Looking for some new YouTube channels to learn music theory? There are loads of video creators who have whole channels dedicated to helping you read music and understand what is actually going on.
I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite channels I recommend to students just getting started but also creators that I watch and learn from myself. Let me know who I’ve missed off!
1. David Bennett
First, I thought I’d share with you David Bennet and his YouTube channel as I’ve really been enjoying a number of his videos lately.
He does some really interesting videos analyzing songs and the theory behind them, as well as lists of songs that use a particular theory concept or idea and some really unique ones like his Music Theory Iceberg Explained.
Other videos of his that I would recommend are:
- 14 Songs That ‘Rip Off’ Classical Music
- Why Does Music Only Use 12 Different Notes?
- Music theory concepts ranked by importance
Definitely worth checking out and subscribing for both entertaining videos and to learn something. He explains and breaks down the theory very simply and his editing definitely helps to make it more accessible.
2. Adam Neely
For the more advanced music theorists, I’d highly, highly recommend Adam Neely and his YouTube channel.
I mean, check out the video above where he analyzes a key change in a Celine Dion song (and uncovers the history of the song, which is actually based on a piece by Rachmaninoff!)
He’s a content machine and has published well over 300 videos covering all sorts of topics, from music theory to copyright infringement. Some of my favorites include:
- Offbeat Triplets (the “un-performable” rhythm)
- The 7 Levels of Jazz Harmony
- The Girl From Ipanema is a far weirder song than you thought
It’s definitely on the more advanced side of music theory, and I’m a regular watcher of his videos. A lot of it goes over my head on first viewing, but he explains things in a very succinct, albeit fast-paced way that is engaging and very entertaining to watch.
3. Rick Beato
Rick Beato is always coming up in my YouTube-recommended videos. I almost always watch them, and I never regret it.
While he covers a lot of different topics, and it’s probably fair to say he’s mainly focused on guitar content and songwriting, he has some really good videos on music theory. Check out the video above, for example.
Some of his theory videos I’d recommend include:
- One Hour of Music Theory Basics!
- Music Theory for Songwriting in 30 Minutes
- How To Find The Key Of Any Song Fast
But I’d also recommend his series, where he breaks down songs and analyzes why they’re good. I always learn something from those.
4. Michael New
Up next, we have Michael New’s YouTube channel. He’s a very good educator and does a fantastic job of breaking down complex topics and making them seem very simple.
For example, check out the video above, where he explains the circle of fifths. He answers loads of specific questions that you might have, as well as covering how rhythm works, how to write and read music, and a lot of videos on harmony.
Other videos of his that I’d recommend watching are:
Okay, so the video quality isn’t as great, and there’s no fancy editing, but I actually prefer it. Definitely a channel worth checking out, and I can guarantee that you’ll learn something.
5. Andrew Huang
For those of you looking to learn music theory to help with making your own music, then you need to head over to Andrew Huang’s channel. You won’t be disappointed.
He does a really good job of teaching music theory from the perspective of making your songs better. Check out the video above and you’ll see what I mean.
Some videos that I enjoyed and would recommend are:
- How to get started making music
- Why pop music is obsessed with this one note
- The most mind-blowing concept in music (Harmonic Series)
I also love his music. Really makes me want to start writing again.
6. Music Theory Guy
If you’re looking for a channel that covers more basic music theory then I’d recommend you take a look at Stephen Wiles’s YouTube channel, Music Theory Guy.
He explains things very simply, and you can tell he’s been a music tutor for a long time.
He has a large catalog of videos across all the fundamental topics. Some I’d recommend watching are:
- Transposition: Part 1 (The Basics)
- Chords Part 7: Cadences
- Creating the Circle of Fifths – A Beginner’s Guide
The sound and video quality are fine although they seem a bit dated now. Some of these videos were filmed 15 years ago so it’s understandable. Still, he’s a great educator and there is a lot of very valubale music lessons here so check it out.
7. Dave Conservatoire
Another good place to start with learning music theory is over at Dave Conservatoire. With over 250 videos covering all the music theory topics you could think of, I’m almost certain there will be a video for you.
As well as all the basics, it also covers some more advanced music theory and other topics like using Muse Score, which is a free music notating software, and improvisation.
It looks like it’s not being kept up to date anymore which is a shame, but still, a good channel with great lessons.
8. Lypur
I really enjoyed watching this guy’s music lessons. I mean look at his shirt collar!
He’s slightly eccentric but knows what he’s talking about, and with over 50 videos on music theory, he’s really put some work into these videos.
The downside is that the quality of the videos is quite bad, and they don’t have great lighting. It hasn’t aged very well.
The labelling is not good either, so you can’t see what the video is about by the title, which is quite annoying. Still, definitely worth a watch, as he’s a good teacher and you might vibe with him.
9. Music Matters
Up next we have Music Matters which is a website and youtube channel put together by Gareth Green and Alex Shore.
They have a series of premium music theory courses, taking you step by step through each ARBSM grade. But there’s also courses on practicing, composing and lots of other topics.
Their YouTube channel, though, is full of loads of free videos and snippets from their courses that they present as tips.
They also have videos on scales and arpeggios as well as composition, aural, and lots of other useful topics for anyone learning an instrument.
10. Hello Music Theory
And finally, a shameless plug. I’ve always wanted to have my own YouTube channel but finding the time to run this website takes a lot of time and I haven’t focussed on the YouTube side of things.
This is going to change though. I’ve started working with a video editor and filming a lot more content for my courses and once we’ve got that together, I’ll start publishing some stuff to YouTube.
I’d love it if you’d subscribe so that when we start publishing videos in 2024 you can watch them and give your feedback. Subscribe below.
What’s Your Favorite?
Anyway, that’s it for my list of good YouTube channels for learning music theory. What do you think of my list?
Have I missed a channel that you think should be on it? Let me know, as I’d love to check them out!
