Music Theory Courses

Music theory courses for gamers who want to write music

Music theory is not a secret language. It is a set of tools that explain why the music you love works. These four courses climb one level at a time, so you always know what to learn next, and every level ties the theory back to music you can write yourself.

Where to start

Music Theory 1 is the starting line. You learn rhythm, reading and core theory step by step: pulse and beat, notes and rests, the staff and note names, major and natural minor scales, simple intervals and your first chords. It works even if you have never composed a full track.

Music Theory 2 picks up from there. You learn syncopation and dotted rhythms, treble and bass clef, the scales that show up in games, every triad and seventh chord type, inversions and Roman numerals. Then you can read a game track and see why it works.

Music Theory 3 is real-world theory for your own style: compound meter, rhythms that feel human instead of robotic, modern harmony instead of stock chords, and turning tiny ideas into full melodic themes.

Music Theory Level 4 turns advanced theory into choices you can use: sixteenth-note grooves, odd meters like 5/4 and 7/4, modes and mode mixture for ruins, towns and boss arenas, whole tone and diminished scales, and alto clef.

What you learn

  • How to hear a rhythm and write it down correctly.
  • How to build scales and chords, then use them to shape emotion.
  • How to read a piece of game music and know why it works.
  • How to grow a short idea into a complete, original theme.

Pair it with the books

Levels 1 to 3 follow the same path as The Best Music Theory Book for Beginners 1, 2 and 3. If you like to learn on paper too, the books and the matching workbooks are in Music Theory Books.

How access works

Every course is online and self-paced. Your access arrives by email right after checkout, and nothing ships. Watch on your computer, tablet or phone, and go at your own speed. Each course is a one-time payment, not a subscription.

About Best Music Coach

Dan Spencer is a composer, author and coach. He has 26 million+ views on Music Theory for Gamers, his YouTube channel with 132K subscribers.

Not sure which level fits you? Email support@bestmusiccoach.com and tell us what you already know.