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Short Courses

Fundamentals of Music Theory

Course summary

Start date

Anytime

Cost

Free

Delivery mode

More information (opens in a new window)

Online (Self-paced independent learning)

CPD hours

Up to 20 hours
This course is hosted on an external learning platform
Course image

About the course

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. 

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

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.

🔗 Download the E-book that accompanies this course (books.ed.ac.uk)

What you'll learn

Whether you're a new to the world of music theory or an experienced musician, this course will further your understanding of:

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

Who the course is for

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

Entry criteria

Introductory: No previous knowledge required 

Additional Information

This course is hosted on an external learning platform

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