Having taken grade 5 in November, I'm just beginning to miss that little bit of theory in my life.

I learnt the grade 5 through a club at school, and there isn't one for beyond grade 5. I'm in the process of finding a teacher with whom to restart piano lessons, so it's possible they'd teach it, but otherwise I'll be on my own.

Is grade 6 a huge jump from grade 5 and has anyone successfully taught themself?
thanks.

I think the answers are Yes and Yes though I don't think I'd have done too well without a teacher.

Like you i have progreesed from grade 5 to 6 . I've only just got the theory book but it does look a different kettle of fish to previous grades . The playing pieces are also quite a step up. I started to learn one of the pieces on my own but when i played what I'd taught myself to a tutor she ripped me apart ( quite rightly) . I don't think i could do it without a tutor . Best of luck with it
Bob - Nottingham

This is what I'm trying to do!! Like you I did grade 5 in November and wan to carry on with theory, but can't really find anyone/anywhere to teach grade 6!!

I've got the ABRSM books (Music Theory in Practise, Workbook and The AB Guide to Music Theory) and am slowly working my way though. So far I've kind of got the hang of figured bass and writing chords to harmonise a melody...the only problem that I've found is that no one can check my work to see if I'm doing it right!!

I think what I might do is work through it myself (which seems possible, although hard, especially as I've got a stupid amount of school things to do as my exams are coming up!) and then do a couple of practise papers and see if I can run it by my music teachers at school or something...

You didn't say how old you were, but if you're at a-level age, then you may be thinking of taking music at a-level, and would learn a lot of grade 6 theory there.

Good luck - I'm sure you'll be able to do it so long as you keep at it!!

Laura

I did grades 6 and 7 on my own, so it is possible. You can get past papers with model answers now, so you can check your answers. The Anna Butterworth Harmony in Practice books are really helpful for the higher theory grades - expensive but well worth it IMHO. Grade 6 is quite a jump up from grade 5, but I didn't find a huge gap between that and grade 7 or indeed up again to grade 8 - a bit like the jumps between the earlier grades - just adding more detail to what you already know.

Good luck

Sue

PS We need a pencil chewing smilie for theory!

Thanks everyone - I'll order the books and at least have a go...placing a musicroom order will give me an excuse to buy some more sheet music too.

Singerpianist I'm in year 11 and considering doing music...at the moment I'm thinking I won't, but I change my mind at least twice a week so it's still a possibility!