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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

    • U

      University of Michigan

      Equitable Stage Makeup and Hair

      Skills you'll gain: Color Theory, Performing Arts, Design, Diversity Awareness, Aesthetics, Cultural Sensitivity, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, Detail Oriented, Creativity

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Lausanne

      Ecologie Politique: défi de la durabilité pour les démocraties

      Skills you'll gain: Political Sciences, Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Environmental Issue, Policy Analysis, Social Sciences, Systems Thinking, Governance, Economics, Discussion Facilitation

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      208 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • O

      O.P. Jindal Global University

      Principles of Management

      Skills you'll gain: Organizational Structure, Leadership and Management, Business Ethics, Business Management, Business Planning, Human Resources Management and Planning, Staff Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, Governance, Organizational Strategy, Decision Making, Leadership, Performance Measurement, Communication

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      23 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Colorado Boulder

      Applying Systems Engineering to the Design Process

      Skills you'll gain: Requirements Management, Design Reviews, Systems Engineering, Engineering Management, User Requirements Documents, Business Requirements, Product Requirements, Requirements Analysis, Organizational Leadership, Team Leadership, Leadership and Management, Systems Integration, Systems Analysis, Leadership, Maintainability, Project Performance, Configuration Management, Performance Measurement, Manufacturing Processes, Analysis

      Build toward a degree

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      27 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: New
      New
      Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Colorado Boulder

      The Evolution of Video Editing Techniques

      Skills you'll gain: Video Editing, Post-Production, Storyboarding, Editing, Video Production, Animations, Storytelling, Writing and Editing, Music, Typography

      Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • T

      The Chinese University of Hong Kong

      Classics of Chinese Humanities: Guided Readings

      Skills you'll gain: Ancient History, Art History, Aesthetics, Culture, World History, Liberal Arts, Cultural Diversity, Storytelling, Writing

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      53 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      M

      Michigan State University

      Low Poly Art For Video Games

      Skills you'll gain: Unity Engine, 3D Modeling, Color Theory, Animation and Game Design, Game Design, Autodesk Maya, Video Game Development, Computer Graphics, Design Elements And Principles, Adobe Photoshop

      4.3
      Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
      ·
      67 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • T

      The Museum of Modern Art

      Reimagining Blackness and Architecture

      Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Public History, Community Development, Social Justice, Cultural Responsiveness, Creativity, Art History, Design, Cultural Diversity, Photography

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      72 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      P

      Peking University

      高级数据结构与算法

      Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Algorithms, Database Systems, Performance Tuning, Programming Principles, Theoretical Computer Science

      4.3
      Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
      ·
      106 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • P

      Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

      Sonidos digitales: síntesis y procesamiento en el computador

      Skills you'll gain: Musical Composition, Music, Software Development Tools, Digital Design, Computer Programming Tools, Multimedia, Vibrations, Algorithms

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • É

      École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

      Mobilité et urbanisme

      Skills you'll gain: Land Development, Geographic Information Systems, Spatial Analysis, Civil Engineering, Systems Thinking, Socioeconomics, Social Sciences, Research, Public Policies

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      117 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      É

      École normale supérieure

      Cartographie thématique

      Skills you'll gain: Statistical Visualization, Geospatial Mapping, Data Mapping, Geographic Information Systems, Graphic and Visual Design, Data Presentation, Graphics Software, Quantitative Research, Color Theory

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      82 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Music Theory learners also search

    Music
    Music Business
    Music Technology
    Music History
    Classical Music
    Music Production
    Piano Theory
    Media
    1…868788…145

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

    • Equitable Stage Makeup and Hair: University of Michigan
    • Ecologie Politique: défi de la durabilité pour les démocraties: University of Lausanne
    • Principles of Management: O.P. Jindal Global University
    • Applying Systems Engineering to the Design Process: University of Colorado Boulder
    • The Evolution of Video Editing Techniques: University of Colorado Boulder
    • Classics of Chinese Humanities: Guided Readings: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
    • Low Poly Art For Video Games: Michigan State University
    • Reimagining Blackness and Architecture: The Museum of Modern Art
    • 高级数据结构与算法: Peking University
    • Sonidos digitales: síntesis y procesamiento en el computador: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

    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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