Free Online Music Theory Courses and Certifications 2024

Music Theory is the study of the language and notation of music. It is a fundamental part of music education, and is suitable for musicians, music teachers, and musicologists. Courses in Music Theory cover topics such as harmony, counterpoint, and form. It is also useful for composers, arrangers, and performers.

Music Theory Courses

Career Trends


Career Prospects

Average Salary

Position Overview

Music Instructor$28.45 per hour

A music instructor is responsible for teaching students about music theory and facilitating various musical activities, such as singing, playing instruments, and analyzing musical works, depending on the age and skill level of the students. Music teaching positions can be found in various settings.

Music Therapist$78,610 per year

Music therapists are highly trained, board-certified practitioners who work with a wide variety of individuals to help manage pain, reduce stress, express emotion, enhance memory, improve communication, and promote physical rehabilitation.

Piano Teacher$39.76 per hour

Piano teachers offer piano lessons to individuals interested in learning to play the piano. They may work in schools or operate as independent contractors who travel to students' homes or conduct lessons from private studios. Piano teachers provide feedback on their students' progress, organize recitals, and prepare students for competitions.


Educational Paths


1. Bachelor's Degree in Music Theory: This is a four-year program that focuses on music theory, composition, history, and performance.

2. Music Theory Courses: Many colleges and universities offer individual music theory courses that can be taken as part of a degree program or on their own.

3. Online Music Theory Courses: Several online platforms offer music theory courses for beginners, intermediate, and advanced learners.

4. Music Theory Workshops and Seminars: Various workshops and seminars are held throughout the year that cover specific topics in music theory, providing opportunities for musicians to expand their knowledge and skills.





Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Q1: Where should music theory beginners start?

A great place to begin is by learning the basics of rhythmic note values, including rests and dotted notes, as well as pitches on the grand staff (treble and bass clefs combined). Additionally, it is important to understand accidentals (flats, sharps, and naturals), the Circle of 5ths, and key signatures. With a solid foundation in these topics, music theory beginners can then move on to more advanced concepts.

Q2: What is the basic theory of music?

Music theory is a practice that musicians utilize to comprehend and convey the language of music. The fundamentals of music are explored through the study of musical theory, which also offers a framework for interpreting musical compositions. For instance, the elements that constitute harmony, melody, and rhythm are defined by the principles of basic music theory.

Q3: Is music theory easy or hard?

Learning Music Theory is not inherently difficult. It is beneficial to have some experience playing an instrument, and the piano proves to be an excellent tool for learning due to its linear arrangement of notes.

Q4: How can I teach myself music?

One can definitely teach themselves by utilizing resources such as YouTube or instructional videos available online. Whether one aims to play the keyboard or acquire knowledge of chords for their band's singing sessions, online tutorials can effectively guide them towards their desired proficiency. Moreover, these resources can also facilitate the learning of fundamental music theory.

Q5: What Music Theory courses can I find on AZ Class?

On this page, we have collected free or certified 370 Music Theory online courses from various platforms. The list currently only displays up to 50 items. If you have other needs, please contact us.

Q6: Can I learn Music Theory for free?

Yes, If you don’t know Music Theory, we recommend that you try free online courses, some of which offer certification (please refer to the latest list on the webpage as the standard). Wish you a good online learning experience!

ADVERTISEMENT