Side by side
Open Music Theory vs Study Music Theory
Both stand on music theory software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Web
Choose Open Music Theory for a free, adaptable college-level resource with broad topic coverage and interactive notation. Its notation tools have defined limits, and readers looking for extensive graphical or audio examples may prefer another format.
Visit Open Music Theory
Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb
Study Music Theory combines structured lessons with ear-training and practice tools, and its listed course is available free. Learners can use the mobile apps offline without an account, while signing in enables progress syncing.
Visit Study Music TheoryThe facts
| Open Music Theory | Study Music Theory | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Web | Android, iPhone, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | openmusictheory.github.io | studymusictheory.com |
| On music theory software | #17 of 27 | #13 of 27 |
Open Music Theory: what it does well
- Covers fundamentals, harmony, form, and several other music theory topics.
- Interactive exercises and harmony tools support study.
- CC BY-SA 4.0 permits use, adaptation, distribution, and sale with attribution.
- Users can edit the project or download individual files for handouts.
What to know first
- Trinket notation supports a limited set of musical features.
- Applied-chord analysis supports only one lyrics or analysis layer.
- Its pages use minimal graphical and audio examples.
Study Music Theory: what it does well
- Course includes 12 levels and 1,496 interactive lessons.
- Free plan includes the full course and eight trainers.
- Mobile apps work offline without an account.
- Includes microphone training and ear-training drills.
- No ads or paywalls on the free plan.
What to know first
- Free trial is not offered.
- Signed-in progress sync and authentication use Google Firebase.
Alternatives to Open Music Theory Alternatives to Study Music Theory The whole list