ABRSM Music Theory Online

As instrumental skills progress, development in music theory and musicianship becomes increasingly important in helping students to perform with sensitivity, understanding, and confidence. ABRSM Music Theory Lessons Online prepare students for exams grades 1-8.

ABRSM Music Theory exams give students a thorough understanding of the building blocks of music, starting with the basics of rhythm and notes, and going on to cover harmony and counterpoint, composition, and broad knowledge of western music, including composers and their works, structure, style, and period.

Each Music Theory paper is marked out of a total of 100 points, with 66 marks required for a Pass, 80 for a Merit, and 90 for a Distinction.

The ABRSM benchmark

A longstanding ABRSM benchmark is to pass Grade 5 Music Theory or above. This exam must be obtained before candidates can enter Grades 6, 7, or 8 Practical exams. The reason for this is a thorough understanding of the elements of music is essential for a full and satisfying performance at these higher grades. With the theoretical knowledge they gain, their score reading and awareness multiples.

Grades 1-3:

• Basics of notation; terms & signs
• The beginning of simple and compound time signatures
• The beginning of  major and minor keys & scales
• Rhythm writing

Grades 4-5:

• The C clef
• Ornaments
• Chords in context
• Transposition

Grades 6-8:

• Increased harmonic vocabulary & modulation
• Four-part writing / keyboard style & figured bass
• Completion of an outline in a given style
• Score reading & focus on context

The Conservatory’s Online Music Theory Lessons consist of weekly 30 or 40-minute lessons OR you can split the time into two 15 or 20-minute lessons weekly. Students will work through the ABRSM theory books, do practice exercises, and practice tests so they arrive at their exam with confidence.