Best YouTube Channels To Learn Music Theory For Free

Navigating the vast world of music theory can be both exhilarating and daunting for musicians of all levels. Whether you’re a budding composer, an aspiring musician, or simply someone with a keen interest in understanding the mechanics behind music, finding the right resources to guide your learning journey is crucial.

In the digital age, YouTube has emerged as an invaluable repository of knowledge, offering countless tutorials and lessons on every conceivable music theory topic. From the fundamentals of reading music to the complexities of harmonic analysis, these YouTube channels provide high-quality, accessible, and, most importantly, free education that can rival traditional classroom settings.

In this article, we will explore the 7 best YouTube channels to learn music theory for free, each selected for their comprehensive content, teaching excellence, and ability to engage and inspire learners. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to deepen your theoretical knowledge, these channels are your gateway to mastering the language of music.

Most Useful 7 Music Theory Youtube Channels

#1 Adam Neely

Adam Neely’s YouTube channel is a dynamic platform where music theory meets the contemporary music scene. Known for his deep dives into the intricacies of music theory, Adam explores a wide array of subjects, from the basics of rhythm and harmony to the complexities of jazz theory and beyond.

His videos often tackle unconventional topics and questions, blending music theory with cultural commentary and personal musings on the life of a musician. Adam’s approachable yet intellectually stimulating content is enriched by his background as a bassist and composer, making his channel a go-to for musicians looking to challenge their understanding of music.

Neely’s ability to connect music theory with real-world applications and his engaging storytelling make his channel uniquely entertaining and educational.

#2 Music Theory Guy

Music Theory Guy is a YouTube channel dedicated to demystifying the often-intimidating world of music theory.

The channel, known for its clear, concise explanations, covers a wide range of topics from basic note reading to more advanced harmonic analysis. What sets Music Theory Guy apart is the educator’s ability to make music theory approachable, often injecting humor and real-world examples into his lessons.

This channel is a valuable resource for students preparing for graded music theory exams as it offers practical advice, tips, and strategies for mastering complex theoretical concepts.

#3 Lypur

Lypur’s YouTube channel, hosted by Andrew Furmanczyk, offers in-depth tutorials on both piano playing and music theory.

Andrew’s passion for teaching and his commitment to providing free music education shines through in his detailed video lessons. Covering everything from the very basics of reading music to intricate discussions on composition and theory, the channel is designed to guide learners through their musical journey, regardless of their starting point.

Lypur is particularly noted for its engaging teaching style and the use of comprehensive examples that help solidify the concepts discussed.

#4 Dave Conservatoire

Dave Conservatoire is an educational YouTube channel designed to offer free music education to viewers worldwide. Created by Dave Rees, a passionate educator, the channel provides comprehensive lessons on music theory, ear training, and history of music, making it accessible for learners at all levels.

Dave’s approachable teaching style breaks down complex concepts into digestible segments, accompanied by visual aids and clear examples.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to understand the basics or an advanced learner seeking to delve deeper into music theory, Dave Conservatoire offers a structured, self-paced learning environment that mirrors the offerings of traditional music conservatories.

#5 Music Matters

Music Matters is a YouTube channel that specializes in delivering high-quality music education, including music theory, music history, and analysis.

The channel stands out for its use of animated videos and detailed explanations that cater to both beginners and advanced learners. Created by a team of professional musicians and educators, Music Matters offers a unique learning experience that emphasizes the importance of understanding music’s context and its theoretical foundations.

The channel’s approach to teaching, which combines visual storytelling with expert knowledge, makes complex musical concepts accessible and enjoyable to learn.

#6 Michael New

Michael New’s YouTube channel is a treasure trove of music theory and musicianship lessons that cater to learners at different stages of their musical journey.

Michael’s teaching style is clear and methodical, breaking down complex music theory concepts into understandable lessons. The channel covers a broad spectrum of topics, including chord theory, melody writing, and rhythm exercises.

Michael often uses visual aids and piano demonstrations to illustrate his points, making the lessons engaging and accessible. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced musician, Michael New’s channel offers valuable insights into the mechanics of music, encouraging a deeper appreciation and understanding of musical structures.

#7 Hello Music Theory

Hello Music Theory is a YouTube channel designed to simplify music theory for students of all ages and levels. The channel offers clear, concise tutorials on a wide range of music theory topics, from reading music to understanding complex rhythms and scales.

What sets Hello Music Theory apart is its focus on preparing students for music theory exams, providing detailed explanations of concepts covered in various syllabi. The videos are well-structured, making it easy for viewers to find topics relevant to their study needs.

This channel is an excellent resource for anyone looking to reinforce their music theory knowledge, offering practical tips and exercises to enhance learning.

How to Find The Right Music Theory Teacher On YouTube

Finding the right music theory YouTube channel that matches your learning style, musical interests, and skill level can greatly enhance your understanding and enjoyment of music.

Here are steps to guide you in finding the perfect channel for learning music theory:

#1 Assess Your Level and Goals

Determine your skill level: Are you a beginner, intermediate, or advanced learner?

Identify your goals: Do you want to understand basic concepts, improve your musicianship, prepare for exams, or explore advanced topics?

#2 Explore Channels

Start with a search: Use keywords that match your level and goals, such as “music theory for beginners,” “advanced harmony lessons,” or “music theory for guitarists.”

Check out curated lists: Look for blog posts, forums, or websites that recommend music theory channels. These can provide valuable insights and direct you to popular and highly regarded channels.

#3 Evaluate Content Quality and Teaching Style

Preview several videos: Watch introductory or overview videos to get a sense of the channel’s content quality, presentation style, and the topics covered.

Consider the teaching style: Does the presenter’s teaching method resonate with you? Do they provide clear explanations, use visual aids, or offer practical examples?

#4 Look for Comprehensive Coverage

Topic variety: Ensure the channel covers a broad spectrum of music theory topics, from basics to more specialized areas you’re interested in.

Structured learning: Channels that organize their videos into playlists or series can offer a more systematic approach to learning.

#5 Assess Engagement and Resources

Interactive learning: Some channels offer Q&A sessions, community discussions, or links to additional resources, which can enhance your learning experience.

Supplementary materials: Check if the channel provides sheet music, exercises, or practice tracks. These resources can be invaluable for applying what you learn.

#6 Read Comments and Reviews

Viewer feedback: Comments under the videos can give you insights into how other learners perceive the channel. Look for comments regarding the effectiveness of the teaching and the clarity of explanations.

External reviews: Search for reviews or recommendations on music forums, social media groups, or educational blogs dedicated to music learning.

#7 Experiment and Subscribe

Subscribe and follow: Once you find channels that seem promising, subscribe to them to keep up with new content.

Give it time: Learning music theory is a process. Give yourself time to adjust to the teaching style and see if the channel meets your learning needs over time.

#8 Diversify Your Learning

Explore multiple channels: Don’t limit yourself to one source. Different perspectives can deepen your understanding and keep your learning process engaging.

Finding the right YouTube channel for learning music theory is a personal journey. By taking the time to explore and evaluate what’s available, you can find a channel that not only educates but also inspires you to further your musical education.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I determine if a music theory YouTube channel suits my learning pace?

To determine if a music theory YouTube channel matches your learning pace, watch a few of their beginner or introductory videos to assess whether the speed of instruction and complexity of information align with your understanding. Channels often cater to specific skill levels, so their content’s depth and pace can vary significantly.

Are there music theory channels that focus specifically on certain instruments?

Yes, many music theory YouTube channels specialize in specific instruments, offering lessons that tailor music theory concepts to the unique context of an instrument, such as guitar, piano, or violin. Look for channel names or descriptions that mention your instrument of interest for more targeted learning.

Can I find music theory channels that offer content in languages other than English?

Absolutely, there are music theory YouTube channels providing content in various languages, catering to a global audience. Use search terms in your preferred language, such as “teoría musical en español” or “musiktheorie auf Deutsch,” to find channels that offer instruction in your language.

What’s the best way to utilize music theory YouTube channels alongside traditional music lessons?

To complement traditional music lessons with YouTube channels, look for content that reinforces or expands upon the concepts you’re learning in your lessons. Use YouTube lessons as a supplementary resource for revising challenging topics, exploring areas of interest in greater depth, or practicing with additional exercises and examples.