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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

    • A

      Adobe

      Design Fundamentals

      Skills you'll gain: Color Theory, Typography, Color Matching, Graphic and Visual Design, Visual Design, Design, Graphic Design, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Design Elements And Principles, Logo Design, Creativity, Adobe Creative Cloud, Style Guides, User Experience Design, Content Creation

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      574 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • D

      Duke University

      AI Product Management

      Skills you'll gain: Deep Learning, MLOps (Machine Learning Operations), Data Ethics, Data Management, Unsupervised Learning, Human Computer Interaction, User Experience Design, Classification And Regression Tree (CART), Data Quality, Human Centered Design, Machine Learning, Human Factors, Regression Analysis, Technical Management, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Applied Machine Learning, Artificial Neural Networks, Decision Tree Learning, Data Processing, Personally Identifiable Information

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      779 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • U

      University of California San Diego

      Bioinformatics

      Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Dimensionality Reduction, Unsupervised Learning, Applied Machine Learning, Data Analysis, Computational Thinking, Graph Theory, Markov Model, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, Microbiology, Statistical Analysis, Medical Science and Research, Precision Medicine, Biology, Pharmacology, Algorithms, Infectious Diseases, Data Mining

      4.3
      Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.2K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      Y

      Yale University

      Connected Leadership

      Skills you'll gain: Systems Thinking, Strategic Leadership, Leadership, Team Leadership, Team Building, Professional Development, Action Oriented, Visionary, Time Management, Prioritization, Complex Problem Solving, Personal Development, Self-Awareness, Goal Setting, Communication

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      664 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of London

      Finding Your Professional Voice: Confidence & Impact

      Skills you'll gain: Public Speaking, Verbal Communication Skills, Assertiveness, Self-Awareness, Communication Strategies, Communication, Interpersonal Communications, Personal Attributes, Executive Presence, Emotional Intelligence, Composure, Respiration, Anatomy

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

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University of California, Irvine

      The Pronunciation of American English

      Skills you'll gain: Oral Comprehension, Language Competency, English Language, Vocabulary, Language Learning, Grammar

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.2K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • B

      Berklee

      Teaching Popular Music in the Classroom

      Skills you'll gain: Music, Musical Composition, Education Software and Technology, Instrumental Music, Music Performance, World Music, Cultural Responsiveness, Cultural Diversity, Creativity, Empowerment, Collaboration, Constructive Feedback

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      99 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • K

      Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)

      Intro to Acoustics (Part 1)

      Skills you'll gain: Vibrations, Mechanics, Systems Of Measurement, Engineering Analysis, Differential Equations, Engineering Calculations, Physics, Calculus, Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      140 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • S

      Stanford University

      Probabilistic Graphical Models

      Skills you'll gain: Bayesian Network, Applied Machine Learning, Graph Theory, Machine Learning Algorithms, Probability Distribution, Statistical Modeling, Bayesian Statistics, Markov Model, Decision Support Systems, Machine Learning, Probability & Statistics, Network Analysis, Statistical Inference, Sampling (Statistics), Statistical Methods, Unstructured Data, Natural Language Processing, Algorithms, Computational Thinking, Test Data

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.5K reviews

      Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • R

      Rice University

      Investment and Portfolio Management

      Skills you'll gain: Portfolio Management, Financial Market, Investments, Securities (Finance), Financial Systems, Securities Trading, Asset Management, Behavioral Economics, Capital Markets, Investment Management, Equities, Performance Measurement, Wealth Management, Finance, Financial Services, Performance Analysis, Risk Management, Return On Investment, Market Liquidity, Derivatives

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.6K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • U

      University of California, Irvine

      Getting Started with Essay Writing

      Skills you'll gain: Writing, Grammar, Editing

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3.2K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • C

      Case Western Reserve University

      Inspired Leadership

      Skills you'll gain: Employee Coaching, Coaching, Negotiation, Emotional Intelligence, Empathy, Leadership Development, Compassion, Leadership, Organizational Change, Organizational Development, Organizational Leadership, Empowerment, Culture Transformation, Strategic Leadership, People Development, Active Listening, Personal Development, Drive Engagement, Professional Development, Leadership and Management

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.6K reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Music Theory learners also search

    Music
    Music Business
    Music Technology
    Music History
    Classical Music
    Music Production
    Piano Theory
    Media
    1…141516…142

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

    • Design Fundamentals: Adobe
    • AI Product Management: Duke University
    • Bioinformatics: University of California San Diego
    • Connected Leadership: Yale University
    • Finding Your Professional Voice: Confidence & Impact: University of London
    • The Pronunciation of American English: University of California, Irvine
    • Teaching Popular Music in the Classroom: Berklee
    • Intro to Acoustics (Part 1): Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
    • Probabilistic Graphical Models: Stanford University
    • Investment and Portfolio Management: Rice University

    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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