DowntimeIssue 01 · Fall

Learn to read music, from staves and clefs to your first chords.

An introduction to music theory · The Open University (OpenLearn) · Course 10 of 10

What you learn

  • Staves, clefs, ledger lines and reading notes
  • Rhythm, time signatures, dots, ties and rests
  • Major and minor scales, key signatures and the circle of fifths
  • Triads and following a piano score, to about Grade 3 theory level

You need a free OpenLearn account to enrol and earn the Statement of Participation. It records that you took part. It isn't an accredited certificate.

Open the official course page ↗Back to the lineup
CostFree
TimeSelf-paced
LevelBeginner
You earnFree Statement of Participation
ProviderThe Open University (OpenLearn)

Official page, checked Nov 1, 2026: "This free course, An introduction to music theory, will introduce you to music staves, clefs, rhythmic and pitch values"

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