
Hooktheory is a music education technology company that builds software and interactive learning materials to help musicians create music and deeply understand music theory. Their key products include Hookpad, a musical sketchpad that uses AI and data from over 40,000 songs to assist in songwriting and music creation, interactive music theory books that teach music concepts intuitively with audiovisual examples, Chord Crush for ear training with real songs, and Classroom teaching modules for educators. Founded by PhD holders from UC Berkeley, Hooktheory leverages technology and data-driven insights to make music theory accessible and engaging for hobbyists and professionals alike. The company has a strong community and educational focus, validated by over 30,000 musicians worldwide, and is recognized for its innovative approach to music learning and songwriting assistance.

Hooktheory is a music education technology company that builds software and interactive learning materials to help musicians create music and deeply understand music theory. Their key products include Hookpad, a musical sketchpad that uses AI and data from over 40,000 songs to assist in songwriting and music creation, interactive music theory books that teach music concepts intuitively with audiovisual examples, Chord Crush for ear training with real songs, and Classroom teaching modules for educators. Founded by PhD holders from UC Berkeley, Hooktheory leverages technology and data-driven insights to make music theory accessible and engaging for hobbyists and professionals alike. The company has a strong community and educational focus, validated by over 30,000 musicians worldwide, and is recognized for its innovative approach to music learning and songwriting assistance.
Positioning: Ed‑tech company building interactive tools to teach music theory and aid songwriting
Core products: Hookpad (songwriting sketchpad), TheoryTab (song analysis database), music‑theory books, Chord Crush, Classroom modules
Data asset: TheoryTab community database of songs analyzed by music theory (homepage cites 65k+ songs)
Founders & origin: Founded by Ryan Miyakawa, David (Dave) Carlton, and Chris Anderson from a UC Berkeley DeCal course (2011)
Funding signal: Single recorded non‑equity assistance round; SkyDeck Berkeley listed as lead (2013)
Music education / ed‑tech; songwriting assistance and music‑theory instruction.
2011
Music education; education technology
Admission/participation in UC Berkeley SkyDeck incubator (2013)
“SkyDeck Berkeley (non‑equity assistance / incubator participation, 2013)”