Music Theory for People who Hate Music Theory

The No-BS Guide to Understanding Music Without Wanting to Throw Your Instrument Out the Window

What you'll learn

• Apply essential music theory concepts directly to songwriting, enhancing your compositions
• Read basic music notation and analyze popular songs to uncover the theory behind their appeal
• Craft catchy melodies and chord progressions that grab listeners' attention possibilities

Requirements

• A desire to improve your songwriting, an open mind, and a willingness to explore new concepts in a practical, hands-on way.
• No prior music theory knowledge needed - we start from the basics!
• Basic familiarity with any instrument is helpful but not required.
• We'll cover just enough music reading to get you going, no fluency required.

Description

Finally! Music Theory That Doesn't Make You Want to Quit Music

Let's be honest—you've tried learning music theory before. Maybe you made it through a few lessons before your eyes glazed over. Maybe you hurled your textbook across the room. Or maybe you've been avoiding it entirely because you've heard how mind-numbing it can be.

I get it. Traditional music theory education SUCKS sometimes.

Hi, I'm J. Anthony Allen, and I've witnessed countless talented musicians give up on theory because of how it's typically taught. That's why I created this course—to take this bitter pill of musical medicine and coat it in enough chocolate that you'll actually enjoy taking it.

This Isn't Your Grandma's Music Theory Class

Forget dusty textbooks and pretentious terminology. I've designed this 6-hour masterclass specifically for people who:

• Have tried learning theory before and gave up in frustration
• Know they need theory but have been actively avoiding it
• Are allergic to traditional academic approaches
• Want practical applications, not abstract concepts
• Need someone to explain it like they're a normal human being

Why This Course Is Different

• No Pretentious BS: I explain everything in plain English, not academic jargon
• Practical First, Theory Second: Every concept is immediately connected to making actual music
• Built for Modern Musicians: Designed for today's producers, beatmakers, and songwriters—not 18th-century composers
• Visual Learning: See concepts demonstrated on piano, guitar, and in DAWs
• Humor Throughout: Because if we can't laugh while learning, what's the point?

What You'll Actually Learn

The Only Basics That Actually Matter

• The building blocks every musician needs (without the fluff)
• Why the Circle of Fifths isn't actually complicated
• How to understand keys without wanting to stab yourself with a pencil

Chords That Don't Make You Snore

• Building chords that sound good (without memorizing formulas)
• The chord progressions behind 90% of hit songs
• How to break chord "rules" and sound like a genius

Melody, Rhythm, and Arrangement

• Creating melodies that stick without overthinking
• How rhythm and harmony work together in the real world
• Using scales effectively without memorizing dozens of patterns

Putting It All Together

• Analyzing hit songs with your new theory knowledge
• Creating your own music using what you've learned
• Next steps that won't make you want to quit music

Why Learn From Me?

With over a million students taught and an average rating above 4.7, I've developed an approach that works for normal humans, not just music theory nerds. I'm a Ph.D. musician who speaks plain English, makes terrible jokes, and knows exactly where traditional theory education goes wrong.

My Promise To You

By the end of this course, you'll not only understand music theory—you might actually LIKE it.

This is the course I wish existed when I was learning theory. It's the sh*t sandwich of music education served with enough chocolate that you'll come back for seconds.

Let's transform music theory from your most hated subject to your secret weapon.

Ready to actually enjoy learning theory? Let's do this!

Who this course is for:

• Songwriters, composers, and music enthusiasts of all levels who want to enhance their craft and deepen their understanding of how music works.
• Beginners who have found traditional theory intimidating, intermediates filling knowledge gaps, or self-taught artists ready to level up.
• If you've ever wondered "Why does this song sound so good?" - this course is for you!