Windows:

Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8 / 10
2.2GHz CPU, 2GB RAM
OpenGL-capable video card and driver
300 MB of hard drive space
Headphones recommended
Microphone recommended
Internet connection required for activation.

macOS:

10.9 or later
2.2GHz CPU, 2GB RAM
300 MB of hard drive space
Headphones recommended
Microphone recommended
Internet connection required for activation

iPad:

iOS 10.9 or later
Headphones recommended

Are you new to music theory and ear training?  You should probably go through our step-by-step 9-grade interactive course.  Just click Start on the home screen and we’ll gradually guide you through the concepts, from beginner to advanced.

Are you an advanced student or a teacher?  You can probably unlock all the content (see next question) and then use the Activities screen to jump to a grade and subject of interest, or the Practice screen to dive right into exercises

 Absolutely, but are you sure that you want to do that? Music Theory Tutor is designed to guide you through the material step by step.  Try not to skip ahead until you are comfortable with the material in each grade.  Still interested in skipping ahead?  Go the Settings screen and the click on the Activities tab.  Now, click Unlock Next Grade or Unlock all Content, depending on what you want to do.

Music Theory Tutor is designed to be both a tool for learning music theory and for ear training. We believe that by combining these two areas, the learning experience is more immersive and effective for most people. On the other hand, we realize that some are only interested in music theory. So, there is always an option to skip ear training exercises or tests that contain ear training questions. Just click Next and then confirm that you want to skip the activity.

Although we recommend using a microphone so that you can get the full learning experience, it is not a requirement.  If you don’t have one plugged in, Music Theory Tutor will just skip over all playing and singing exercises.

You will need an internet connection to activate the software for the first time.  If this is not possible, please get in touch and we’ll figure something out.

Are your speakers on?  Is your system volume setting too low or completely muted?  Can you hear audio from other programs?  If so, go the Settings screen and make sure that the correct output device is selected on the Devices tab.  You can click Test to ensure that the selected device works.

To answer tapping questions, you just need to tap a key on your computer keyboard (desktop version) or tap the screen (iPad), in the correct rhythm, when prompted.  Any key should work, but the spacebar key is usually the most comfortable.

Does input not seem to work at all?  Go to the Settings screen and make sure that the correct input device is selected on the Devices tab.  Clap your hands and make sure that the input level indicator moves.

Does input seem to work but is not accurate?  Here are some ideas:

• Make sure that the input level indicator moves at least half way when you clap your hands while on the Devices tab of the Setting screen.   If this is not the case, increase input sensitivity in your system sound settings.  For example, on Mac OS X you could do this by going to:  System Preferences | Sound | Input.
• Try to sing or play louder.
• If you are in a noisy environment, try using an external microphone or a headset with a built-in mic.
• If you are using Mac OS X, try to enable “Ambient noise reduction” in the Input Sound Settings
  ( System Preferences | Sound | Input )

Yes!  If you have a guitar interface, you should be able to select it as an input device.  You can also play your guitar (or any instrument) into the microphone. Music Theory Tutor uses pitch and rhythm detection to understand what you are playing and give you instant feedback.

Not at this time, but you can also play your keyboard (or any instrument) into the microphone. Music Theory Tutor uses pitch and rhythm detection to understand what you are playing and give you instant feedback.