Understand music theory essentials and read music competently

MusicIntermediateAnywhere

90 minutes

5 steps

·Intermediate

After 90 min: You'll read standard notation, understand chord progressions, and compose basic melodies.

What you need

Staff paper or notation appPiano or guitar referenceTheory book or appListening to music analyticallyPractice time

The 90-Minute Plan

Learn the staff and notes0–15 min

5 lines, 4 spaces. Treble and bass clefs. Memorize positions. Apps make this faster.

Understand intervals15–35 min

Distance between notes. Unison, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc. Intervals are building blocks of melody.

Master major and minor scales35–55 min

Patterns of whole and half steps. Relative major/minor. Scales are foundation of melody and harmony.

Learn chord construction55–75 min

Major = root + major 3rd + perfect 5th. Minor = root + minor 3rd + perfect 5th. Patterns repeat.

Analyze songs you like75–90 min

Identify chords by ear. Write out chord progressions. Recognize common patterns (12-bar blues, ii-V-I).

Pro Tip

Listening analytically accelerates learning; pause songs and identify chords.

90 min·5 steps

MusicIntermediate

After 90 min: You can identify any major or minor chord by ear and understand why progressions work emotionally.

8,234

see the plan

90 min·5 steps

MusicIntermediate

After 90 min: You can identify verse-chorus-bridge structure and explain why songs are built that way.

6,890

see the plan

90 min·5 steps

MusicBeginner

After 90 min: You can sight-read simple melodies in treble clef at a comfortable pace.

7,120

see the plan

90 min·5 steps

MusicBeginner

After 90 min: You'll sing on pitch, with better breath support, and increased vocal range.

7,800

see the plan