A surprising number of world-renowned bands and musicians cannot read music. Michael Jackson, Taylor Swift, Eric Clapton, Lionel Richie, Eddie Van Halen, and even The Beatles have all famously admitted they cannot understand a piece of sheet music.

But if you want to make it in the world of music, or even if you're just playing a musical instrument as a hobby, it's clearly advantageous to be able to understand and read music. And the best part, it's not even that hard!

Here are the best websites where you can learn to read music.

1. WikiHow

If you want an easy-to-digest website that offers a one-stop-shop for learning how to read music, you cannot go far wrong with WikiHow.

The content covers the basics of how sheet music works, then dives into clefs, bass clefs, notes, the parts of a note, meter, timing, rhythm, melody, sharps, flats, naturals, keys, dynamics, and expression.

None of the individual sections go into a massive amount or detail, nor do they offer much information on the theory. However, if you just want an overview or an introduction, WikiHow is one of the best places to start.

2. DataDragon

Another site that offers a brief summary of reading music across of the major touchstones is DataDragon.

The site is not as slick as WikiHow, but we like that it uses real sheet music to provide examples of the points it is discussing, rather than relying on hand-drawn graphics.

In total, there are seven sections for you to dig into. They are clefs, time signatures, types of notes, types of rests, counting, symbols, and shaping.

3. Dolmetsch Online

For those who don't recognize the name, Eugène Arnold Dolmetsch was a French musician and instrument maker who spent most of his life working in England. He died in 1940, but his legacy lives on via his family, who operate the Dolmetsch Online site.

Although the site looks dated, it is still being updated regularly. It is a vast treasure trove of musical information, including an entire section dedicated to how to read music.

Other topics covered on the site include a music dictionary, music theory, downloadable sheet music, and a large number of historical biographies and recordings.

4. MusicTheory.net

MusicTheory.net offers a three-pronged approach to learning how to read music. There are online theory lessons, practice exercises, and an accompanying iOS app that you can use to put the theory into practice on virtual musical instruments.

In total, there are 39 theory lessons for you to explore. They are divided into nine sections: The Basics, Rhythm and Meter, Scales and Key Signatures, Intervals, Chords, Diatonic Chords, Chord Progressions, and Neapolitan Chords.

All the lessons are free to use, but if you are serious about learning and are happy to pay the $3 fee, we'd recommend buying the iOS version of the lessons. They are enhanced with animations and graphics to make the learning process even easier.

The exercises cover topics such as Key Signature Identification, Chord Construction, Fretboard Scales, and much more.

5. ToneSavvy

Previously called eMusicTheory, ToneSavvy has undergone a complete rebrand and redesign in recent times.

It is ideal for teachers who are explaining to pupils how to read sheet music, as well as anyone who is studying reading music and music theory in their own time.

The study sections are divided into two parts: Ear Training Practice and Music Theory Practice. Combined, the two sets of lessons complement each other perfectly.

The Ear Training covers topics such as intervals, chords, scales, and pitch. The theory section digs into interval building, rhythm dictation, paced note names, chord building, and more.

6. Teoria

Teoria will teach you how to read music using a combination of music theory tutorials (in which reading music has an entire section dedicated to it), music theory and ear training exercises, and a music theory reference guide.

The reading music tutorials are split into 16 sections. They are Beats and Measures, Time Signature, Note Value, Dotted Notes and Tie, Rests, Values Shorter Than a Beat, Eighth and Sixteenth Notes, Eighth Note and Sixteenth Note Rests, Triplets, Beat Units, Simple and Compound Meters, Musical Notes, Accidentals, Key Signatures, and Keyboard Notes.

7. 8notes

8notes is already well-known as being one of the best websites for downloading sheet music. But did you know that it also has a significant collection of music lessons and learning resources for you to explore?

There are sections for music theory, licks and riffs, chord charts, tuners and charts, and interactive lessons.

8. Berklee Online

Berklee Online is a global online music school. It offers certificate programs, short-form 12-week courses, and even online music degree programs.

All the courses are aimed at aspiring musicians, so for most of the courses, it will be expected that you already have a small amount of foundational knowledge.

But not all the content is hidden behind a paywall. You can download a set of 12 free lessons to get you started. If you're only looking for an introduction on how to read music and some accompanying theory, it is all you will need.

9. One Minute Music Lesson

As the name suggests, all the courses on this site last for exactly one minute. They are perfect if you want to study while eating your breakfast or sitting on a bus. In total, there are 23 one-minute lessons available.

If you find the lessons valuable, you can upgrade to the two full courses for adult beginners. They are Master Reading Music (a 30-day program) and Learn to Play the Piano (which features live Zoom lessons with a piano expert).

10. YouTube

Finally, how could we ignore YouTube? All the sites we have covered so far are based on text lessons, but for many learners, the video format of YouTube is a much more enjoyable way to understand new skills.

Some of the best channels on YouTube for learning how to read music are Dave Conservatoire, Music Theory Guy, Hello Music Theory, and Lypur.

Are You the Next Mozart?

Well, probably not. But if you spend time working through the lessons contained in these 10 sites, you will at least be able to read the music that Mozart wrote. And hey, that makes you a more proficient musician than John Lennon. Maybe.