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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

    • T

      The University of Melbourne

      How Music Can Change Your Life

      Skills you'll gain: Music, World Music, Cultural Diversity, Rehabilitation, Community Development, Behavioral Health, Psychotherapy, Mental Health, Rapport Building, Neurology

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      177 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • D

      Duke University

      Dog Emotion and Cognition

      Skills you'll gain: Psychology, Learning Theory, Training Programs, Anthropology, Social Sciences, Experimentation, Research, Scientific Methods, Non-Verbal Communication, Biology

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      4.6K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

      Microeconomics Principles

      Skills you'll gain: Supply And Demand, Economics, Market Dynamics, Business Economics, Policy Analysis, Business, Behavioral Economics, Public Policies, Business Operations, Price Negotiation, Socioeconomics, Consumer Behaviour, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Business Strategy, Market Research, Competitive Analysis, Resource Allocation, Revenue Management, Decision Making, Market Analysis

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3.2K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      R

      Rice University

      Fundamentals of Computing

      Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Event-Driven Programming, Algorithms, Combinatorics, Graph Theory, Programming Principles, Application Development, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Structures, Probability, Computer Programming, Bioinformatics, Interactive Design, Program Development, Big Data, Python Programming, Mathematical Software, Data Analysis, Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Science

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

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      G

      Google Cloud

      Machine Learning on Google Cloud

      Skills you'll gain: Feature Engineering, Prompt Engineering, Google Cloud Platform, Generative AI, Tensorflow, Keras (Neural Network Library), MLOps (Machine Learning Operations), Cloud Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Data Pipelines, Dataflow, Cloud Platforms, Data Management, Data Governance, Workflow Management, Application Deployment, Deep Learning, Applied Machine Learning, Machine Learning, Predictive Modeling

      4.4
      Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3.7K reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      M

      Michigan State University

      Cameras, Exposure, and Photography

      Skills you'll gain: Photography, Peer Review, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Creativity, File Management

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      5.3K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: New
      New
      Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      Status: New AI skills
      New AI skills
      A

      Adobe

      Adobe Graphic Designer

      Skills you'll gain: Photo Editing, Adobe Illustrator, Color Theory, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat, Typography, Design Elements And Principles, Document Management, Design, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Generative AI, Graphic and Visual Design, Storytelling, Creative Design, Photography, Data Ethics, Workflow Management, Adobe Creative Cloud, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Collaborative Software

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      892 reviews

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • Y

      Yale University

      Everyday Parenting: The ABCs of Child Rearing

      Skills you'll gain: Behavior Management, Positive Behavior Support, Parent Communication, Mental Health, Communication, De-escalation Techniques, Family Therapy, Child Development

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3.1K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      Status: New AI skills
      New AI skills
      A

      Adobe

      Adobe Content Creator

      Skills you'll gain: Content Creation, Social Media Content, Design Elements And Principles, Typography, Web Content, Design, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Generative AI, Multimedia, Social Media, Graphic and Visual Design, Storytelling, Creative Design, Infographics, Social Media Strategy, Content Performance Analysis, Storyboarding, Data Ethics, Adobe Creative Cloud, Graphic and Visual Design Software

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      912 reviews

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Pennsylvania

      People Analytics

      Skills you'll gain: People Analytics, Human Resource Strategy, Talent Management, Workforce Planning, Organizational Effectiveness, Performance Analysis, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Workforce Management, Analytics, Performance Measurement, Employee Retention, Staff Management, Data Analysis, Predictive Analytics, Network Analysis

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      6.1K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      T

      The Museum of Modern Art

      Teaching with Art: Using Inquiry, Activities, and Themes

      Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Art History, Liberal Arts, Lesson Planning, Literacy, Creative Thinking, Aesthetics, Learning Styles, Creativity, Teaching, Social Studies, Learning Strategies, Empathy, Critical Thinking, Emotional Intelligence, Instructional Strategies, Student Engagement, Self-Awareness, Curriculum Planning, Curriculum Development

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2K reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Pennsylvania

      The Business of Health Care

      Skills you'll gain: People Management, Financial Reporting, Financial Statements, Income Statement, Employee Performance Management, Financial Analysis, Leadership and Management, Health Systems, Health Care Administration, Health Policy, Program Evaluation, Lean Methodologies, Decision Making, Organizational Change, Organizational Structure, Risk Analysis, Cash Flows, Behavioral Economics, Health Care, Healthcare Industry Knowledge

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.9K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Music Theory learners also search

    Music
    Music Business
    Music Technology
    Music History
    Classical Music
    Music Production
    Piano Theory
    Media
    1…101112…145

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

    • How Music Can Change Your Life: The University of Melbourne
    • Dog Emotion and Cognition: Duke University
    • Microeconomics Principles: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
    • Fundamentals of Computing: Rice University
    • Machine Learning on Google Cloud: Google Cloud
    • Cameras, Exposure, and Photography: Michigan State University
    • Adobe Graphic Designer: Adobe
    • Everyday Parenting: The ABCs of Child Rearing: Yale University
    • Adobe Content Creator: Adobe
    • People Analytics: University of Pennsylvania

    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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