Fundamentals of Music Theory

This course will introduce you to the theory of music, providing you with the skills needed to read and write Western music notation, as well as to understand, analyse, and listen informedly.

It will cover material such as pitches and scales, intervals, clefs, rhythm, form, metre and time signatures, phrases and cadences, and basic harmony. This course covers the fundamentals of Western music theory, from the absolute basics to some more advanced concepts. As such, it delivers material for beginners and offers much to experienced musicians alike.

The learning materials from this course are also available as a free and open e-book. The resources in this e-book include video lectures and their transcripts, as well as supporting text explanations, examples and illustrations.

Coursera allows you to preview the first module for free. You can choose this option when you enrol. Learners can apply for Financial Aid directly with Coursera to assist with the cost of accessing the full course and gaining a certificate for successfully completing the course.

In this course, you will learn:

• Pitches, Scales, Modes and Chords
• Keys, Minor Scales, Intervals and Clefs
• Rhythm and Form
• Functional Harmony
• Inversions, Cadences and Sequences
• Harmonic Analysis Practice 

Covering the fundamentals of Western music theory, this is an in-depth but rewarding course for musicians of all levels. 

Introductory: No previous knowledge required