Grade 1 Music Theory (ABRSM)
A complete course covering the ABRSM Grade 1 Music Theory syllabus.
Course Summary
Grade 1 Music Theory ABRSM
*** UPDATED for the latest ABRSM Syllabus Changes ***
This Grade 1 Music Theory video courses covers the ABRSM syllabus in full.
- Note values of the semibreve/whole note, minim/half note, crotchet/quarter note, quaver/eighth note and semiquaver/16th note
- Rests of the same time values
- Tied notes and dotted notes
- Simple time signatures 2/4, 3/4 and 4/4
- Treble and bass clef notes including sharps and flats
- Major scales and key signatures in the keys of C, G, F and D major
- Tonic triads in the same four keys
- Degrees of the scale and intervals above the tonic
- Frequently used foreign musical terms and symbols, including tempo, dynamics and articulation
Pass your Grade 1 ABRSM Music Theory Exam with Confidence
This grade 1 music theory course covers the topics set out on the ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) syllabus. This is an entry level exam/course and is ideal if you:
... have recently begun learning to read printed music or
... are keen to discover more about how music "works"
Knowing music theory is the key to understanding written music so that you can perform it well, and also helps you to composer your own music and gain a deeper appreciation of the music you love to listen to.
What is the ABRSM?
The ABRSM has a set of eight graded music theory exams which allow you to learn in a guided, logical way, and you can gain internationally recognised qualifications along the way!
Grade 1 is a beginner's level course - the highest level is grade 8, which is roughly equivalent to first year undergraduate level at university.
There are no age/geographical restrictions to taking the ABRSM music theory exams.
There are no pre-requisites for taking any theory exams.
What will I learn?
Please scroll down for the full curriculum! In a nutshell, this level introduces you to the concepts of reading notes in the treble and bass clefs, the different values of notes and rests, major scales and key signatures (in four easy keys), basic chords, counting intervals, and how to construct and write down musical rhythms. You'll also learn some of the most common symbols and terms used in music.
The course uses both UK and USA terminology for notes (crotchets AND quarter notes!)
What's included in the course?
Free copy of the MyMusicTheory Coursebook PDF. This is a comprehensive coursebook which goes into depth for each topic of the course, providing further examples and explanations.
The PDF includes hundreds of exercises for you to practice your skills (answers provided)
The PDF also includes a complete mock test in the style of the real exam
Support from your teacher is available via the message board
Course Curriculum
Victoria Williams
I'm Victoria Williams BA (Hons) Mus, LmusTCL, AmusTCL (Distinction), MISM. I graduated in music, (specialising in musicology), from the University of Leeds. I hold two diplomas in music theory from Trinity College London, and Grade 8 Composition (Distinction) from LCM.
I have enjoyed over fifteen years' of experience teaching music theory, with an emphasis on exam preparation, to students around the globe.
All the materials have been tried and tested on real human students, and have proven themselves to be effective - my students generally gain top marks in their exam (and so can you!)
