Hi Everyone,

I took my Grade 5 theory exam in June and have just received my results. I passed, but by the skin of my teeth. The lower marks were in the area's that I expected them to be, so I'm not surprised by my result.

However, it has made me think; maybe I would like to work towards the higher grades. To be honest, I only did grade 5 so that I could move on to grade 6 piano. Theory hasn't really ever done anything for me.

I think its my iffy result that has spurred me on to think that maybe I should work on the higher theory grades, although having had a brief look at them, I'm not sure I'd know where to start.

Has anyone got any advice or suggestions on whethere there is any merit in doing grade 6-8 theory, or what the best way to work on my skills is?

Many Thanks,

Ant

As my grandfather would say :
grades 6-8 is a waste of time, all you learn about is the history of composers.

Before you move on I'd suggest going back over the grade 5 and making sure that you really understand it and can complete past papers with somewhere close to 90 (or higher).

Up to grade 5 is the basic 'nuts and bolts' theory that you will need to know before moving on.
The later grades are quite different and you'll benefit form a sound understanding up to grade 5 if you want to continue.
If you are interested then go for it, nothing you learn is a waste of time. I did grades 6-8 because I wanted to and for no other reason.
(And you don't need an awful lot of history of composers.....mostly need to know where they fit in history)
The first thing my teacher had me do was a set of grade 5 papers to prove that I hadn't forgotten anything (I got 98 for my grade 5)

I really enjoyed doing grade 6 theory last year. And I shall go on studying, with a view to getting grade 8 eventually.

Hello Cello, your grandfather is wrong. The biggest piece of new learning for me with grade 6 theory was a great deal more about harmony, chord voicing, harmonic progressions and so on.

I found it to be very helpful indeed for my music generally. Ant lee, if you're interested, go for it!

Well
thats his view on it

The higher grades of theory are very interesting. It would certainly be of benefit to your piano studies. If you "wannabe" a piano teacher in the future you would need Grade 6 Theory as a prequisite in order to take the DipABRSM in teaching in any case.

As has already been said, make sure your nuts and bolts of basic Grade 5 theory are in place before you move on though. Have a good chat with your piano teacher about it. Have fun!

Not just slightly wrong but positively wrong: Perhaps the best refutation of your grandfather is the first paragraph of the theory syllabus (the whole of which can be found here: ABRSM Theory syllabus. )

I quote: " Theory of Music examinations aim to give students opportunities to acquire a knowledge of the notation of western music (including the signs and terminology commonly employed), skill in constructing balanced rhythm patterns or completing given melodic or harmonic structures, and an understanding of the fundamental elements of western music, including the nature of intervals, keys, scales and chords. Candidates are assessed on their ability to identify, use and manipulate conventional music symbols, to complete musical extracts and to answer questions relating to the elements of music within the parameters detailed below"

. . . and there follows the syllabus grade by grade.

You will require knowledge of musical styles from different periods: Grade 7 specifically mentions the period 1620-1790 and grade 8 mentions Baroque and "the time of Haydn onwards" but only in relation to musical styles: There really is not one syllable devoted to the history of composers.

I share the same views as sbhoa and katyjay. I'm doing the later grades because I want to, and I enjoy the theory side to music as much as the practical. And Robodoc is quite right too.

My tutor often asks me why I'm "Bothering" with Gde 8 seeing as I have my Diploma. OK, some of the OU and AB syllabi overlap, but they both have different things to say too, therefore helping me to reinforce what I've learnt before. Plus, I've started so I'll finish!

Try Grade 6 at least and see how you get on.

Good advice. Theory is great and worthwhile. It deepens your understanding.

I am taking the yamaha electone/organ syllabus. I don't even need the theory.
But I enjoy having a better knowledge and understanding music better than mere playing.
The plus side, it helps me to sightread organ chords better than my classmates who don't do theory.

Take a look at the higher grade stuff. It's not as daunting. Preceding grades give you a foundation for the later grades. So get your foundation sound first.

I'm almost there...Grade 8!
Bravely, i trudge on:)