The rhythm writing question in ABRSM Grade 1 is unique because it gives you your first real taste of composition. You're given a two-bar opening and asked to write a two-bar answer — something that feels connected to the start [...]
In ABRSM Grade 2, key signatures and tonic triads go beyond memorisation — the goal is to understand the pattern well enough that you can work anything out from scratch. Once you know how a major scale is built, you [...]
Figured bass is essentially an older way of notating chords, commonly used for writing a continuo part. Where modern notation might use a chord symbol like "C Major," figured bass focuses on the most important element: the bass line. Everything [...]
From 2016 to the beginning of 2020 I worked as a piano and music theory teacher in Togher Music Project in Cork. The project's goal was to provide classes for people with an aptitude for music who had been unemployed [...]
Triplets are one of those topics that look intimidating on paper but make complete sense the moment you hear them. In this video I explain ABRSM Grade 2 triplets from scratch — what they are, why they exist, and exactly [...]
In this lesson, we progress to ABRSM Grade 2 Theory Time Signatures, exploring how rhythm is constructed when using different beat units. While in Grade 1 only crotchets/quarter notes are used as a "denominator" unit of measure for the beat, [...]
In this lesson, we break down the essentials of rhythm for ABRSM Music Theory Grade 1. Understanding the relationship between the pulse, the notation, and the bar / measure is the foundation of all music literacy. We look at how [...]
Question 1 of the ABRSM Music Theory Grade 6 exam tests your ability to harmonize a melody. In option (a) you can use Roman Numerals or modern chord notation; it is also possible to write notes on the staff providing [...]
Reaching ABRSM Theory Grade 5 is a significant milestone for any music student. It is the last of the so-called "lower grades" and the gateway for the higher ones, it presents few challenges but nothing that can't be overcome with [...]
Welcome back to my theory kitchen! Today, we are diving into a fundamental skill for music theory exams: mastering key signatures and tonic triads. Understanding the relationship between these two elements is essential for accurately identifying keys and building stable [...]