This course will introduce students to the theory of music, providing them 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, meter, phrases and cadences, and basic harmony.
Fundamentals of Music Theory
The University of EdinburghAbout this Course
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Learner Career Outcomes
43%
started a new career after completing these courses
33%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
18%
got a pay increase or promotion
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
Approx. 8 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English, Catalan, Spanish
Skills you will gain
MusicChordNotationScales
Learner Career Outcomes
43%
started a new career after completing these courses
33%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
18%
got a pay increase or promotion
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
Approx. 8 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English, Catalan, Spanish
Offered by
The University of Edinburgh
Influencing the world since 1583, The University of Edinburgh is consistently ranked as one of the world's top 50 universities. Today, we are an established and global leader in online learning, providing degree-level education to 3,000 online students in addition to 36,000 students on-campus. We also offer a wide range of free online courses in a variety of subjects. To find out more about studying for one of our online degrees, search for ‘Edinburgh online’ or visit www.ed.ac.uk/studying/online-learning/postgraduate
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
1 hour to complete
Pitches, Scales, Modes and Chords
1 hour to complete
6 videos (Total 42 min), 6 readings, 1 quiz
6 videos
Musical Notes10m
Octaves10m
More on Scales6m
Introduction to Chords9m
Primary Chords4m
6 readings
Meet the Team
Musical Notes
Octaves
More on Scales
Introduction to Chords
Primary Chords
1 practice exercise
Lecture One22m
1 hour to complete
Keys, Minor Scales, Intervals and Clefs
1 hour to complete
6 videos (Total 40 min), 5 readings, 1 quiz
6 videos
Introduction32s
Sharps & Flats6m
Keys and Key Signatures12m
Minor Keys9m
Intervals6m
Ledger Lines and Clefs4m
5 readings
Sharps and Flats
Keys and Key Signatures
Minor Keys
Intervals
Ledger Lines and Clefs
1 practice exercise
Lecture Two20m
1 hour to complete
Rhythm and Form
1 hour to complete
7 videos (Total 21 min), 6 readings, 1 quiz
7 videos
Introduction30s
Rhythmic Duration3m
Tuplets2m
Ties & Dots3m
Meter4m
Anacrusis, Phrases and Structure5m
Form2m
6 readings
Rhythmic Duration
Tuplets
Ties and Dots
Meter
Anacrusis, Phrases, and Structure
Form
1 practice exercise
Lecture Three24m
1 hour to complete
Harmony 1: Functional Harmony
1 hour to complete
6 videos (Total 40 min), 5 readings, 1 quiz
5 readings
Listening to Triads and Hearing the Key Note
Elaborating
Building Triads
Harmonising
Summary
1 practice exercise
Lecture Four20m
Reviews
TOP REVIEWS FROM FUNDAMENTALS OF MUSIC THEORY
by SSAug 22, 2017
It was a very nice course. We were able to understand the basics of music theory and how the notations and chords work. Thank you so much to the entire staff of Edinburgh University and Coursera..:-)
by KMApr 30, 2020
Its not as easy as it seems, it will give you a good challenge. After you finish this, you will be more confident about your music theory. Thank you University of Edinburgh! Thank you Coursera!
by MMApr 11, 2019
As a Buzzok player and a software engineer, this course encourages me to play on my instrument differently and to think in a new web application for music discipline !! Thank you very much
by JHJan 6, 2018
This course moves just a little bit too fast for beginners. I think it needs to be spread out a little bit with further explanations for people who don't understand what they are saying.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
- The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
- The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
You will be eligible for a full refund until two weeks after your payment date, or (for courses that have just launched) until two weeks after the first session of the course begins, whichever is later. You cannot receive a refund once you’ve earned a Course Certificate, even if you complete the course within the two-week refund period. See our full refund policy.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You’ll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. Learn more.
Will I earn university credit for completing the Course?
This Course doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Course Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more. Online Degrees and Mastertrack™ Certificates on Coursera provide the opportunity to earn university credit.
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