Revising for music theory exams...

Becca · 28-09-2008, 04:46 PM

... I'm doing my grade 4 in November and was wondering if anyone here had ever used anykind of revision guide, for any exams, not just music?

I'm really behind on the syllabus so need to be ultra organised for any revision, assuming I can keep myself stable enough to actually do it.

Any ideas? I've never used one before.

x
Becca

Schleier von Dunst · 28-09-2008, 04:48 PM

CGP books are good for GCSE exams and what have you, but for Music theory (ABRSM?) the best you can use really is the Music theory in practice (or whatever they're called) the grade 4 one, plus use the AB Guide to Music theory book 1 (pink) for grade four

hope that helped

p.s. if you need a hand, I have grade 5, PM me

The One Who · 28-09-2008, 04:51 PM

Oh I remember music theory exams, hated them so much. You can get lots of books from the exam board, or your tutor might have some and be able to help you.

I just sort of worked my way through it with the help of my tutor if I needed it.

rockaroni · 28-09-2008, 04:55 PM

I hated theory, I only did grade 5 so I could take my grade 6 cello... I had theory lessons at music school, but I also had some books which were very good... they were different colours for different grades and had script on the front... plus if you can get them, do looooads of past papers! That's what got me through mine.

Schleier von Dunst · 28-09-2008, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockaroni

I hated theory, I only did grade 5 so I could take my grade 6 cello... I had theory lessons at music school, but I also had some books which were very good... they were different colours for different grades and had script on the front... plus if you can get them, do looooads of past papers! That's what got me through mine.

they are the ABRSM Music theory in practice books

Becca · 28-09-2008, 05:03 PM

Thankies!

I have got the music theory in practice for grade 4 it's green these days as they have revised them all - seeing as I remember using the others when at school that's good for me (I never sat any then though as I'm tone deaf there was no point going beyond grade 5) but now I'm physically unable to play anymore so thought I'd try music theory especially as I am no longer able to work it gives me some focus well ish!

I have ordered last years papers and answer book which they now finally publish - I'm teaching myself so I need answer books!!!!

PS I am doing the ABRSM exam

rockaroni · 28-09-2008, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by save_myself

they are the ABRSM Music theory in practice books

Fair enough, it's been about 6 years since I've done it, but all my exams were ABRSM so, logic. Didn't know if it had changed...

hellohefalump · 28-09-2008, 11:01 PM

I got lots and lots of practise papers. Did the trick. Each year's exam is fairly similar in layout, just different music. So you'll know what to expect.

The 'AB Guide to music theory book 1' is great for revision and has all the terms (legato, dimminuendo, etc etc...). Book 2 is an interesting read too.

Sometimes Crazy · 28-09-2008, 11:08 PM

I'm currently taking Grade 5 Theory and Grade 6 Practical with the ABRSM and the old exam papers are priceless resources. Fill out quite a few in the build up to the actual exam date and you'll do great.

Also, the little red book Grade 1 - 5 in Music Theory from the ABRSM is good. I take that with me to the hall and glance over it a few times before going in (another tip for the actual exam)

G'luck (:

jgiprjgrsjgiorsj · 29-09-2008, 12:07 AM

do you have a teacher? mine used to do mock exams with me, i would spend half the lesson playing while she wrote up exam papers, one to do in the second half and one as homework, i found that helpful.

i cant remember what you have to do for grade 4, but just try to make sure you know all your key signatures and scales by writing them out without looking at anything.

Schleier von Dunst · 29-09-2008, 05:36 PM

I didn't actually do grade 4. I was halfway through the grade 2 book when I got to grade 6 flute (ABRSM) so I skipped. Might be why I only got 76 lol

and besides. When I did it the grade 4 book was brown lol.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockaroni

Fair enough, it's been about 6 years since I've done it, but all my exams were ABRSM so, logic. Didn't know if it had changed...

ABRSM exams are quite good... they're the ones most teachers teach. HOWEVER, if you're like my brother and fail ABRSM grade 5 theory too many times (he managed 3) you can do Trinity Guildhall. (Used to be two separate boards) They don't need grade 5 theory. I do them coz I study at Trinity College of Music Junior Department on Saturdays, although my saxophone teacher's doing ABRSM grade 8 with me

AND you don't HAVE to do scales (evil things) with Trinity Guildhall.

Anyway. back on the point. which I forgot what it was. Oh yeah! I remember! You said all your exams were ABRSM. I have the BEST mixture EVER

Grade 1 Guitar: Guildhall School of Music and Drama (before it joined Trinity)
grade 5 theory, grade 1/ grade 3 piano, grade 1 clarinet, grade 4/5/6 alto saxophone, grades 2/3/4/5/6 flute (doing 8, skipped 7) ABRSM certificates
grade 7 jazz saxophone: Trinity Guildhall (after the join.)

I'm doing good for variety...

Becca · 15-12-2008, 11:36 PM

I passed :) I got a merit for it too.