The Elements of Music

What's inside

Learning objectives

Fill in gaps in your music theory and build solid musical foundations in notation and ear training.
Takes steps toward becoming a fully formed musician.
Be able to recognize and apply several principles of music theory.
Learn chord, key, and scale construction for all major and minor keys.
Singers and musicians -- improve your pitch.
Understand chord construction and be able to recognize different chords by ear.
Understand scale construction and be able to differentiate different scales simply by hearing them.
Understand mode construction and be able to recognize all seven modes by ear.

Be able to recognize intervals, triad types, and chord types by ear and clearly understand the music theory underlying them.
Compose simple melodies in major and minor keys.
Learn the skills to contribute creatively in any musical setting.
Be able to analyze chord progressions and understand chord functions.
Learn the fundamentals of music notation.
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Fill in gaps in your music theory and build solid musical foundations in notation and ear training.
Takes steps toward becoming a fully formed musician.
Be able to recognize and apply several principles of music theory.
Learn chord, key, and scale construction for all major and minor keys.
Singers and musicians -- improve your pitch.
Understand chord construction and be able to recognize different chords by ear.
Understand scale construction and be able to differentiate different scales simply by hearing them.
Understand mode construction and be able to recognize all seven modes by ear.
Be able to recognize intervals, triad types, and chord types by ear and clearly understand the music theory underlying them.
Compose simple melodies in major and minor keys.
Learn the skills to contribute creatively in any musical setting.
Be able to analyze chord progressions and understand chord functions.
Learn the fundamentals of music notation.
Show more
Show less

Syllabus

Level One

Practice Plan and Preparations

Introduction to Intervals and the 12 notes

An interval is the distance between any two notes.

A semitone, or half-step, is the smallest interval in western music. If you move up or down on a piano keyboard key-by-key, without skipping any black key or white key, you are playing semitones. If you move up or down one fret at a time on a guitar or bass, you are playing semitones.

A whole tone, or whole-step, is equal to two semitones.

Music Theory

Intervals 2

As we’ve learnt, an interval is the distance between any two notes. Let’s look at all the intervals that occur within any given octave.

Music Theory

The Overtone Series, also called the Harmonic Series, is at the very foundation of music theory and harmony.

Music Theory

The Major Scale

Every key contains seven notes. In any major key, if we line up each of these notes according to pitch so that we can play them up and down, starting on the root and ending on an octave, we have the major scale.

If you were to run notes up the neck of a guitar playing only whole tones at every second fret, you would be playing a whole tone scale. The whole tone scale doesn’t have the same clear identity that a major or minor scale does.

A major scale has unique elements which give it its characteristic sound. It contains a specific collection of intervals: a root, major 2nd, major 3rd, perfect 4th, perfect 5th, major 6th, and major 7th.

And, unlike the whole tone scale that has even steps between every note, the major scale contains two naturally occurring half-steps. In the major scale, these half steps (also called leading tones) are between the 3rd and 4th and the 7th and 8th notes of the scale.

These leading tones create a sense of gravity as they lead, or pull, toward a note a half-step away. The position of these half-steps helps to define both the scale itself, and each notes place and function within the scale.

Music Theory

How to Learn to Sing on Pitch

The Elements of Music - Music Theory and Foundations of Music

Here is an ear training skills builder applying the major scale.

Music Theory

Practice Guide

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

An introduction to note values.

Music Theory

An introduction to the notes of the treble clef.

Music Theory

An introduction to the notes of the bass clef.

Music Theory

Key Signatures Part 2 - The Order of Sharps

In identifying or creating key signatures, the order of sharps and the order of flats are each applied in their own way.

The order of sharps is used to establish the leading tone, or major 7th interval for the root of a key.

When looking at a key signature with sharps, all we need do is look to the last sharp — this is the leading tone for the key — so, a half-step up from this note, is the root or keynote.

Here is the order of sharps with its mnemonic device: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle.

The first sharp we have in the order of sharps is F. F sharp is the 7th of the key in question. The keynote is simply a half-step up. Therefore, if F sharp is the only sharp in the key signature, the key is G major.

Music Theory

Key Signatures Part 3 - The Order of Flats

The flats assigned in a key signature follow the order of flats. The keynote is the next to last flat.

To identify a key signature with flats, we look to the last flat, then simply go back one. This is the keynote — the root or tonic for the key.

Here’s the order of flats with its mnemonic device: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’s Father.

We know from the order of flats that if there’s one flat, it must be B flat. This is the key of F major or its relative key — D minor.

If there are two flats they must be — Battle Ends — B flat and E flat. The last flat is E. Going back one we get B flat. Therefore, the key is B flat major.

Music Theory

Intervals Ear Training Session.

The Elements of Music Theory, Ear Training, & Foundations

Intervals 2 - Ear Training Session

The Elements of Music Theory, Ear Training, & Foundations

Music Notation Skills Builder

The Elements of Music Theory, Ear Training, & Foundations

Music Notation Skills Builder 2

The Elements of Music Theory, Ear Training, & Foundations

Music Notation Skills Builder Bass Clef Level 1

The Elements of Music Theory, Ear Training, & Foundations

Music Notation Skills Builder Bass Clef Level 2

The Elements of Music Theory, Ear Training, & Foundations

Key Signatures Skills Builder

The Elements of Music Theory, Ear Training, & Foundations

Key Signatures Skills Builder - Bass Clef

The Elements of Music Theory, Ear Training, & Foundations

The C Major Scale

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

The B Flat Major Scale

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

The D Major Scale

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

Active Learning Answer Key - Level One

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

Active Learning Workbook - Composition

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

Triads - The Four Types

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

Triads and CEGBDFACE

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

The Minor Key and Its Scale

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

Time Signatures - An Introduction

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

Chromatics

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

Chords

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

Ear Training Skills Builder - The Minor Scale

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

Triads Skills Builder - The Four Types

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

Scales Ear Training

The Elements of Music Theory, Ear Training, & Foundations

Triads Ear Training Session 1

The Elements of Music Theory, Ear Training, & Foundations

Triads Ear Training Session 2

The Elements of Music Theory, Ear Training, & Foundations

Time Signatures Training

The Elements of Music Theory, Ear Training, & Foundations

Triads Ear Training Session 4

The Elements of Music Theory, Ear Training, & Foundations

Triads Ear Training Session 3

The Elements of Music Theory, Ear Training, & Foundations

Time Signatures Training 2

The Elements of Music Theory, Ear Training, & Foundations

Triads Ear Training Session 5

The Elements of Music Theory, Ear Training, & Foundations

Music Notation Skills Builder 3

The Elements of Music Theory, Ear Training, & Foundations

Music Notation Skills Builder Bass Clef Level 3

The Elements of Music Theory, Ear Training, & Foundations

Time Signatures Training 3

The Elements of Music Theory, Ear Training, & Foundations

Triads Ear Training Session 6

The Elements of Music Theory, Ear Training, & Foundations

Seven Triads in C Major

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

The A Minor Scale in the Active Learning Workbook

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

F Sharp Minor

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

Active Learning Answer Key - Level Two

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

Active Learning Workbook Composition

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

Three-note Chords

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

Chord Order Skills Builder

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

Time Signatures

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

Chord Functions

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, and Cadences

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

Relative and Parallel Keys

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

Identifying intervals by the melody of familiar songs.

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

Ear Training Intervals 3

The Elements of Music Theory, Ear Training, & Foundations

Ear Training Intervals 4

The Elements of Music Theory, Ear Training, & Foundations

Chords Ear Training 1

The Elements of Music Theory, Ear Training, & Foundations

Chords Ear Training 2

The Elements of Music Theory, Ear Training, & Foundations

Minor Scales Ear Training

The Elements of Music Theory, Ear Training, & Foundations

Minor Scales Ear Training 2

The Elements of Music Theory, Ear Training, & Foundations

Three Minor Scales Ear Training

The Elements of Music Theory, Ear Training, & Foundations

Time Signatures Training 3

The Elements of Music Theory, Ear Training, & Foundations

Time Signatures Training - Odd Meters

The Elements of Music Theory, Ear Training, & Foundations

Building a Chord

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

C Harmonic Minor

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

Building a Melodic Minor Scale

The Elements of Music -- Music Theory and Foundations of Music

B Melodic Minor

The Elements of Music -- Music Theory and Foundations

Answer Key - Level Three

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

Chord Construction - 7th Chords

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

Chord Inversions

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

Chord Order in Minor Keys

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

The Circle of Fifths

The Elements of Music Theory and Foundations of Music

Dynamics in Music Notation

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

Cadences

The Elements of Music - Music Theory, Ear Training, and Foundations

7th Chords Ear Training

The Elements of Music Theory, Ear Training, & Foundations

Cadences Ear Training

The Elements of Music Theory, Ear Training, & Foundations

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops skills in music theory, ear training, and practical application, which are essential for musicians seeking to improve their overall musicianship

Explores the overtone series, which is a fundamental concept in music theory and harmony, providing a deeper understanding of musical structures

Teaches music notation for multiple instruments, which is useful for composers, arrangers, and musicians who work with ensembles

Includes an active learning workbook with composition projects, allowing students to apply their knowledge and develop their creative skills

Requires learners to use free music scoring software, which may require some technical proficiency and access to a computer

Covers key signatures, scales, modes, and chord construction, which are standard topics in music theory curricula at many institutions

Reviews summary

Foundations of music theory and ear training

According to learners, this course is a largely positive experience, providing a solid foundation in music theory and ear training. Students appreciate the clear and understandable explanations and the course's logical structure. The balance between music theory and practical application, particularly the ear training modules, is frequently highlighted as a strength, helping students connect concepts to sound and playing. While the pacing is generally good, one reviewer noted that it could be a little quick at times in practical areas like time signatures and notation, suggesting more practice examples might be helpful. Overall, it is highly recommended for those seeking a strong base in music fundamentals.

Instructor makes learning fun and memorable.

"The instructor really makes these courses fun."

"He puts a lot of energy into making the material very engaging..."

"...makes every aspect of learning music interesting and memorable..."

Material is presented clearly and understandably.

"The course is very clear and understandable..."

"...offers clear explanations"

"...very thorough and logically structured. The explanations are clear..."

Good integration of theory with practical skills.

"It really helps you connect theory to hearing and playing..."

"There's a good balance of music theory and practical application (ear training)"

"Learn music theory, put that theory to practice in ear training..."

"Includes integrated music theory, ear training, and foundations."

Effectively builds a strong base in fundamentals.

"Provides a great foundation for music theory and ear training."

"This course really helps build solid foundations in music theory..."

"Highly recommend this course for building a solid base."

"Covers all necessary ground for basic music theory."

Some sections are quick; could use more practice.

"The course was a little quick at times, particularly on the practical application side (like time signatures and notation)."

"More practice examples would be beneficial at times."

"I felt like some sections moved a bit fast when trying to grasp the practical exercises."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Elements of Music | Music Theory and Foundations! with these activities:

Review Basic Music Notation

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Solidify your understanding of music notation to prepare for more advanced concepts in the course.

Browse courses on Music Notation

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Review the different clefs and their corresponding notes.
Practice drawing notes on the staff.
Familiarize yourself with basic rhythmic notation.

Read 'Music Theory for Dummies'

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Supplement your learning with a comprehensive guide to music theory fundamentals.

View Piano & Keyboard All-in-One For Dummies (For... on Amazon

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Read the chapters covering scales and key signatures.
Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.
Take notes on key concepts and definitions.

Interval Recognition Ear Training

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Improve your ability to identify intervals by ear, a crucial skill for musicianship.

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Use an online ear training tool or app.
Practice identifying intervals daily.
Start with simple intervals and gradually increase difficulty.

Four other activities

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Compose a Simple Melody

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Apply your knowledge of scales, chords, and rhythm by composing a short melody.

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Choose a key and time signature.
Write a melody using notes from the chosen scale.
Add rhythmic variation to the melody.
Harmonize the melody with appropriate chords.

Explore 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory, 2nd Edition'

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Use this book as a reference to reinforce your understanding of music theory concepts.

View Music Theory Note by Note: Your Guide to How... on Amazon

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Read the chapters on chord progressions and harmony.
Analyze the chord progressions in your favorite songs.
Experiment with different chord voicings and arrangements.

Create a Chord Chart for a Song

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Practice identifying chords and their function by creating a chord chart for a song you like.

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Choose a song and listen to it carefully.
Identify the chords used in the song.
Write down the chords in the correct order.
Notate the song's structure (verse, chorus, etc.).

Analyze a Piece of Music

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Deepen your understanding of music theory by analyzing the structure and harmony of a musical piece.

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Choose a piece of music to analyze.
Identify the key, time signature, and form of the piece.
Analyze the chord progressions and harmonic structure.
Write a report summarizing your findings.

Career center

Learners who complete The Elements of Music | Music Theory and Foundations! will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Composer

A Composer crafts original musical pieces, arranging elements such as melody, harmony, rhythm, and timbre to create a cohesive and expressive work. These pieces may range from solo instrumental works to full orchestral scores, songs, or music for film, television, or video games. This course, with its focus on music theory, ear training, and the fundamentals of music notation, helps build a solid foundation for understanding musical structure and form. By gaining proficiency in areas such as chord progressions, key signatures, and scale construction, one can enhance their ability to create compelling and structurally sound compositions. The practice modules, Active Learning Workbook, and skills-building units are particularly valuable for developing both theoretical knowledge as well as its practical application. The course provides a pathway to creatively contribute in any musical setting, including music composition.

See salaries and explore the career path for Composer

Music Educator

A Music Educator instructs students of all ages in various aspects of music. This may include teaching instrumental or vocal techniques, music theory, music history, or ensemble performance. Music Educators work in a variety of settings, including schools, universities, and private studios. The Elements of Music course provides music educators with a robust understanding of music theory, ear training, and music notation, which can be directly applied in the classroom. By mastering the fundamentals of music, educators can effectively communicate musical concepts to their students. The course modules covering key signatures, scales, chords, and rhythm are particularly relevant for teaching core music theory concepts. The Active Learning Workbook provides ideas for lesson plans and assignments. Music Educators should take this course to solidify their musical understanding.

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Arranger

An Arranger adapts existing musical compositions to suit different instrumental or vocal settings, styles, or performance contexts. This involves re-harmonizing melodies, re-voicing chords, and re-orchestrating instrumental parts. Arrangers are often commissioned to create versions of songs for different ensembles, such as adapting a pop song for a marching band or a classical piece for a jazz combo. The Elements of Music course helps arrangers deepen their understanding of musical structure and harmony, enabling them to craft creative and effective arrangements. With its emphasis on chord construction, key signatures, and time signatures, the course provides the theoretical knowledge needed to manipulate existing musical material. The skills-building units and active learning workbook are especially useful for developing these crucial skill sets. This course may be useful for those who seek to polish their skills and clarify their musical understanding, and can contribute to any musical setting.

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Film Score Orchestrator

A Film Score Orchestrator arranges a composer's musical sketches or cues for a full orchestra or ensemble. They determine which instruments will play which notes, create detailed scores for each musician, and ensure that the music effectively supports the visuals and narrative of the film. The Elements of Music course helps film score orchestrators develop a deep understanding of music theory, harmony, and instrumentation. By mastering concepts such as chord progressions, key signatures, and arranging for multiple instruments, orchestrators can create rich and evocative scores that enhance the emotional impact of the film. The music notation skills builder in this course may be particularly helpful. This course enables one to apply music theory to what you see on the page.

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Choir Director

A Choir Director leads and manages a choir, selecting repertoire, conducting rehearsals, and directing performances. They work to develop the vocal skills and musical understanding of the choir members, fostering a cohesive and expressive ensemble. The Elements of Music course may be useful for choir directors to enhance their understanding of music theory and its applications. With its focus on the fundamentals of music theory and ear training, this course can help improve their ability to analyze scores, identify vocal problems, and communicate their artistic vision to the choir. The coverage of chord progressions, key signatures, and scales can inform their decisions about tempo, dynamics, and phrasing. With practice modules and musical analysis, this course seeks to propel forward one's understanding of music.

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Music Director

A Music Director is responsible for the overall artistic direction and musical performance of an ensemble, such as an orchestra, choir, or musical theater production. This includes selecting repertoire, conducting rehearsals, and shaping the musical interpretation of the ensemble. This course may be useful for music directors to enhance their understanding of music theory and its applications. The Elements of Music course, with its focus on the fundamentals of music theory and ear training, can help improve their ability to analyze scores, identify musical problems, and communicate their artistic vision to the ensemble. The coverage of chord progressions, key signatures, and time signatures can inform their decisions about tempo, dynamics, and phrasing. With practice modules and musical analysis, this course seeks to propel forward one's understanding of music.

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Conductor

A Conductor leads an orchestra, choir, or other musical ensemble, guiding their performance through gestures, facial expressions, and verbal instructions. They are responsible for interpreting the composer's intentions, shaping the ensemble's sound, and ensuring a cohesive and expressive performance. The Elements of Music may be useful for conductors to enhance their understanding of music theory and aural skills. With its focus on ear training and foundations of music, this course can help improve a conductor's ability to analyze scores, identify intonation and rhythmic problems, and communicate their musical vision to the ensemble. The coverage of scales, chords, and key signatures can inform their decisions about tempo, dynamics, and phrasing. This course is particularly helpful for building a solid musical foundation.

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Studio Musician

A Studio Musician is a skilled instrumentalist or vocalist who performs on recording sessions for a variety of projects, including albums, film scores, television commercials, and video games. They must be able to quickly learn and perform a wide range of musical styles, often under tight deadlines. The Elements of Music course helps studio musicians enhance their understanding of music theory, ear training, and sight-reading skills. By developing a strong foundation in music fundamentals, studio musicians can quickly adapt to different musical situations and deliver polished performances. The ear training modules, music notation lessons, and scales training in this course are especially relevant for studio work. Enrolling in this course may lead to a deeper understanding of the musical world.

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Worship Leader

A Worship Leader leads music during religious services, selecting songs, leading rehearsals, and guiding the congregation in musical worship. They must be skilled musicians and vocalists who can create a meaningful and uplifting musical experience. The Elements of Music course helps worship leaders deepen their understanding of music theory, harmony, and arranging. By mastering concepts such as chord progressions, key signatures, and vocal techniques, worship leaders can create powerful and engaging musical arrangements that enhance the worship experience. The ear training modules, music notation lessons, and scales training in this course are especially relevant for worship music. Enrolling in this course may lead to a deeper understanding of the musical world.

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Music Therapist

A Music Therapist uses music-based interventions to address the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. They work with a diverse range of clients, including children with autism, adults with mental health disorders, and patients recovering from physical trauma. A master's degree is typically required for this role. The Elements of Music course sets a foundation in music theory and ear training, which can be beneficial for understanding the structure and emotional impact of music. Music therapists often create or adapt music to meet the specific needs of their clients, and a solid understanding of music fundamentals is essential for this work. The course's coverage of scales, chords, and harmony provides a framework for creating therapeutic musical experiences. This course may be useful to polish skills and clarify musical understanding.

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Music Journalist

A Music Journalist writes about music for newspapers, magazines, websites, and other media outlets. They may write reviews of albums and concerts, interview musicians, and report on music-related news and events. While strong writing skills are essential for this role, a solid understanding of music theory and history can enhance their ability to critically analyze and discuss music. The Elements of Music course may provide a foundation in music theory that helps music journalists understand the technical aspects of music and communicate more effectively with their audience. The ear training modules, music notation lessons, and scales training in this course are especially relevant for worship music. Enrolling in this course may lead to a deeper understanding of the musical world.

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A DJ selects and plays music for an audience, typically in a club, at a party, or on the radio. While DJs primarily work with pre-recorded music, a basic understanding of music theory can be helpful for creating seamless transitions and selecting tracks that complement each other. The Elements of Music may provide a foundation in music theory that enhances their understanding of musical structure and harmony. This course may be helpful for those who seek to polish their skills and clarify their musical understanding.

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Sound Designer

A Sound Designer creates and manipulates audio elements for a variety of media, including film, television, video games, and theater productions. They are responsible for creating sound effects, ambience, and other sonic elements that enhance the audience's experience. While this role is not always directly related to music, understanding the basics of music theory can be helpful for creating harmonious and effective soundscapes. The Elements of Music course may offer a foundation in music theory and ear training that complements their work with sound. This course may be helpful for those who seek to polish their skills and clarify their musical understanding.

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Musical Instrument Repair Technician

A Musical Instrument Repair Technician diagnoses and repairs a wide range of musical instruments, from stringed instruments to woodwinds to brass instruments. While this role is primarily focused on the physical aspects of instruments, a basic understanding of music theory can be helpful for understanding how instruments produce sound and how to properly adjust them. The Elements of Music course may provide a foundation in music theory that complements their technical skills. This course may be helpful for those who seek to polish their skills and clarify their musical understanding.

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Arts Administrator

An Arts Administrator manages the business and operations of arts organizations, such as orchestras, museums, and theaters. While this role is primarily focused on management and administration, a passion for the arts and a general understanding of music can be valuable assets. The Elements of Music may provide a foundation in music theory that enhances their appreciation for the art forms they support. This course may be helpful for those who seek to polish their skills and clarify their musical understanding.

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Music Theory and Foundations!

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Foundations of music theory and ear training

Activities

Career center

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