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musictheory.net review

Free browser exercises for note, interval, scale and chord identification on staff, keyboard, fretboard and by ear.

By the HearSmart research desk · Updated November 8, 2026

Performance (40%)
6.6
Ease of use (25%)
8.9
Value (35%)
9.4

musictheory.net is the simplest free place to start. Its exercises run in a browser with no download, and the ear training section covers keyboard ear training, where you hear a note and press the matching piano key, plus note, interval, scale and chord ear training. The same site offers identification and construction drills on the staff, keyboard and fretboard, so students can connect what they hear with what they read. Teachers get two useful tools: an Exercise Customizer that creates a permanent link to a set exercise, and a Code Checker that validates verification codes students submit after practice. Everything is free, and the site asks users who find it helpful to buy its Tenuto app. The limits are depth and structure: there are no courses, no progress path and no rhythm or dictation drills, so it works best as a supplement or for a quick warm-up.

Who it is for

Students and teachers who want free, no-signup ear and theory drills in a browser.

Price

Free online exercises.

Our exercises are provided online for free.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 8, 2026.

Key features

  • Ear training for notes, intervals, scales and chords
  • Keyboard Ear Training: hear a note and press the piano key
  • Staff, keyboard and fretboard identification drills
  • Exercise Customizer to create permanent links to set exercises
  • Code Checker to validate exercise verification codes

Strengths and weaknesses

  • Strength: Completely free in any browser
  • Strength: Teachers can share customized exercises by link
  • Strength: Mixes ear training with written theory drills
  • Weakness: Ear training covers single notes, intervals, scales and chords only
  • Weakness: No courses, progress path or rhythm drills
  • Weakness: Offline use needs the paid Tenuto app

Key facts

  • Price: Free
  • Ear training drills: Keyboard, note, interval, scale and chord
  • Teacher tools: Exercise Customizer and Code Checker
  • Offline app: Tenuto for iPhone and iPad
  • Maker: musictheory.net, LLC

Where it ranks

musictheory.net is No. 6 in our Best Ear Training Apps verdict.

Alternatives we scored

Visit musictheory.net · Questions or corrections: editorial@hearsmart.org