Western Music Theory¶
What is it?¶
Music Theory is a way to explain how music works. This page contains a number of resources that are free and accessible. I recommend that you peruse and see what fits your needs.
General Music Theory Online Textbooks¶
There is such a thing as an online textbook. The design of this website is similar to the following websites, so navigating them should be straight forward. They are all free to use and comprehensive. These textbooks gain from their format by being able to include audio samples and videos.
Music Theory Manual provides concise explanations of either classical or jazz theory concepts. This website is a good place to start for beginners.
Music Theory by Pudget Sound is a more complete text book with additional chapters on form, counterpoint, set theory, and minimalism. Robert Hutchinson, the author, aims to provide concepts overlooked by most textbooks. This textbook is great for musicians who want to develop their improvisation, composition, and arranging skills.
Open Music Theory is an impressive and complete textbook on music theory. It includes worksheets along with answer keys, perfect for self guided learners and pedagoges looking for accessible materials.
Online Practice Resources¶
MusicTheory.net contains free lessons, exercises, and tools. This website is perfect for developing faster recall in identifying keys, intervals, scales, and chords.
Artusi Music is a site with textbooks, workbooks, drills, and placement exams. It has tools for individual learners and instructors. It is a valuable and free resource for those wanting more practice with more advanced concepts such as four-voice part writing, species counterpoint, and post-tonal techniques. Some features require payment. The creation of an account is required to use any of the free features.
Teoria contains similar features to MusicTheory.net; however, it is peppered with ads and pop-ups.
Toby Rush¶
Toby's website offers a wealth of free educational resources aimed at making music theory more accessible and relevant to a wide range of learners. One of his key contributions is Music Theory for Musicians and Normal People, a set of theory resources that is available for free download and distribution.
Chord Charts¶
Playing Chord Charts is an interactive online manual focused on explaining how to read and construct chord charts. This resource is great for those interested in jazz, popular music, song writing, composition, and analysis.
Theory For Guitarists¶
FretFlip is similar to Playing Chord Charts except it is tailored for guitarists.
Journals¶
If you want to stay up to date on issues relating to music theory peruse through the following journals:
Videos¶
Building Blocks by 12tone
This video is the first of a series of music theory fundamentals. There are a total of 15 videos, each 3 to 5 minutes long. 12tone's videos are clear and accessible and worth using to review material. It is a great companion resource to the already mentioned textbooks.
Music Lessons by Steven Jacks
This video is the first of a series of music theory videos by Steven Jacks. There are a total of 111 videos, each 5 to 16 minutes long. Steven's videos are indepth and comprehensive, and its visual presentation is clear and easy to follow.
Additional Resources¶
For a "Manifesto" on what it means to be an educated musician in the 21st Century click here.
For a defense on teaching western music theory in the presence of multiculturalism click here.