Hello there,

This is my first post on this board... I just wanted to ask if you think it is possible to teach yourself theory, from the ABRSM workbooks? I took grade 5 about 12 years ago and would like to work towards grade 6. What score do you need to pass?

Thanks.

Hello and welcome to the forums! This is the book to get:

http://www.abrsmpublishing.com/publications/1930

Ask any of us if you don't understand something.

The maximum mark is 100. 66 - 79 is a pass, 80-89 is a merit, 90-100 is a distinction.

That's great, thanks for your help. I'm glad I stumbled across this board now!

I'd suggest that if you haven't done any harmony before you work through the ABC of Harmony Book A before working through the grade 6 workbook. This will give you the grounding you need in order to tackle the questions in the workbook (without a teacher you may be making mistakes that you don't know are mistakes otherwise). Book B would be helpful to at least make a start on too before the exam (so that you know what notes of melodic decoration are and how to modulate too): it depends how much you already know and how much of a rush you're in. If you want an additional book for reference 'Harmony in Practice' by Anna Butterworth is useful .

Try using stuff like flashcards as well. They worked for me!