This comprehensive study of music theory provides a complete set of tools handy for either a lifelong interest in music or preparing to take college entrance exams. Explore theoretical concepts in short, fun, real-world assignments and study pieces by famous composers. Learn notation, rhythm, melody, harmony and analysis. Students can choose to use what they've learned to compose their own music.

How this course works

Working entirely online, learn the basics of music theory in the context of real-world settings and projects. Practice the same composition exercises used by such musical giants as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms and Charles Ives. View an extensive video with the instructor and interact with other students via online discussions.

What this course covers

Notation: pitch, duration, volume and timbre

Rhythm: rhythmic values and rhythmic elements

Scales: key signatures, scale degrees, major and minor scales, relative and parallel keys

Intervals: including simple and compound, melodic and harmonic, and consonant vs. dissonant

Triads: and their inversions

Basic harmony: including qualities of major/minor chords and of seventh chords in major/minor keys

Melody: motives and themes, phrases and periods

Ear training

Putting it all together: relationships between harmony and melody, nonharmonic tones and types, cadences, musical analysis

Building your own music