated. Regular practice, including listening and analyzing music, can help solidify concepts. Join online communities like music forums or local groups for support and insight. Work on real projects such as composing or analyzing pieces of music. A great starting point is Fundamentals of Music Theory by The University of Edinburgh on Coursera.‎

    Coursera has some great free music theory courses, such as Edinburgh Music Theory, Audio Signal Processing and The Music and Life of Beethoven. These online classes can help you deepen your understanding of music theory, audio technology and Beethoven's rich musical legacy.‎

    If you are new to music theory, Berklee's Musicianship Specialization is the perfect place to start. It offers courses such as Music Theory, Play Guitar, Piano Techniques for Modern Music, and Guitar Theory that can help you get a great foundation in music theory and unlock your musical potential.‎

    For those looking to learn more advanced music theory, Melodic Forms and Simple Harmony, Piano Scales for Modern Music, Beethoven's Piano Sonatas, The Blues and Jazz Improvisation courses are excellent resources to expand your musical knowledge!‎

    Music theory is the set of rules that govern how to create and communicate music. You can think of music theory as the equivalent of grammar when it comes to language. The fundamentals of melody, rhythm, and harmony are the main elements of music theory. Many of the skills you need to play an instrument or sing are part of music theory as well—elements like notes, chords, scales, keys, and tempo. Music theory also explains the qualities that make a song or piece of music good, such as pitch, tone, dynamics, and timbre.‎

    A knowledge of music theory can help you become a better singer, musician, songwriter, or performer. It’s true that you can write a quality song or compose a compelling piece of music with no understanding of music theory whatsoever, but knowing the logic behind good music helps you to create works listeners will enjoy. Music theory isn’t a set of hard and fast rules you must obey every time, but it helps you communicate and connect better with the music that you create. Understanding music theory also makes it easier to conquer more complex musical forms and styles.‎

    If you’re a professional musician or aspire to be one, having a knowledge of music theory can help you play pieces and sing songs better. You’ll also compose better songs or works when you understand how music theory works. Music theory also comes in handy if you’re teaching music because you can impart your knowledge to your students and help them succeed. Even if you don’t play music professionally, you can benefit from knowing music theory because it helps you think strategically, and making music for fun spurs your creativity as well, both of which can enhance any career you have.‎

    Music theory is a broad discipline, but online courses on Coursera can help you learn it with the flexibility that fits your lifestyle. You’ll have access to information that can help you gain a foothold in the concepts and rules that govern music theory, and you’ll also have the opportunity to discover practical applications that can help you compose and perform music more effectively. As a professional musician looking to take your career to the next level or a living room performer who wants to hone your skills, online courses on Coursera provide resources that can help you attain the knowledge you need to make music with greater confidence.‎

    Online Music Theory courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Music Theory skills. Choose from a wide range of Music Theory courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.‎

    When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Music Theory, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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