Getting Started With Music Theory from Coursera

This course is a brief introduction to the elements of music theory for those with little or no music theory experience. We will explore pitch, rhythm, meter, notation, scales, keys, key signatures, meter signatures, triads, seventh chords, and basic harmony. If you listen to music or play music by ear, and you want to know more about how music is organized and notated, this course is for you.

By the end of the course, you should know all major and minor keys, how to read and write in treble and bass clef using standard meters and rhythmic values, and how to notate and harmonize a simple melody. This course can serve as a stand-alone basic music theory course, or it can be a springboard to more advanced theory and composition courses.

Your instructor is Bruce Taggart, Associate Professor of Music Theory at Michigan State University, in the College of Music, where he has taught undergraduate and graduate music theory since 1996.

What's inside

Syllabus

Basic Materials: Overview, Tonality, Notation

Learning Outcomes: By the end of this module, you should be able to: (1) discuss the elements of music, (2) explain the difference between tonal and atonal music, (3) sing the tonic in tonal music, (4) identify the fundamental and partials of a note, (5) explain the difference between chord and harmony, (6) explain the five-line staff, (7) read and write notes using treble and bass clefs, and (8) identify rhythmic values in notation. You should be able to (9) distinguish between pitch and pitch class, (10) describe octaves and how to label pitches based on octave placement, (11) identify and write accidentals and find them on the piano keyboard, (12) and define equal temperament (the artificial scale used on the modern piano) and tell how it differs from other tuning systems.

Scales, Keys, and Intervals

Learning Outcomes: By the end of this module, you should be able to (1) describe the diatonic set and understand how it is used to create major and minor scales, (2) sing major and minor using solfeggio (solfege) syllables, (3) explain the difference between natural, harmonic, and melodic minor, (4) spell major and minor scales starting on any note using accidentals in treble and bass clef, and (5) spell parallel and relative major and minor scales. You should also be able to (6) identify and spell by size and quality diatonic intervals (within a key) and chromatic intervals (outside a key).

Rhythm and Meter

Learning Outcomes: By the end of this module, you should be able to (1) read and write all possible rhythmic values, including dotted notes and ties, (2) understand how many notes fit within a measure in various meters, (3) determine meter signatures based on note grouping, and note grouping based on meter signatures, (4) define the types of musical accent and how they create a sense of meter, (5) distinguish between duple and triple meters in notation and by sound, and (6) describe and identify metrical syncopation. You should be able to (7) write melodies on the treble, bass, and grand staves using correct meter signatures, note values, rhythmic grouping, stem direction and beaming, and key signatures and accidentals,

Chords, Triads, and Harmony

Learning Outcomes: By the end of this module, you should be able to (1) identify and spell major, minor, diminished, and augmented triads in root position and inversions, and (2) identify and spell major, minor, dominant, half-diminished, and fully diminished seventh chords in root position and inversions. You should also be able to (3) use Roman numeral labels to identify diatonic triads within a key, (4) write triads within a key when given Roman numerals, and (5) spell chords when given pop/jazz chord symbols.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a thorough grounding in the fundamental elements of music, helping learners develop a comprehensive understanding of music theory

Led by Bruce Taggart, a seasoned music theory expert, ensuring learners benefit from his expertise and experience

Serves as a springboard for further exploration of music theory and composition, catering to learners' evolving interests and ambitions

Covers a wide range of topics, including pitch, rhythm, scales, keys, and chords, providing a comprehensive foundation in music theory

Suitable for beginners with little to no music theory experience, enabling learners to build their knowledge from the ground up

Can be taken as a standalone course or as a stepping stone towards more advanced music theory and composition endeavors, offering flexibility for learners' educational journeys

Reviews summary

Beginner-friendly music theory

Learners say this course is largely positive with engaging assignments. It covers a wide range of topics in music theory tailored for beginners. Professor Taggart explains concepts clearly with examples and exercises. The course is challenging but well-organized, making it suitable for those with some prior musical knowledge. However, absolute beginners may find the pace a bit fast.

The in-video questions are quite helpful to learn but I found some concepts I still needed more practice.

"The in-video questions are quite helpful to learn but I found some concepts I still needed more practice."

Each week, the knowledge builds on top of the previous week's learnt information, forcing learners to revise and make use of what was previously taught. This helps reinforce concepts and hastens memorisation.

"Each week, the knowledge builds on top of the previous week's learnt information, forcing learners to revise and make use of what was previously taught."

"This helps reinforce concepts and hastens memorisation."

It was challenging but the course covered quite a bit and provided some resources to help you practice what you've learned.

"It was challenging but the course covered quite a bit and provided some resources to help you practice what you've learned."

Professor Taggart explains concepts well.

"Professor Taggart explains concepts well."

This course brushes very quick over most topics. It doesn't go fully into depth, and the teaching is very hard to follow if you don't already know something about the taught topics.

"This course brushes very quick over most topics."

"It doesn't go fully into depth, and the teaching is very hard to follow if you don't already know something about the taught topics."

First of all, Kudos to Professor Taggart for explaining everything to the best of his ability. However, I have to say that stating this course to be of beginner level is not apt at all.

"First of all, Kudos to Professor Taggart for explaining everything to the best of his ability."

"However, I have to say that stating this course to be of beginner level is not apt at all."

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 Getting Started With Music Theory with these activities:

Read A History of Western Music

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Build background knowledge about western music theory and history.

View Norton Anthology of Western Music on Amazon

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Acquire the book.
Read the first three chapters.
Summarize the main points of each chapter.

Review Basic Music Concepts

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Refresh your understanding of essential music concepts before the course begins.

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Review the musical alphabet.
Identify the different notes on the piano keyboard.
Recall the basic rules of rhythm and meter.

Master the Art of Rhythm

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Develop a stronger understanding of rhythm and timing.

Browse courses on Rhythm

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Follow tutorials on basic note values and rhythmic patterns.
Practice reading rhythms out loud and tapping them out.
Compose a short rhythmic exercise to test your skills.

Four other activities

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Join a Study Group

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Engage with peers to discuss course material and reinforce learning.

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Find a group of peers who are also taking the course.
Meet regularly to discuss the material.
Work together on assignments and projects.

Ear Training Exercises

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Improve your ability to recognize and identify musical intervals and chords.

Browse courses on Ear Training

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Use an ear training app or website.
Practice identifying intervals and chords.
Test your progress regularly.

Compose a Simple Melody

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Apply your knowledge of music theory to create your own original melody.

Browse courses on Melody

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Choose a key and time signature.
Sketch out a basic melodic idea.
Develop and refine your melody.
Write down your melody using musical notation.

Build a Musical Instrument

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Apply your knowledge of music theory to a practical project.

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Choose a musical instrument to build.
Research the design and construction of the instrument.
Gather the necessary materials.
Build the instrument.
Tune and test the instrument.

Career center

Learners who complete Getting Started With Music Theory will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Music Theory Instructor

Music Theory Instructors work with students of all levels, and are highly effective at explaining complex concepts to people with various backgrounds and levels of experience. Courses such as Getting Started With Music Theory provide a strong foundation for those who wish to teach and instruct music theory, as the material can be used as a basis for lesson plans, testing, and curriculum design. This course may be particularly useful to new instructors who wish to develop a deeper understanding of fundamental musical concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Theory Instructor

Piano Teacher

Piano Teachers are responsible for teaching piano performance skills to students of various levels. This course may be helpful for Piano Teachers who are looking to refine their understanding of musical theory, particularly in the context of piano performance. The course will provide knowledge that can be applied to building practice plans and teaching materials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Piano Teacher

Guitar Teacher

Guitar Teachers are responsible for teaching guitar performance skills to students of various levels. This course may be helpful to Guitar Teachers who are looking to refine their understanding of musical theory, particularly in the context of guitar performance. The course will provide knowledge that can be applied to building practice plans and teaching materials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Guitar Teacher

Music Composer

Music Composers work with various forms of musical composition and are responsible for creating and producing music. This course is particularly useful for aspiring composers who wish to develop a deeper understanding of music theory, which provides the foundation for composition and orchestration. The course will also help composers to better understand the works of other composers and musicians, and will provide practice composing with more sophisticated techniques.

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Sound Designer

Sound Designers create and produce sound effects, music, and atmospheres for a variety of media, including movies, television shows, radio, and video games. This course may be helpful for Sound Designers who want to improve their understanding of music theory, which will provide a foundation for creating and producing more effective and realistic sound design. The course will also provide experience with reading and writing musical notation, which is essential for collaboration with other musicians and composers.

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Music Journalist

Music Journalists write for magazines, newspapers, and websites about all aspects of the music industry. This course can be useful for Music Journalists who want to build a strong foundation in music theory, providing them with the necessary knowledge to understand, analyze, and write about musical topics. The course will provide experience reading and writing musical notation, which can be helpful when analyzing and reviewing musical compositions.

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Musician

Musicians include singers, instrumentalists, and composers who perform music for a variety of purposes. This course is useful for Musicians who want to build a stronger foundation in music theory, which will provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to read music, collaborate with other musicians, and perform more effectively. The course will also provide exposure to different types of music and styles, which can broaden a Musician's repertoire and help them become more versatile.

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Music Producer

Music Producers oversee the creation and production of music recordings. This course may be useful for Music Producers who are looking to better understand music theory, which will give them a solid foundation for working with musicians, songwriters, and engineers to create high-quality recordings. The course will also provide experience reading and writing musical notation, which is important for communicating with musicians and ensuring that recordings meet the desired specifications.

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Music Librarian

Music Librarians organize and manage music collections and provide reference services to patrons. This course may be helpful for Music Librarians who want to develop a stronger foundation in music theory, which will give them a better understanding of the materials they are working with and enable them to provide more effective assistance to patrons. The course will provide experience reading and writing musical notation, which is essential for cataloging and organizing music collections.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Librarian

Music Therapist

Music Therapists use music to help people improve their physical and mental health. This course may be useful for Music Therapists who want to build a stronger foundation in music theory, which will give them a better understanding of the music they use in their work and enable them to tailor their interventions more effectively to the needs of their clients. The course will also provide experience reading and writing musical notation, which is essential for communicating with musicians and creating effective music therapy plans.

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Music Director

Music Directors lead and conduct musical ensembles, such as orchestras, bands, and choirs. This course may be useful for Music Directors who want to develop a stronger foundation in music theory, which will give them a better understanding of the music they conduct and enable them to lead their ensembles more effectively. The course will also provide experience reading and writing musical notation, which is essential for communicating with musicians and ensuring that performances meet the desired specifications.

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Audio Engineer

Audio Engineers record, mix, and master audio for a variety of purposes, such as music, film, and television. This course may be helpful for Audio Engineers, particularly those interested in working in the music industry, as it can provide them with a stronger foundation in music theory. This will give them a better understanding of the music they are working with and enable them to produce recordings that meet the desired specifications.

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Music Publisher

Music Publishers acquire, promote, and distribute musical works. This course may be useful for Music Publishers who want to develop a stronger foundation in music theory. This will give them a better understanding of the music they work with and enable them to make more informed decisions about which works to acquire and publish.

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Music Instrument Designer

Music Instrument Designers design and build musical instruments. This course may be helpful for Music Instrument Designers who wish to gain a better understanding of music theory, which will inform their design decisions and enable them to create instruments that meet the needs of musicians.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Instrument Designer

Music Software Developer

Music Software Developers design and develop software for musicians, such as music notation software, audio editing software, and music production software. This course may be useful for Music Software Developers who wish to gain a better understanding of music theory, which will inform their design decisions and enable them to create software that meets the needs of musicians.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Software Developer