Pass Grade 5 Theory (2nd edition)

A comprehensive introduction to music theory that is accessible to students of all ages from 9 upwards.

Primarily intended to meet the needs of students working for the ABRSM Grade 5 theory examination, it also contains a wealth of useful material for students of Music and Music Technology at GCSE & A-level, including those who may not have had any formal musical training prior to starting their courses.

The author has extensive experience teaching music theory both in schools and in private practice. This book is the product of that experience and the material in it has been used successfully with students of all ages from Year 6 to adult. It assumes no prior formal training in music theory.

Hand in hand with Pass Grade 5 Theory Answers, this fully revised, updated and even more comprehensive 2nd edition (2018) including new additions to the syllabus in 2020.

Students who require a slower introduction to music theory with more reinforcement of the basics before tackling the more advanced work required for the Grade 5 syllabus may wish to consider using the companion volume, Pass Grade 3 Theory, first.

This book assumes that the student has not studied music theory before. Each topic is covered in detail from first principles and each musical term is defined when it is introduced.

There are 13 Units in the book. The order has been carefully planned in order to ensure that the student first gains a thorough understanding of the basics of pitch, key and rhythm. The topics of transposition, basic chord structure and cadences, and how to produce an effective composition then build on these foundations.