3 Free Websites to Learn and Review Music Theory Concepts

Music students and professionals alike can benefit from studying and reviewing music theory concepts. Music theory involves the study of note recognition, rhythms, and musical terminology, as well as pitch and interval recognition, chord structure, scales and key signatures.

I remember the days of learning and practicing my music theory concepts in those dreaded black and white books I tried to hide from my mom. Thanks to the Internet, music theory can now be taught in fun and interesting new ways. The sites listed in this article are intended for older students--not because of "mature" content, but because of their straightforward approach and basic design. They are sequential, so it is beneficial to start at the beginning of each site. They are fairly thorough--I found some of the higher level lessons and activities challenging.

Theses can benefit the music teacher as well as the student. We teachers need a "booster shot" of theory once in a while!

http://www.emusictheory.com/practice.html

This site provides training in aural skills as well as visual concepts. The ear training section includes scales, internals and chords. There are also drills for fingering of stringed instruments. Other drills include:

note names
piano keys
guitar frets
rhythm performance
rhythm dictation
key signatures

http://www.8notes.com/theory/

This theory website contains 46 Lessons introducing you to the "most important concepts of music theory". The concepts build from the staff and clefs to complex chord formation, voicing and inversion.
There are lessons for each concept. At the bottom of the content page you can find links to "other stuff":

drum riffs
a metronome
tab converter
blank sheet music
music glossary
musical jokes

The link to tests and games provides a review of the concepts taught in the lessons. The tests give immediate feedback so the student learns even from incorrect answers.

http://www.musictheory.net/index.html

This site presents the music theory lessons in a format somewhat like a power point presentation. The concepts are clearly explained as you click through the pages. Besides the basic concepts, the site covers specific and generic intervals, chord progressions, and composing with minor scales. The lessons can be seen in several languages:

British English
French
Polish
Swedish
Brazilian Portuguese
Serbian

Some of the terminology differs from standard American English, but this does not detract from learning the concept.

Of course, music theory can still be learned via pencil, paper and the conventional books. But, a variety of methods increases the likelihood of comprehension. Today's student should take advantage of modern technology to make the study of music theory convenient and interactive.