Hi everyone,

I need some small advice, and I'd appreciate your valuable suggestions. I am currently learning the violin grade 1 under ABRSM, and I am about to begin the violin grade 1 theory.

My question is: which books should I buy for theory?

In the online shopping section of abrsm.org, I found 3 text books:

"first steps in music theory" by Eric Taylor
"The AB guide to music theory,part 1" by Eric Taylor
"Music theory in practice,grade 1" by Eric Taylor.

I am really confused. Which ones should I buy? What's the difference between these 3 books?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

-Gundu

The first one, and the last one.

The first one is a textbook, grades 1-5, as is the second one. But the first is far easier to understand, especially if you are working on your own.

The third is a practice book, with questions for you to answer to get ready for the exam. You may also want the answer book. I actually prefer theory time (David Turnbull) for students working on their own as it has the answers on the next page to help you self check.

Have fun!!

Though your teacher may have a favourite workbook.

And it's general music theory, not just violin related.

Hi there. I'm self taught in theory to grade 5 a few years ago, I just bought the AB Guide to Music Theory part 1 book and a load of practice papers and worked through it laboriously. I found it very hard but got there in the end. The First Steps in Music Theory wasn't around then. I've bought it since and think it's much better to learn from, I wish I'd had it years ago. The Music Theory in Practice books are very helpful but not enough on their own I think. I'd say get all three eventually if you are planning to work through the grades, but for now the first and last ones will be really useful to you. Just my humble opinion. Good luck!

Hey Sboa and Sunrise,

Thanks a lot for your help

You are most welcome! And welcome to the forums from another violinist....

last but not least... kate morris, that was really useful...

thanks!

I'm sure you're aware of this, but bear in mind it's not really 'violin grade 1 theory', it's just 'grade 1 theory', you still have to learn about things like bass clef etc.