Grade 6 Theory (and Above), no grading in presenting the material Options

[Tixylix]

When I first looked at the ABRSM grade 6 theory book I was absolutely flummoxed and actually gave up entirely on the whole idea for about a year. This summer I found a theory tutor who recommended I try the Trinity syllabus, which I did. I worked through the grade 6 and 7 books and was aiming to take my grade 7 this term - but when I contacted the local centre they said they weren't running theory exams this term. Not one to be deterred from my exam furor, I decided to take another look at the grade 6 ABRSM papers and was amazed to find it made sense! Having looked through the books from grade 6-8 I've found that a lot of the same subjects are covered in the Trinity books but in a far more approachable way. If you want to do the ABRSM exams for any specific reason (prerequisite for teaching diplomas for example) then try working through the Trinity grade 6-8 books and see if it makes more sense after that. I got a distinction on the last ABRSM grade 6 past paper I sent to my tutor, and my exam is three and a half weeks away so I'm feeling confident. My last violin teacher always told me to aim for a merit, because then if you get a pass you won't be terribly disappointed and if you get a distinction it's an added bonus, so that's what I'm doing. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

NB: If you're looking at the ABRSM teaching diplomas, grade 8 Trinity is considered equivalent to grade 6 (for DipABRSM) and AMusTCL is considered equivalent to grade 8 (for LRSM). Make of that what you will, but that's what's on the syllabus. I'm planning to do up to grade 8 ABRSM and then switch to Trinity for theory diplomas - though I might consider doing ABRSM theory diplomas if they were offered!

[HanonMum]

I would like to have "Theory is Fun" Grade 6 version.

There is a Grade 6 version. It is called 'Harmony is Fun' and there are three books in the series. I went through them (for fun) when I was preparing for Grade 6. They were good revision for me but they explain wonderfully the key relationships between chords and the writing out chords in root, first and second inversion shapes which (to me) are essential to grasp and manage figured bass.

No - don't give up! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

P.S. I've got them in front of me now. Book One is by Claire Liddell and Maureen Cox, Books Two and Three are by MC and Kate Hewson.

Finally, I have got hold of the Harmony is Fun book 1, 2, 3. It is really comforting to read these books written in simple, easy to understand language after tackling with Harmony in Practice & alike. These HiF books do not cover all you need for G6 above, and they cover many subjects already learnt by the time you have finished the AB's theory G5, and some may find them "too easy" but they are good reference books for me as I can revise and learn something new about harmonisation. Even for my daughter who now shows her interest in doing further theory. (It's the drawings in those workbooks!) I now wish I had had the " Harmony is Fun" books along with other workbooks while we were studying G1 theory through to G5. Oh, better late than never! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Gizzie]

http://www.mymusictheory.com/grade6/

This might help.

It's free step by step lessons with exercises. I've not used it much with my daughter yet, but I'm going to, before paying out for books.

Regards
Gizzie

[BitterSweet]

I will keep touting it everywhere, but I am honestly in love with the Josephine Koh Practice in Music Theory books. They go through the core harmonic content for each of the grades above 5 and then slowly work up in stages to the shape of the AB questions.

I would recommend for anyone starting at 6 after taking 5 to get 'Harmony is Fun' to revise over the basics of chords and inversions, and then use Koh's book for each grade followed by the Theory Workbook to get practice working the questions.

This, alongside HiP as a reference book/additional resource, was the main method I used to teach myself (almost) up to Grade 7, and will do the same to get to grade 8.

[denmark77]

I agree with Bittersweet, the Josephone Koh books for Grades 6 & 7 are much underrated , and I find them indispensable for bridging the gap between the earlier grades and the ABRSM exam requirements. But I also use the white ABRSM Theory Workbooks with the large 6 / 7/ 8 on the front, for exam preparation, once the syllabus has been covered.

A question for those who use Josephine Koh's books Practice in Theory. I have the Grade ^ and Grade 7 books, but has anyone ever found the Grade 8 one ? I have yet to see a copy, and would be very keen to lay my hands on one.

[jm-hamilton]

Try this for Josephine Koh Grade 8 theory

Josephine Koh Grade 8 theory