FREE LESSONS IN BASIC MUSIC THEORY AND MUSICIANSHIP

Is This You?

  • I’m a beginner and I’m curious about how music works
  • I’m a self-taught musician and I want to learn about music theory but I don’t like learning lots of rules
  • I don’t read music but I want to increase my understanding of music
  • I was taught some music theory but it all seems confusing and full of rules. I don’t see the point…

If you answered “yes” to any of these, Music Theory De-mystified Free Basic Music Theory Course is the course for you.

No fees, no account required, no ads!

To start, simply visit Basic Music Theory Course Contents.

The course consists of two parts of around 20 short lessons each, covering all the basics, from note names, scales and basic rhythms to chords.

Lessons can be done individually, in modules of just a few lessons at a time, or as a complete course. Most lessons only take around 10 minutes to read and, for lessons that include exercises, less than an hour to complete.

Music Theory De-mystified Free Basic Music Theory Course starts from scratch. It assumes nothing. The theory taught applies to all genres and styles: it is equally relevant to popular and classical music.

Hear it and see it for yourself!

There is an emphasis on listening and understanding. Lessons are amply illustrated with audio and diagrams as well as music notation.

No rules, just explanations. Descriptions are clear and concise and every major point is demonstrated: no need to take it on faith.

  • Lessons contain clear How-to sections complete with examples and exercises.
  • Lessons on scales, intervals, timing and rhythm include practical exercises designed to develop basic musicianship skills.

To start, simply visit Basic Music Theory Course Contents.

Music Theory De-mystified also contains various related posts including a growing series of tips and hacks as well as investigative articles about how music works.

View categories and posts.

Music Theory De-mystified is an ever-growing free resource. To keep up to date with new posts, please subscribe to my blog.

New Category: Controversy Corner!

Who’d have thought music theory could be controversial?!

My personal view on some topics doesn’t always conform to that of the academics. Controversy Corner is where I present my reasoning.

Controversy Corner
The latest category to be added to my blog.

If you already know some music theory or have an inquisitive mind, you may be interested in my investigations into particular aspects of music theory.

Music Theory De-mystified
Investigations into why we hear what we hear.

This blog also contains a complete free course in basic music theory as well as some tips, lists and hacks.

Music Theory Course Contents

Beginner’s Tips and Hacks

All Posts

15 Lessons On How To Develop Basic Musicianship Skills

15 of my basic music theory lesson posts are about developing basic musicianship and ear training skills.

Musicianship is where theory meets practice. 

Tap basic rhythms, sing major and minor scales, recognise intervals, match chord notes and more…

Try it!

If you found this post helpful, please feel welcome to like, share or leave a comment. If you have any questions, leave them as a comment and I’ll respond as soon as I can. To stay up to date with new posts, please subscribe.

PART 1 CONTENTS: Basic Music Theory Course Contents

PART 2 CONTENTS: Basic Music Theory Course Contents

POSTS: Posts

Free Basic Music Theory Course Update!

My free course in basic music theory and musicianship is now grouped in bite-sized modules of a few lessons each.

Learn music theory by listening and observing. All points demonstrated and clearly explained rather than taught as rules.

Each module only takes a couple of hours to complete and covers a particular area of music theory and musicianship.

  • No need to find time for the complete course, just take it one module at a time! 
  • If you have a little theory knowledge you can go straight to specific modules 

Each lesson includes examples and exercises. Points are clearly illustrated with graphics, audio and video. 

Modules in Part 1

  1. Pitch and Note Length
  2. Simple Time
  3. Scales
  4. Keys and Key Signatures 1
  5. Keys and Key Signatures 2
  6. Intervals
  7. Singing Intervals
  8. Rhythms

Modules in Part 2

  1. Syncopation, Intervals 2
  2. Harmonic and Melodic Minor
  3. Intervals 3
  4. Compound Time
  5. Triplets and Swing
  6. Major and Minor Chords 1
  7. Major and Minor Chords 2
  8. Chord Relationships

Is This Course For You?

This course is designed for

  • beginners age 12 to adult
  • self-taught musicians
  • musicians who play by ear
  • inquisitive musicians who are frustrated with the rules of formal theory courses
  • use in conjunction with a formal theory course to demystify and enhance understanding 

COURSE CONTENTS