ABRSM Music Theory Grade 5

About this course

The course follows the ABRSM Grade 5 syllabus, combining presentations, explanations and demonstrations with written, listening and practical exercises. Learners work individually and in groups, discuss musical concepts, and complete practice questions from ABRSM theory workbooks. Topics include irregular metres, clefs, transposing instruments, key signatures, chord inversions, figured bass and melody writing. Digital resources, including recordings, online videos, mobile applications and Microsoft Teams, may be used to support study inside and outside the classroom.

What you'll learn

• Interpret irregular time signatures and group notes and rests within them.
• Transpose music between treble, bass, alto and tenor clefs.
• Transpose melodies for instruments in B-flat, A and F.
• Write major and minor key signatures containing up to six sharps or flats.
• Identify chords, inversions and figured bass notation.
• Compose an approximately eight-bar melody for an instrument or voice.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners who have studied ABRSM Grade 4 theory or have equivalent knowledge. The intermediate label suggests study beyond foundational theory. Participants need to follow and contribute to discussions in English, complete weekly homework and take part in both individual and group work. Elementary keyboard skills are useful.

• Previous Grade 4 theory study or equivalent knowledge is required.
• Weekly homework and study outside class time are expected.
• Elementary keyboard skills may be useful.
• Learners need to participate in discussions in English.

Before you go

• Bring a pencil and eraser, notebook and manuscript paper.
• Required texts are Eric Taylor’s The AB Guide to Music Theory, Part 1 and ABRSM’s Music Theory in Practice: Grade 5.
• Guidance on accessing online course materials, including recordings and sheet music, is provided during the first session.