The abundance of online resources for music practice leaves us with no excuse not to practice anytime and anywhere. Here are some online resources that you can use to learn all about music theory and rhythm.
1. Musictheory.net
If you have little to no knowledge of the language of music, you need to check out musictheory.net. Learn everything from note durations, measures, and time signatures to chord progressions and Neapolitan chords. They use animation, highlights, and a clean presentation style to make their online music lessons clear and intuitive, especially for visual learners.
(Lesson on Staff, Clefs and Ledger lines on musictheory.net)
We suggest using a tablet or laptop when viewing this content. The best part is that it's free, and they have a pop-up interactive piano!
2. Coursera.org
If you’re into structured syllabi, quizzes, and exams, then Fundamentals of Music Theory on Coursera is the one for you. You’ll have doctorate-level instructors with degrees from prestigious music colleges.
(Week 1 syllabus of Fundamentals of Theory)
3. Rhythm specific learning: Soundbrenner Learn
Part of our new app subscription service, Soundbrenner Plus, includes a section for videos and articles dedicated to mastering rhythm.
We’ve produced bite-sized online music video lessons featuring rhythm instructors from different musical backgrounds. Choose from four categories of learning, including ‘Rhythm Exercises’ packed with drills and rhythmic warmups to put theory into practice.
‘Groove’ goes in depth on how and why a specific genre holds a specific rhythm - from grooves of jazz and rock to Afro-Cuban music. Two other sections include ‘Musicality and Practice’ and ‘Fundamentals of Rhythm’.
If you would like more information, simply download our app for a free trial of Soundbrenner Plus.
4. YouTuber: Adam Neely
YouTube-famous online music educator Adam Neely makes music theory cool and interesting. He dissects topics like 7/11 polyrhythms, microtonal lo-fi hip hop, jazz, and even J-pop. As a multi-instrumentalist, his video essays, lessons, and vlogs provide a fresh perspective on music and music theory.
(Adam Neely teaching about Brazilian bossa nova)
5. Ear training app interval
Just like playing the piano or improving your vocal chain, you can train your ear and play melody by ear. Recognizing chord progressions by ear can help you be more creative with writing songs. You can easily steer yourself away or near common progressions through online music training.
Although most of these apps may have interfaces that seem outdated, they are helpful for both musicians and engineers alike.
6. Music theory examples by women
This is a database of excerpts and complete musical compositions by women composers. The music is categorized by theoretical concepts for use in online music education.
Whether you’re a teacher looking for helpful resources to use in the classroom, a musician planning a concert, or just seeking to improve your skills, this is the page for you: music theory examples by women.
(Women in music)
7. Music theory academy
From structure, chords, and tonality to composing, you can find free online music theory lessons throughout this website. They also provide music theory quizzes and worksheets to help you test your knowledge.
Advanced musicians often find it difficult to locate free resources, but Music Theory Academy offers advanced topics including Picardy third and Ostinato. Check out Music Theory Academy.
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