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25 Best Music Theory Courses Online

Choosing an online music theory course can feel overwhelming, especially when you want solid fundamentals without unnecessary fluff. This page lists 25 Udemy courses that cover everything from beginner melody writing to advanced chord progressions, with prices ranging from $19.99 to $189.99. The courses are ordered by our editorial ranking, which reflects how comprehensively each programme addresses the syllabus and the clarity of its teaching style.

The selection includes options for absolute beginners, such as "Basic Music Theory Part 1 - Melody Writing & Dynamics" and "Grade 1 Music Theory Untangled Course For Aspiring Musicians," as well as more specialised paths like "Music Theory Basics for Ableton Electronic Music Production" and "Microsoft Excel Music Theory-Advanced Chords Reworked." Whether you are preparing for ABRSM exams or looking to improve your production workflow, the list offers a range of price points and focus areas to help you find a suitable match.

Courses compared
25
Price range
$19.99 – $189.99
Providers
Udemy, edX, Coursera
Last updated
5 Sep 2026
How these 25 courses were chosen

Every course below is a real, currently listed course from Udemy, edX, Coursera, matched to "Music Theory" by our catalog and ordered by our CourseAsk score. Courses whose own title names the topic rank above those only tagged with it.

The grade on each entry scores how much the provider publishes about the course before you pay — the length and detail of the description, whether it lists learning outcomes and objectives — and whether a named university or institution stands behind it. A is fully documented and institution-backed; E is little more than a title and a price. Courses with almost nothing published are left ungraded rather than marked down, because an unknown course and a poor one are not the same thing.

There are no star ratings on this page — the course feeds we license do not include them, and we would rather leave a column out than fill it with a number we cannot stand behind. What we do have is price: these range from $19.99 to $189.99, as listed by the provider when we last updated the page.

  1. 1
    Udemy Certificate Grade C

    Music Theory Grade 5

    This course of instruction covers the grade 5 ABRSM theory syllabus in full. Within the syllabus you will be shown the basic principles of music theory covering key areas which will enhance your understanding and lay the...

    $24.99
    listed price
  2. 2
    Udemy Certificate Grade C Lowest price here

    Basic Music Theory Part 1 - Melody Writing & Dynamics

    This video is a tutorial for the  music student. Especially those who became music composers.I focused on musical terms and  basic content of melody writing.How to compose and write tune on the stave. Staff not...

    $19.99
    listed price
  3. 3
    Udemy MOOC / Non-credit Grade C

    Music Theory ABRSM Grade 4 Complete

    Updated in 2024!Grade 4 music theory (ABRSM) is a lower-intermediate level exam offered by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. At this level you will study more complex keys and time signat...

    $179.99
    listed price
  4. 4
    Udemy Certificate Grade C

    Grade 1 Music Theory Untangled Course For Aspiring Musicians

    What Makes This Course UniqueIf music theory has ever seemed overwhelming or unclear, this course offers a fresh approach. With my guidance, you'll uncover the "why" behind the music—and understand music theory with grea...

    $24.99
    listed price
  5. 5
    Udemy MOOC / Non-credit Grade C

    Microsoft Excel Music Theory-Advanced Chords Reworked

    This course continues your unique Excel-driven journey through music theory—where business professionals sharpen real spreadsheet skills while helping redesign a clearer, more logical system of harmony. Starting from Mod...

    $139.99
    listed price
  6. 6
    Udemy MOOC / Non-credit Grade C

    Music Theory Classroom: Fundamentals of Melody and Harmony 1

    Music Theory Classroom is a four-course, one- to two-year music theory curriculum designed for high-school and homeschool students. It covers the material studied by music majors in the first one to two years of college,...

    $34.99
    listed price
  7. 7
    Udemy Certificate Grade C

    Music Theory Basics for Ableton Electronic Music Production

    Gain creative confidence and have fun!  Learn to use the undeniable power of music theory to make better electronic music.  This course is compact and covers every single music theory fundamental in existence.  Plus, it...

    $59.99
    listed price
  8. 8
    Udemy Certificate Grade C

    #1 Chord Progression:Music Theory 10 Levels Joy To The World

    Learn DIFFERENT Chord Progressions to arrange this song:  Joy to the WorldYou learn how to turn a song from its basic level to putting in advanced chords for interesting harmony. Here's the Secret:  L...

    $189.99
    listed price
  9. 9
    Udemy MOOC / Non-credit Grade C

    Music Theory Extended Bass Volume 2 Building Intervals

    * Music Theory and focus on how the student creates on the staff and on the fingerboard all intervals*Every lesson have I homework and there is a demo of how to do it in the right way*Learning and recognizing t...

    $24.99
    listed price
  10. 10
    Udemy MOOC / Non-credit Grade C

    Music Theory ABRSM Grade 7 Complete

    This course covers knowledge and skills required to answer everything in the ABRSM Grade 7 Music Theory exam.Every topic in the syllabus is explained in a concise and easy-to-follow way. Each exam question is explained i...

    $179.99
    listed price
  11. 11
    Udemy MOOC / Non-credit Grade C

    Grade 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 Music Theory In Tamil

    Good Day , Whether you're an aspiring musician, a dedicated music enthusiast, or simply curious about the inner workings of melodies, harmonies, and rhythms, this course is your gateway to unlocking the mysteries of musi...

    $49.99
    listed price
  12. 12
    Udemy Certificate Grade C

    Music Theory ABRSM Grade 2 Complete

    Grade 2 Music Theory is the second level of exams offered by the ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music).This course is ideal if you are reasonably confident in reading simple music pieces, and would...

    $179.99
    listed price
  13. 13
    Udemy MOOC / Non-credit Grade C

    Mastering Music Theory: From Basics to Advanced Concepts

    This course offers a practical and enjoyable way to master music theory, regardless of your current skill level. You'll start with the basics—notes, scales, and rhythms—and then progress to more advanced concepts like ch...

    $19.99
    listed price
  14. 14
    Udemy MOOC / Non-credit Grade D

    Music Theory Classroom: Fundamentals of Rhythm 2

    Music Theory Classroom is a four-course, one- to two-year music theory curriculum designed for high-school and homeschool students. It covers the material studied by music majors in the first one to two years of college,...

    $34.99
    listed price
  15. 15
    Udemy MOOC / Non-credit Grade D

    Music Theory - Chord Progressions & Harmony for Composition

    This course offers a practical approach to music theory, diving into the foundations of chord progressions and harmony essential for composition. You'll engage in a series of lessons and exercises designed to ensure you...

    $159.99
    listed price
  16. 16
    Udemy MOOC / Non-credit Grade D

    Music Theory Made Easy (Lessons 14-27)

    Music Theory Made Easy covers essential concepts in music theory through short, 5-minute lessons, enriched with practical exercises and downloadable resources. You'll explore topics like intervals, key signatures, triads...

    $39.99
    listed price
  17. 17
    edX MOOC / Non-credit University-backed

    Introduction To Music Theory

    Offered by Berklee College of Music

    Learn key concepts and approaches needed to understand, create, and perform contemporary music.

    $59.00
    listed price
  18. 18
    Coursera MOOC / Non-credit Grade A University-backed

    Music Education for Teachers

    Offered by Berklee College of Music

    In the Music Education for Teachers specialization, you will explore ways of integrating popular music into your teaching. You'll begin by learning from two highly experienced teachers, Krystal Banfield, the Vice Preside...

    $49.00
    listed price
  19. 19
    Coursera MOOC / Non-credit Grade A University-backed

    Songwriting: Writing the Music

    Offered by Berklee College of Music

    If your notebook is full of unused lyrics and you’re struggling to find inspiration for the music, this course is for you. Whether you are an experienced songwriter looking for new ideas or a beginning songwriter learnin...

    $49.00
    listed price
  20. 20
    edX MOOC / Non-credit Grade B University-backed

    Defining the String Quartet II: Beethoven

    Offered by Stanford University

    This course aims to enhance your understanding and appreciation of Ludwig van Beethoven’s music by exploring a genre at the very core of his development as a composer: the string quartet. Evenly distributed among the per...

    $50.00
    listed price
  21. 21
    Coursera MOOC / Non-credit Grade B University-backed

    Exploring Beethoven's Piano Sonatas Part 4

    Offered by Curtis Institute of Music

    Please join us for Part 4 of Exploring Beethoven's Piano Sonatas course, taught by Curtis faculty member and extraordinary concert artist, Jonathan Biss. This course is new and contains separate sets of lectures and sona...

    $49.00
    listed price
  22. 22
    Coursera MOOC / Non-credit Grade B University-backed

    Exploring Piano Literature: The Piano Sonata

    Offered by University of Michigan

    In this 3-course specialization, learners will analyze important passages and components of the piano sonata repertoire, while gaining a solid knowledge of the sonata’s inner workings and a better sense of historical dev...

    $49.00
    listed price
  23. 23
    Coursera MOOC / Non-credit Grade B

    Piano Techniques for Modern Music

    Offered by Berklee

    If you have always dreamed of playing the piano or keyboard but did not know where to start, this is the course for you. This course will take you through the fundamental skills necessary to build your playing capability...

    $49.00
    listed price
  24. 24
    Udemy MOOC / Non-credit Grade B

    Complete Indian Hindustani Classical Raga Music Course

    This is one of the most straight forward, professional singing courses available and, for the very first time, made available online!Now ANYONE can learn Hindustani Music.These online classes are specifically designed fo...

    $49.99
    listed price
  25. 25
    Udemy MOOC / Non-credit Grade B

    CRASH COURSE IN SCALES: over 55 scales and modes for guitar

    Scales are the foundation of music and can be found in every known culture. With all styles of modern music, scales are the heartbeat, breath and soul of the guitar solo, the guitar riff and even the vocal melody! This v...

    $19.99
    listed price

Best Music Theory Courses Online compared

# Course Provider Offered by Price
1 Music Theory Grade 5 Udemy $24.99 View →
2 Basic Music Theory Part 1 - Melody Writing & Dynamics Udemy $19.99 View →
3 Music Theory ABRSM Grade 4 Complete Udemy $179.99 View →
4 Grade 1 Music Theory Untangled Course For Aspiring Musicians Udemy $24.99 View →
5 Microsoft Excel Music Theory-Advanced Chords Reworked Udemy $139.99 View →
6 Music Theory Classroom: Fundamentals of Melody and Harmony 1 Udemy $34.99 View →
7 Music Theory Basics for Ableton Electronic Music Production Udemy $59.99 View →
8 #1 Chord Progression:Music Theory 10 Levels Joy To The World Udemy $189.99 View →
9 Music Theory Extended Bass Volume 2 Building Intervals Udemy $24.99 View →
10 Music Theory ABRSM Grade 7 Complete Udemy $179.99 View →
11 Grade 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 Music Theory In Tamil Udemy $49.99 View →
12 Music Theory ABRSM Grade 2 Complete Udemy $179.99 View →
13 Mastering Music Theory: From Basics to Advanced Concepts Udemy $19.99 View →
14 Music Theory Classroom: Fundamentals of Rhythm 2 Udemy $34.99 View →
15 Music Theory - Chord Progressions & Harmony for Composition Udemy $159.99 View →
16 Music Theory Made Easy (Lessons 14-27) Udemy $39.99 View →
17 Introduction To Music Theory edX Berklee College of Music $59.00 View →
18 Music Education for Teachers Coursera Berklee College of Music $49.00 View →
19 Songwriting: Writing the Music Coursera Berklee College of Music $49.00 View →
20 Defining the String Quartet II: Beethoven edX Stanford University $50.00 View →
21 Exploring Beethoven's Piano Sonatas Part 4 Coursera Curtis Institute of Music $49.00 View →
22 Exploring Piano Literature: The Piano Sonata Coursera University of Michigan $49.00 View →
23 Piano Techniques for Modern Music Coursera Berklee $49.00 View →
24 Complete Indian Hindustani Classical Raga Music Course Udemy $49.99 View →
25 CRASH COURSE IN SCALES: over 55 scales and modes for guitar Udemy $19.99 View →

Prices shown are the provider's listed price when we last updated this page. Confirm on their site before enrolling.

What the prices here tell you

The 25 priced courses on this page run from $19.99 to $189.99, with the middle of the range around $49.00 — a spread of $170.00. That is a wide gap for one subject. A higher price on this page usually reflects who is behind the course rather than how much material it contains, so it is worth opening two or three at different price points and comparing their syllabus before deciding.

Who is behind these courses

These courses come from Udemy, edX and Coursera. The platforms differ in how they sell: some charge once per course, others expect a subscription, and the listed price is not always what you pay at checkout after a promotion. 4 of these are produced by a named university or institution, including Berklee College of Music, Stanford University and Curtis Institute of Music — which usually means a fixed syllabus and a recognised certificate, rather than an individual instructor’s own course.

Before you enrol

Open the provider’s own page and check three things this comparison cannot tell you: when the course was last updated, what the syllabus actually covers in its later sections, and what recent learners say. Prices shown here are the provider’s listed price when we last rebuilt this page on 5 September 2026 — they change often, and a promotion can move them substantially. We earn a commission if you enrol through our links, which costs you nothing and never affects the order courses appear in.

Frequently asked questions

What level of prior knowledge do I need for these courses?
Most courses start from the basics, so no prior music theory knowledge is required. Some later courses, such as the ABRSM Grade 4 and Grade 7 complete programmes, assume familiarity with earlier concepts.
Are the courses suitable for self‑paced learning?
Yes, all Udemy courses on this page are delivered as pre‑recorded video lessons, allowing you to study at your own speed and revisit any section as needed.
Do any of the courses focus on software integration?
Two courses specifically address music production tools: "Music Theory Basics for Ableton Electronic Music Production" and "Microsoft Excel Music Theory-Advanced Chords Reworked," which blend theory with practical software usage.
How do the prices compare across the list?
Prices vary from $19.99 for entry‑level introductions to $189.99 for the most comprehensive, multi‑level progressions. This range lets you choose a course that fits both your budget and depth of study.

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