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    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

    • U

      University of Colorado Boulder

      Biology Everywhere

      Skills you'll gain: Biochemistry, Human Development, Biology, Life Sciences, Environment, Chemistry, Environmental Issue, Child Development, Environmental Science, Environmental Resource Management, Music, General Science and Research, Decision Making, Natural Resource Management, Oncology, Liberal Arts, Education and Training, Environmental Policy, Psychology, Scientific Methods

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      345 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • U

      University of Colorado Boulder

      Strategies for Success in your Music Career

      Skills you'll gain: Productivity, Professional Networking, Time Management, Prioritization, Goal Setting, Personal Development, Self-Awareness, Organizational Skills, Music Performance, Music, Professional Development, Relationship Building, Planning, Adaptability, Creativity

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • T

      The University of Sydney

      Introduction to Linear Algebra

      Skills you'll gain: Linear Algebra, Markov Model, Geometry, Arithmetic, Algebra, General Mathematics, Advanced Mathematics, Probability, Mathematics and Mathematical Modeling, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Statistical Methods, Engineering Analysis

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      30 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of California, Santa Cruz

      Children Acquiring Literacy Naturally

      Skills you'll gain: Literacy, Demography, Child Development, Human Learning, Working With Children, Language Learning, Childhood Education and Development, Learning Theory, Education Software and Technology, Liberal Arts, Vocabulary, Research

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      183 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Q

      Queen Mary University of London

      Leadership Out of the Box

      Skills you'll gain: Stakeholder Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Delegation Skills, Team Leadership, Change Management, Team Performance Management, Professional Networking, Leadership Development, Organizational Change, Leadership, Matrix Management, People Management, Team Building, Time Management, Executive Presence, Organizational Leadership, Leadership and Management, Virtual Teams, Influencing, Organizational Structure

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      164 reviews

      Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • L

      Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU)

      Strategic Organization Design

      Skills you'll gain: Organizational Structure, Organizational Strategy, Organizational Effectiveness, Strategic Thinking, Corporate Strategy, Strategic Leadership, Process Design, Business Strategy, Business Management, Strategic Decision-Making, Strategic Planning, Systems Thinking, Growth Strategies, Decision Making, Innovation

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      297 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • A

      Arizona State University

      Strategic Thinking for Everyone

      Skills you'll gain: Strategic Thinking, Visionary, Research, Influencing, Strategic Decision-Making, Data Collection, Systems Thinking, Strategic Planning, Investigation, Negotiation, Proactivity, Business Strategy, Complex Problem Solving, Communication Strategies, Creative Thinking, Scientific Methods, Decision Making, Active Listening, Cognitive flexibility, Research Methodologies

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      72 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • T

      Tecnológico de Monterrey

      Empresas Familiares

      Skills you'll gain: Value Propositions, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Market Opportunities, New Product Development, Leadership, Business Leadership, Business Modeling, New Business Development, Leadership and Management, Governance, Strategic Leadership, Business Strategy, Leadership Development, Succession Planning, Lean Methodologies, Growth Strategies, Business Management, Business Administration, Visionary

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      229 reviews

      Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • U

      University of Colorado Boulder

      Pathway to Space

      Skills you'll gain: Global Positioning Systems, Journalism, Environmental Monitoring, Music, Political Sciences, Entrepreneurship, Systems Engineering, Culture, Media and Communications, International Relations, Governance, Higher Education, Physical Science, Liberal Arts, Geographic Information Systems, Physics, Control Systems, Environmental Science, Engineering, Human Factors

      4.2
      Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
      ·
      30 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      Universidade de São Paulo

      Introdução à Análise Macroeconômica

      Skills you'll gain: Economics, Financial Policy, Financial Market, International Finance, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Capital Markets, Tax, Fiscal Management, Investments, Market Dynamics, Supply And Demand, Consumer Behaviour, Decision Making, Expectation Management

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      335 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Colorado Boulder

      Algebra and Differential Calculus for Data Science

      Skills you'll gain: Algebra, Calculus, Graphing, Applied Mathematics, Data Science, Derivatives, Mathematical Theory & Analysis

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      242 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • É

      École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

      Digital Signal Processing 2: Filtering

      Skills you'll gain: Digital Communications, Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Telecommunications, Electronic Systems, Engineering Analysis, Computer Engineering, Engineering Calculations, Numerical Analysis, Linear Algebra, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Algorithms, Data Mapping, Real Time Data

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      191 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    Music Theory learners also search

    Music
    Music Business
    Music Technology
    Music History
    Classical Music
    Music Production
    Piano Theory
    Media
    1…525354…142

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

    • Biology Everywhere: University of Colorado Boulder
    • Strategies for Success in your Music Career: University of Colorado Boulder
    • Introduction to Linear Algebra: The University of Sydney
    • Children Acquiring Literacy Naturally: University of California, Santa Cruz
    • Leadership Out of the Box: Queen Mary University of London
    • Strategic Organization Design: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU)
    • Strategic Thinking for Everyone: Arizona State University
    • Empresas Familiares: Tecnológico de Monterrey
    • Pathway to Space: University of Colorado Boulder
    • Introdução à Análise Macroeconômica: Universidade de São Paulo

    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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