Hi everyone,

I need to get my Grade 8 theory before I can start to think further about the LRSM in Piano Teaching. When I applied for the DipABRSM I had a substitution for the Grade 6 theory as I had taken and passed the OU course A214 back in 1986 - quite a while ago.

I am hoping to be able to teach myself through this exam and I intend to start at Grade 6 for some revision and go from there. However, I find it quite difficult to decide if am 'doing my best' as there are so many possible answers at this level, and I get a bit 'rule bound' if I'm not careful.

For example, the Anna Butterworth Harmony in Practice book gives the advice that the third of a major chord should not be doubled unless it is placed two octaves apart. I then attempted a sample question in the Grade 6 Theory Workbook and found on p8 Question 1a in bar 6 that this rule does not apply. Does it mean that we can break this doubling rule if it avoids consecutive 5ths and allows for some nice passing notes?

Perhaps I will need a teacher to guide me but I wonder if anyone has any advice on self-tuition at this level - which books to use etc. I guess its just a matter of gaining more experience in composition skills.

Many thanks

BB

Just an aside from your question, but have you thought about doing the Grade 8 Practical Musicianship instead of the theory as this is a permitted substitution? One of my pupils did the grade 6 Practical Musicianship in order to gain entry to the DipABRSM (instead of doing grade 6 theory) - it was an interesting exam to work for.

Many thanks Upbeat. I think I would really enjoy the Practical work rather than the theory at my stage where I need to be playing the piano rather than having to do even more written work. It would be a great resource for lessons as well - in getting better at making up accompaniments on the spot and delivering my own aural examples. I've got the grade 1 -5 book so I shall update and get the newest version and the Grade 8. I've heard it's very very difficult though. Just what I need to keep me on my toes and interested!

Cheers

BB

PS Are you working for the LRSM or have you already finished it?

Thinking back many years to when I did harmony at uni, I think they said you should never double the third if at all possible. If you have to choose between doubling the third and consecutive 5ths/8ves, then the doubling of the third is the lesser of the two evils. But there is usually a way round it where you don't have to do either. It may involve juggling some of your other chords though.

If I've remembered it wrong, anyone feel free to correct me - it's been a while!

Also, be careful that your nice passing notes don't create cons 5ths/8ves. Sometimes you can harmonise your passage beautifully, then you go back and add passing notes and suddenly you have cons 5ths/8ves that you never spotted. Or maybe it was just me that happened to!!

Hi Julie,

The example in the theory book I mentioned has some passing notes which would have created consecutive 5ths if the doubled major third (octave Bs in the S & A) had not been used. I will go with your thoughts that a re-juggle of the bar would be a better option. I love theory but harmony is quite a painstaking exercise and I think I will try the practical which may be of more benefit to me long term. I'll see how it goes