When I was little I used to take piano lessons and so I've never worried about my lack of theory knowledge - I always thought it was buried there somewhere and I'd remember it if I needed to... well now I need to know it, and I haven't got the slightest clue - I am 100% at the beginning, and I need to do my grade 5 theory soon! For UCAS points I need to have taken my grade 6 practical by next year!
Also, I would just like to know, so I can be musically literate, and not just for exams... I know I should've learned earlier for this purpose but I just rarely thought of it...
What are some things to do, bearing in mind I don't even read music yet?
Are there any good books people could recommend... what sort of things do I need to learn, etc...
Thanks
Lucy-Lou
*Edit* asked my teacher to hold up any further exams so I can learn the long way now... doubt the UCAS points are worth it...
Full Version: Completely Ignorant.
I would start with a grade 1 workbook and take it form there.
There is also the AB guide to music theory (the pink book is part 1 which covers up to grade 5 and is useful as a reference book alongside the workkbooks).
A teacher to go over anything you are not sure of and to mark work would help. It might also be useful to complete a set of pst papers after completing each workbook.... get them marked so that you can tell whether you have any weak areas you need to go over again before moving on.
There is also the AB guide to music theory (the pink book is part 1 which covers up to grade 5 and is useful as a reference book alongside the workkbooks).
A teacher to go over anything you are not sure of and to mark work would help. It might also be useful to complete a set of pst papers after completing each workbook.... get them marked so that you can tell whether you have any weak areas you need to go over again before moving on.
There are theory books 1-5 (I think 
) called 'Theory is Fun' (ABRSM). Might be useful and not so in depth as the other ABRSM theory books. 
If you get a good teacher, you should come on quickly.
The theory test papers are good for checking what you already know etc.
) called 'Theory is Fun' (ABRSM). Might be useful and not so in depth as the other ABRSM theory books. If you get a good teacher, you should come on quickly.
The theory test papers are good for checking what you already know etc.
If you've passed Grade 5 singing, you must have a fair understanding of some aspects of theory. Things like rhythm and pitch must be installed in your brain already.
When people come to me to pass Grade 5 theory I first of all give them an A4 mindmap of what is needed to know. We then go over the topics that are known about to make them stronger and later the information that they don't know about yet. I've produced plenty of "how to guides" for various theory topics. I can send you a mindmap if you like.
With the right teacher and plenty of work, you could get a good mark on 7th November. It's then full steam ahead for Grade 6 singing next year!
When people come to me to pass Grade 5 theory I first of all give them an A4 mindmap of what is needed to know. We then go over the topics that are known about to make them stronger and later the information that they don't know about yet. I've produced plenty of "how to guides" for various theory topics. I can send you a mindmap if you like.
With the right teacher and plenty of work, you could get a good mark on 7th November. It's then full steam ahead for Grade 6 singing next year!
Regarding the UCAS points - you can get a few - but this is only beneficial if your university offer is a points offer.
But it's still good to do the theory anyway, I found it benefitted me so much, especially now in A Level.
But it's still good to do the theory anyway, I found it benefitted me so much, especially now in A Level.
As Nicki said, the theory would be good for you to do, and i think you have enough time to catch up. However, if you're not intending to study music at uni, you could always opt for Trinity exams who don't need the required theory pass to do the later grades.
A student of mine has just passed her Trinity grade 7 and contacted ucas who have told her that this pass will give her the equivalent of an A level at a D pass which is 55 ucas points.
A student of mine has just passed her Trinity grade 7 and contacted ucas who have told her that this pass will give her the equivalent of an A level at a D pass which is 55 ucas points.
You can see how gr 6-8 theory/practical (pass-distinction) affects how many points http://www.merlinhelpsstudents.com/student...pointstable.asp
(2nd table)
(Grade 6 P = 25, M = 40, D = 45 - practical)
(2nd table)
(Grade 6 P = 25, M = 40, D = 45 - practical)
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