Theory Options

[trumpetblower]

Hi, Im grade 5 trumpet and looking to do grade 5 theory but i have just realised what a bad theory teacher my teacher is. I dont want to move teachers but i still want to progress. What can i do. Please help.

[Rainbow]

Try buying some theory books and working through them yourself. First Steps In Music Theory by Eric Taylor gives a grade-by-grade breakdown of most of what you'll need. The AB guides to music theory are also good. Most people on here will be happy to help if you get stuck.

Good luck!

[Trebor]

I dunno how much theory you've done up to this point, but if you're not too far off Grade 5 standard, 'Take Five and Pass First Time' is an excellent book to get you through. It's very exam-oriented - designed to get you through Grade 5 Theory (possibly at the expense of general knowledge) with lots of techniques. Worked for me (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Jen W]

...also, get hold of lots of past exam papers to work through - except for the composition question, you can mark them yourself from the Eric Taylor books...

[helly burnet]

Agree with all the above - Christopher Dunn wrote 'Take Five and Pass First Time' if you need the author. The section on that book on composition is especially useful and teaches you in two pages a failsafe method of coming up with an acceptable composition on the day. Good luck - I passed my Grade 5 theory about three years ago and if I can do it (after vowing I would never be able to) I'm sure you will too even with your teacher situation.

[deviless]

the "theory is fun" books are very good, but i would suggest to use another book and use them on the side if you get stuck, because they aren't much like the actual exams, also work through passed papers for a few months before the exam, it will get you used to the set out, and used to timing urself too. (thats what i did and passed first time! yay!)