Music Theory 101

Created by Berklee Online and written by longtime Berklee professor Paul Schmeling, this course grounds fundamental harmony in modern contemporary styles rather than classical chorales. The weekly curriculum moves systematically through major and minor keys, interval construction, triad inversions, and seventh chords, applying each concept directly to popular lead sheets and chord charts. Ear players will appreciate that the lessons focus on how harmony functions in blues, pop, and jazz songwriting. No prior music theory knowledge is required, though knowing where notes sit on your primary instrument helps you immediately test each assignment by ear.