The Best Music Theory Apps (Guide)

Learn music theory with ease and discover the best apps to boost your skills and reach your musical potential. Music theory helps musicians understand how music works. Whether you're a beginner or experienced, learning music theory can enhance your abilities. Thanks to technology, many apps make it easier to grasp key concepts and improve your musical skills. Below are some of the best music theory apps to support your learning. Images are for educational purposes and belong to their respective apps.

The Importance of Music Theory Apps

Learning music theory can seem daunting, with many different topics and concepts. However, with the help of music theory apps, you can make the learning process more enjoyable and convenient. These apps provide various exercises, lessons, and quizzes covering multiple aspects of music theory. Whether you're looking to improve your note recognition, chord progressions, or ear training, there's an app out there to suit your needs. 

Our Top Picks for Music Theory Apps 

We have gathered recommendations from students, teachers, and musicians to compile our list of the best music theory apps. Without further ado, here are our top picks for music theory apps: 

1. Tenuto – musictheory.net 

Tenuto app icon with a happy face made of music notes.

One of the most highly recommended music theory apps is Tenuto by musictheory.net. This app offers comprehensive exercises covering chord recognition, interval ear training, scale construction, and accidental calculators that can be used offline and on multiple devices. Tenuto is a favourite among teachers and students. Priced at just £3.99, it provides excellent value for money.

You can get the Tenuto iPhone app here.

2. Theory Lessons – musictheory.net

Red background Music theory lessons app

Another fantastic app by musictheory.net is Theory Lessons. This app features 39 animated lessons that cover everything from the basics to more advanced music theory concepts. With its visually appealing images and clear explanations, Theory Lessons is an invaluable tool for beginners and intermediate learners. Priced at £2.99, it offers exceptional quality and usefulness. 

Feel free to download the theory lessons iPhone app here.

3. Music Theory Pro – Joel Clifft

Gold treble clef on a blue stave gradient background – music theory app icon.

Music Theory Pro, developed by Joel Clifft, is a popular app downloaded over 130,000 times. It offers a range of games, lessons, and a challenge mode to help you perfect your theory and ear training skills. With its sleek design and user-friendly interface, Music Theory Pro appeals to musicians of all levels. It is available on iOS and Android, making it accessible to a broader audience. Priced at £3.99, it is an excellent investment in your musical education. 

Get the Music Theory Pro iPhone app here.

4. Music Theory Basics – Patrick Q. Kelly

Treble clef on stave with piano keys and 'Basics' text on brown background.

For those looking to learn and practice the basics of music theory, Music Theory Basics by Patrick Q. Kelly is an excellent choice. This iOS app offers five modules covering notes, keys, intervals, chords, and rhythms. Priced at £7.99, it provides comprehensive content for dedicated learners. 

Check out the Music theory basics app.

5. Music Theory Trainer – ABRSM

White book with music symbols on red background and 'ABRSM' text.

Music Theory Trainer Works is an official app by ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music). This app has over 6000 music theory questions designed to test your knowledge in various areas. While it works great on tablets, some exercises may appear small on mobile devices. Despite minor glitches, Theory Works is still considered a valuable resource for music theory learners. Priced at £4.99, it offers a wealth of content for a reasonable price. 

The ABRSM Music theory trainer app is available on Google Play and the iPhone app store.

Finding the Best Music Theory App for You 

With so many music theory apps available, finding the one that suits your learning style and preferences can be challenging. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a music theory app.

Features

You should look for apps that offer exercises, lessons, and quizzes to cover different aspects of music theory.

User-Friendliness

Choose apps with intuitive interfaces and clear instructions to make your learning experience enjoyable. 

Compatibility

Ensure the app is available on your preferred platform (iOS, Android) and compatible with your device. 

Price

Consider the app's pricing and the value of the features provided. By considering these factors and trying out different apps, you can find the best music theory app that aligns with your learning goals and preferences. Music theory apps are valuable tools for musicians of all levels. They provide a convenient and engaging way to learn and practice music theory concepts. Whether you want to improve your note recognition, ear training, or understanding chord progressions, an app can help you achieve your goals. By incorporating these apps into your learning routine, you can unlock your musical potential and deepen your understanding of the language of music.

Up Next: How Music Theory Applies to Different Instruments

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