Open Music Theory

Spec sheet

Audience

The site describes the textbook as intended for college-level music theory courses.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmusictheory.github.io

Founded

2014Read 28 Sep 2026 · openmusictheory.github.io

Analysis layer limit

A page on applied chords states that Trinket supports only one layer of lyrics or harmonic analysis.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmusictheory.github.io

Customization

The about page says users can fork the GitHub project and edit, add, or remove text, graphics, videos, and the HTML and CSS theme.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmusictheory.github.io

Download option

The about page says individual files can be downloaded for conversion into classroom handouts.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmusictheory.github.io

Interactive notation

The book includes interactive music notation modules built with technology supported by Trinket.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmusictheory.github.io

Notation limits

The Trinket guide says the tool supports a limited set of musical features to keep notation simple.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmusictheory.github.io

Open license

The textbook is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, which permits use, modification, distribution, and sale with attribution and the same licensing terms for derivatives.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmusictheory.github.io

Publisher and editors

The textbook is published by Hybrid Pedagogy Publishing under editors Robin Wharton and Kris Shaffer.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmusictheory.github.io

Reference style

The pages are intended as a quick reference alongside musical activity, with minimal graphical and audio examples.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmusictheory.github.io

Teaching approach

The textbook is designed to support active student engagement and is used by its original authors in flipped courses.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmusictheory.github.io

Topics

The table of contents includes fundamentals, voice-leading, harmony, form, post-tonal music, pop and rock music, and text and music.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmusictheory.github.io

Trinket embedding

The site says Trinkets can be added to websites that support iFrames and that several are embedded in Open Music Theory.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmusictheory.github.io

What it is

Open Music Theory is an open-source, interactive online textbook for college-level music theory courses.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmusictheory.github.io

Plans and prices

Every Open Music Theory plan and price →

Where Specifiction places it

• Music Theory Software#22 of 277.3