As someone who has been in a similar situation as you, here are some options you can explore:
1. Watch a lecture series that focuses on listening to music
I have been watching the following lecture series: Listening to Music with Craig Wright. This is provided as a free resource from Yale on YouTube. It will answer pragmatic questions (e.g. why 88 keys) you may have encountered.
2. Learn through workbook exercises
Believe it or not, the keyboard offers a convenient interface to learning music theory. The individual keys fit in your hand. Pressing on them makes a consistent sound. In many ways, you don't have to worry about the logistics of making noise.
With that being said, by using a simple keyboard (e.g. digital), you can start the following workbook series: Basics of Keyboard Theory by Julie McIntosh Johnson. This series is available on Amazon. You can start with BKTPREP (preparatory) or BKT1 (level one).
The idea here is to learn something new, in each lesson, and then test your knowledge by working through the workbook. What this series does is it focuses on the foundations of Music Theory without throwing you deep in the water. Like math, you don't progress unless you understand where you've been.
3. Learn an instrument with a teacher
Having a teacher will help you tremendously. While they may focus your attention on the instrument, they will also introduce you to music that applies what you are learning in theory. As you progress, you will start to identify patterns the composer uses in their music. This in turn will correlate to what you have learned in music theory.
4. Compose your own music
Just like the workbook exercises above, you will understand music more by writing it. Maybe you came up with a catchy tune while fiddling around with your instrument. What other notes would sound good with it? How should this catchy tune start and end? How can we make it sound unexpected or delightful?
Always have a goal in mind when learning music theory. Many times, that will motivate you to progress further.
1. Watch a lecture series that focuses on listening to music
I have been watching the following lecture series: Listening to Music with Craig Wright. This is provided as a free resource from Yale on YouTube. It will answer pragmatic questions (e.g. why 88 keys) you may have encountered.
2. Learn through workbook exercises
Believe it or not, the keyboard offers a convenient interface to learning music theory. The individual keys fit in your hand. Pressing on them makes a consistent sound. In many ways, you don't have to worry about the logistics of making noise.
With that being said, by using a simple keyboard (e.g. digital), you can start the following workbook series: Basics of Keyboard Theory by Julie McIntosh Johnson. This series is available on Amazon. You can start with BKTPREP (preparatory) or BKT1 (level one).
The idea here is to learn something new, in each lesson, and then test your knowledge by working through the workbook. What this series does is it focuses on the foundations of Music Theory without throwing you deep in the water. Like math, you don't progress unless you understand where you've been.
3. Learn an instrument with a teacher
Having a teacher will help you tremendously. While they may focus your attention on the instrument, they will also introduce you to music that applies what you are learning in theory. As you progress, you will start to identify patterns the composer uses in their music. This in turn will correlate to what you have learned in music theory.
4. Compose your own music
Just like the workbook exercises above, you will understand music more by writing it. Maybe you came up with a catchy tune while fiddling around with your instrument. What other notes would sound good with it? How should this catchy tune start and end? How can we make it sound unexpected or delightful?
Always have a goal in mind when learning music theory. Many times, that will motivate you to progress further.