Learn music
Start with a question, then find a useful entry in theory, instruments, history or the glossary.
Start learning
Choose a direction and find a way to practise.
- First Steps — Where to Begin with MusicHomeFind a starting point that fits you.
- Theory First or Instrument First?HomeConnect theory with playing.
- Practice That Works — Three MovesHomeBuild practice around one specific problem.
Read and keep time
Read the notes and follow the beat.
- The StaffTheoryUnderstand lines and note positions.
- Notating RhythmTheoryRead note and rest durations.
- Metre — Why 3/4 and 4/4 Sound DifferentHomeListen to the difference between metres.
Melody and harmony
Explore how notes relate to each other.
- IntervalTheoryCompare the distance between two notes.
- ScaleTheoryExplore the pitches used in melodies.
- ChordTheoryHear how notes sound together.
Explore instruments
Discover instruments through sound and playing.
- PianoInstrumentsExplore keys, strings and touch.
- Acoustic GuitarInstrumentsLearn how a steel-string guitar works.
- ErhuInstrumentsExplore its two strings and bowing.
Styles and history
Connect musical styles with their time and setting.
- Baroque MusicMusic HistoryExplore opera, concertos and fugues.
- Classical MusicMusic HistoryDiscover phrasing, forms and public concerts.
- Chinese Folk SongMusic HistoryStart with work songs and folk melodies.
Read performance terms
Look up unfamiliar words as you read.
- TempoDictionaryLook up speed and tempo markings.
- DynamicsDictionaryDecode loudness markings in a score.
- LegatoDictionaryUnderstand how notes connect.