How to choose the best online music theory certificate program: A step-by-step guide
These 4 factors are most important.
Are you getting ready to learn music theory? Are you weighing your options, considering which online program might be best for you out of the plethora that are available? If so, look no further. Read on as a top expert in online education weighs in on all the factors you need to consider—from user interface to instructor quality—so you can make an informed decision that ensures the best possible use of your time and money.
Choose a program with a passionate instructor.
Have you ever watched an informational YouTube video that seemed like it went on forever? Maybe the person who was talking just wasn't that interesting, and it completely failed to capture your attention. You may have even struggled to remember any of the details of the video. Unsurprisingly, one of the most important factors in choosing an online music theory certificate program is the quality of the instructor. Try watching a sample video for the program you’re considering, and see if the instructor seems to be enjoying what they’re teaching. You don’t just want an average person narrating a boring video—you want someone who’s knowledgeable, engaging, and perfectly equipped to give you those light-bulb moments.
Carin Nuernberg, Executive Director of Interlochen Online, says that Interlochen’s online music theory certificate programs perfectly meet this criteria.
“Your instructor, Dr. Andrew Martin Smith, is just like Bill Nye, the Science Guy,” she says. “He is passionate about music theory, and his curiosity for how it works is contagious. You can't help but get excited about what you are learning (watch any of his course overview videos and you will see what I mean!) and how it applies to the music you are listening to or performing. I have worked with a lot of music theory instructors in my career and Dr. Smith is simply the best.”
Choose a program with an easy-to-use interface.
When you’re studying online, you have countless distractions available to you. If the coursework and learning environment are not designed well and become frustrating to use, it is very easy to start scrolling Facebook or Instagram instead of working towards your long-term goals. A good online classroom is set up so that you can learn without confusion and know exactly what you need to be working on.
Once again, Interlochen Online stands out from the competition.
“Interlochen Online's music theory certificate program gives you a beautifully designed curriculum that is fun, engaging, and supportive, with great ways to interact with Dr. Smith on a schedule that works for you,” says Nuernberg. “The learning environment is also simple to navigate, whether from your phone or laptop. Plus, if you need it, you can receive technical support from a real person who genuinely cares about your educational experience.”
Choose a program with real-life applications.
Studying music theory can feel very academic, like analyzing a poem in English class or an algebraic equation in math class. The best music theory programs show you the relevance of what you are learning. No matter how much brain power you spend on learning a concept, the real heart of the subject is understanding each composition’s emotional depth so you can play it to the best of your ability. Look for a program that prides itself in teaching the real-world relevance of music theory, and pay attention to any student reviews you can find while you’re at it.
“What I love about Interlochen Online's Music Theory Basics certificate program is that the courses consistently give you a way to apply what you are learning, so the theory does not feel abstract but really relevant to the musical contexts you are in,” says Nuernberg.
Choose a program with a reputation for excellence.
Sure, you could patch together an online course from videos you find on different websites. But doing so could also lead to going down a rabbit hole and losing lots of valuable time. Unless the program you’re looking at has a long-standing reputation for excellence, it can be really hard to determine the quality (or even accuracy) of the videos you’re watching. Plus, if you’re working on building a résumé of your accomplishments, it’s important to consider what your learning experience tells the world. How will potential employers or educational institutions view your hard-earned certificate?
“Interlochen has been teaching music theory for almost 100 years and from its founder Joseph Maddy to present day, it has always been rooted in excellence in artistic instruction, which carries over to everything that Interlochen Online does,” says Nuernberg. “Studying with Interlochen Online is simply the best way to learn music theory online—its quality ensures you learn all that you need to be a great communicator and performer of music, and it tells the world that you are committed to excellence in the process.”
Interlochen Online is a year-round source of expert online arts education, offering opportunities for children, teens, and adults to develop and nurture their artistic abilities. Whether through four-week courses, certificate programs, or private lessons, you can experience Interlochen’s world-renowned training in an online environment that fosters creativity, confidence, and collaboration.
How does Interlochen Online work? Start a free course demo.
✔ | Expert Faculty Receive direct, personalized feedback from a professional artist. |
✔ | Real Growth Develop artistic skills that are important to you in 30 days. |
✔ | Collaborate Connect with peers and instructors on your projects—or just for fun. |
