Music Theory - Tutorials, Tests & Videos
For Beginners
Basic Music Principles Basic Music Principles
Learn the Basics of Music - 7-Part Series

Explore the essentials of music in this comprehensive 7-part series. Dive into the foundation of music, from the music staff, clefs, and notes to dynamics, tuplets, and scales.

Start this Tutorial
For all musicians
Music Theory Quizzes and Flashcards Music Theory Quizzes and Flashcards
Test your basic music knowledge - Quizzes and flashcards 20-Part Series

Test your knowledge with this series of videos and flashcards about the basic music theory. Each section in this series includes an interactive practice test. All musicians are welcome to try it and post their score!

Start this Tutorial



Would you like to see more in this section?
Share your suggestions, questions, or comments below!
Comments or Questions
Post a comment or question:
You may: Login  or  
Otherwise, fill out the form below to post your comment:
Add your name below:


Add your email below: (to receive replies, will not be displayed or shared)


For verification purposes, please enter the word MUSIC in the field below



Comments or Questions:

judith amster on March 22, 2025 @7:09 pm PST
counting in different rhythms (e.g.) 3/4 or 6/8-how do you know which system of counting should you choose? etc.
reply
Fabrizio Ferrari - moderator and CEO, on March 22, 2025 @7:47 pm PST
Do you mean when composing a piece of music? If so, compound time signatures like 6/8, 9/8, etc., are usually more convenient in fast-paced music so that you don't have to use a too high tempo and too many bars to express the same kind of melody or passage.

For example, a slow-paced waltz (i.e. 100=quarter) is probably better suited for a 3/4 time signature like the Waltz of the Flowers by Tchaikovsky in this transcription for two violins:

https://www.virtualsheetmusic.com/score/FlowersWaltz2Vlns.html

Whereas a fast-paced piece (92=dotted-quarter) like the Funeral March of a Marionette by Gounod, is more suited for a 6/8 time signature:

https://www.virtualsheetmusic.com/score/GounodFuneralMarchPf.html

Think about it: how many 3/4 bars would you need to write the same 6/8 passage of the first 4 bars of Gounod's piece? Consider that you would need to convert all height notes to quarter notes, basically doubling the length of each note, and doubling the metronome tempo as well to make it sound in the same way.

In the end, choosing the right time signature is just a matter of convenience in writing the passage in the most concise and efficient way Winky Face
BABLOK Artur on February 11, 2025 @11:38 am PST
Musiktheorie-Quizze und Lernkarten
Das ist großartig und einzigartig; erfordert aber Zeit. Das Tutorial ist sehr, sehr nützlich für Amateure, die ein Instrument erlernen wollen.
reply
Fabrizio Ferrari - moderator and CEO, on February 11, 2025 @12:13 pm PST
Ich freue mich, dass es dir gefallen hat, Artur! Ja, es dauert einige Zeit, aber Sie müssen nicht alles in einer einzigen Sitzung erledigen, sondern können es schrittweise tun.

Wenn Sie zusätzliches Feedback haben, lassen Sie es mich bitte wissen!


-------------

I am glad you liked it Artur! Yes, it requires some time, but you don't need to do everything in a single session, you can do it in steps.

If you have any additional feedback, please let me know!

Music Video Lessons

Video Music Lessons
Watch Now
Link to this page

Want More Music?

Be notified of new sheet music to download, receive weekly video lessons as well as our "Basic Music Principles" reference e-book, and more!

Basic Music Principles
It's Free to Subscribe!

Security / Privacy Questions?

Become a Member!

"Wonderful! This is the best site I have seen of its kind! Well worth the minuscule amount for the Membership."
Claire Eldred
professional pianist
Become a Member!
Norton Shopping Guarantee Seal