Contrapunctus vs Study Music Theory

Contrapunctus is a free web platform for music theory, composition, and counterpoint study. Its real-time editor shows Roman-numeral and chord analysis while users write, and identifies part-writing errors and non-chord tones. Compositions can use multiple voices, major, minor, or modal contexts, and sampled-instrument playback. The platform includes an interactive edition of Fux’s Gradus ad Parnassum, with species-counterpoint lessons, an AI tutor, and English and Latin text. Community members can create and solve exercises, share solutions, vote, and earn points toward a 15-rank ladder. Educators can create classes, assign lessons, review submissions, and track scores and class averages in a gradebook. Accounts use email or Google, with projects and activity synchronized across devices. Plain and compressed MusicXML can be imported, but MusicXML or MIDI export is not yet shipped. Some imported details may be simplified or dropped, and tutor free-form questions are limited to 25 per account per rolling hour.

Study Music Theory is a service for learning music theory and ear training, with the aim of helping learners play by ear. Its course spans 12 levels and 1,496 interactive lessons, from notes and scales through jazz and orchestration. Ear-training drills cover intervals, chords, and melodies, with difficulty increasing gradually. A microphone trainer listens to what a learner plays and identifies it. Lessons include playable examples on an on-screen keyboard and fretboard, including guitar open-chord shapes. Additional practice tools include transcription, a play-by-ear coach, transposition, a drone, and a practice planner. The service is available on the web, Android, and iOS. Its mobile apps work offline and do not require an account. Progress stays stored locally unless the learner signs in; an optional account can back it up and enable leaderboard participation. The free plan includes the full course and all eight trainers, with no ads or paywalls. The service says it does not use analytics or advertising trackers and does not sell or share data with advertisers or data brokers.