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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

    • C

      California Institute of the Arts

      Visual Elements of User Interface Design

      Skills you'll gain: User Interface (UI) Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Web Design, Design Elements And Principles, Human Computer Interaction, Responsive Web Design, Typography, UI Components, Information Architecture, Interaction Design, User Experience Design

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      6.3K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

      Accelerated Computer Science Fundamentals

      Skills you'll gain: C++ (Programming Language), Data Structures, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Object Oriented Design, Graph Theory, Development Environment, Engineering Software, Computer Programming, Software Engineering, Algorithms, Debugging, Program Development, Database Systems, Database Theory, Network Routing, Theoretical Computer Science, Data Storage

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3.5K reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      T

      The Museum of Modern Art

      In the Studio: Postwar Abstract Painting

      Skills you'll gain: Art History, Creativity, Design Elements And Principles, Aesthetics, Color Theory

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.5K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      S

      Stanford University

      Social and Economic Networks: Models and Analysis

      Skills you'll gain: Network Analysis, Network Model, Social Sciences, Sociology, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Game Theory, Behavioral Economics, Graph Theory, Mathematical Modeling, Markov Model, Probability & Statistics, Probability Distribution, Bayesian Statistics, Simulations

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      754 reviews

      Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of Rochester

      The Music of the Beatles

      Skills you'll gain: Music History, Music, Music Theory, Musical Composition, Instrumental Music, Music Performance, Creativity

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      747 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      E

      Erasmus University Rotterdam

      Advanced Valuation and Strategy - M&A, Private Equity, and Venture Capital

      Skills you'll gain: Strategic Decision-Making, Business Valuation, Private Equity, Mergers & Acquisitions, Game Theory, Strategic Thinking, Financial Analysis, Business Strategy, Return On Investment, Investment Banking, Cash Flows, Corporate Finance, Competitive Analysis

      Build toward a degree

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.3K reviews

      Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

      Fundamentos Estratégicos Empresariales

      Skills you'll gain: Business Planning, Strategic Marketing, ISO 9000 Series, Marketing, Quality Management, Organizational Strategy, Business Strategies, Governance, Financial Analysis, Marketing Planning, Corporate Strategy, Financial Statements, Quality Management Systems, Operations Management, Organizational Structure, Working Capital, Market Analysis, Financial Controls, Market Research, Product Quality (QA/QC)

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.6K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • U

      University of California, Santa Cruz

      C++ For C Programmers, Part A

      Skills you'll gain: C++ (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Algorithms, C (Programming Language), Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Data Structures, Debugging

      4.4
      Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.3K reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

      Managerial Economics and Business Analysis

      Skills you'll gain: Descriptive Statistics, Supply And Demand, Market Dynamics, Sampling (Statistics), Statistical Inference, Business Analytics, Financial Systems, Financial Policy, Banking, Probability Distribution, Analytics, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Statistics, Regression Analysis, Microsoft Excel, Economics, Financial Market, Business Economics, Risk Management

      Build toward a degree

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      4.1K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • U

      University of California, Santa Cruz

      Go and C++: Programming in Two Successor Languages of C

      Skills you'll gain: C++ (Programming Language), Go (Programming Language), Data Structures, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Software Design Patterns, Debugging, Object Oriented Design, Programming Principles, Unit Testing, Algorithms, C (Programming Language), Program Development, Integrated Development Environments, Computer Programming, Software Testing, Computer Science, Graph Theory, File Management, Artificial Intelligence, Integration Testing

      4.4
      Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.5K reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      T

      The Chinese University of Hong Kong

      Everyday Chinese Medicine

      Skills you'll gain: Patient Evaluation, General Medicine, Health Care, Health Assessment, Patient Education and Support, Physical Therapy, Preventative Care, Mindfulness, Nutrition and Diet, Pharmacology

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.1K reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: New
      New
      D

      Duke University

      Art of the MOOC: Art, Culture, and Society

      Skills you'll gain: Color Theory, World Music, Disabilities, Art History, Diversity Awareness, Culture, Music History, Social Justice, Performing Arts, Music, Community Organizing, Liberal Arts, Peer Review, Musical Composition, Cultural Diversity, Music Theory, Pedagogy, International Relations, Social Sciences, Advocacy

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      322 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Music Theory learners also search

    Music
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    Music History
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    1…141516…144

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

    • Visual Elements of User Interface Design: California Institute of the Arts
    • Accelerated Computer Science Fundamentals: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
    • In the Studio: Postwar Abstract Painting: The Museum of Modern Art
    • Social and Economic Networks: Models and Analysis: Stanford University
    • The Music of the Beatles: University of Rochester
    • Advanced Valuation and Strategy - M&A, Private Equity, and Venture Capital: Erasmus University Rotterdam
    • Fundamentos Estratégicos Empresariales: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
    • C++ For C Programmers, Part A: University of California, Santa Cruz
    • Managerial Economics and Business Analysis: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
    • Go and C++: Programming in Two Successor Languages of C: University of California, Santa Cruz

    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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