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Original poster

Circumventing Music Theory Grade 5

35 replies

JasmineOill · 08/09/2017 15:33

DS has just completed grade 5 clarinet and Guitar. He didn't sit music theory grade 5 exams. He had tried doing the lessons but it all got too much on top of his workload at school plus they kept changing the teacher, times etc. In the end ds completely lost any gusto for doing theory. His theory knowledge has however developed alongside his instrumental grades. His teacher advised for him to sit Jazz Clarinet to circumvent theory grade 5, this we were told will allow him to proceed to the next grade.

However ds has started senior school and is now being told he has to do theory grade 5. DS does not want to do this, he is not interested in becoming a professional musician etc, he just wants to enjoy playing music in bands whilst at school. Has anyone been in the situation?

OP posts:
Noteventhebestdrummer · 09/09/2017 06:37

You can do theory lessons by email

Icouldbeknitting · 08/09/2017 21:37

At 11 my son would not touch theory with a bargepole. As it worked out he took G5 theory two years after G8 practical (he did Trinity all the way through). He didn't much enjoy it then either but by then he recognised the need for it.

Grudging acceptance for it may come given time.

Original poster
JasmineOill · 08/09/2017 17:31

DS is keen to stick with ABRSM, i've suggested switching to Trinity. I wish he could do it in 3 months! he might be able to but don't know if school will a crash course if you like, in theory. Will ask.

OP posts:
Malbecfan · 08/09/2017 17:02

Maybe he doesn't want to be a professional musician but grade 5 Theory is incredibly useful and I recommend all my GCSE students work for it. I'm afraid that I can't be bothered with grinding through the books; instead we buy old papers and I teach them how to answer each sort of question. As long as they are proficient music readers and prepared to put the work in during the final run-up to the exam, we normally get them through it in 3 months.

As others have said, you can switch to Trinity Guildhall exams, but I hate people moving to them just to avoid theory. The aural tests at higher TG grades need a good all-round musical knowledge if you want top grades, so you need to put the work in somewhere.

Original poster
JasmineOill · 08/09/2017 16:15

I think as he has already done Jazz Clarinet, I will present this to school that he should be able to carry on with grade 6 as per the link number gave. Thanks for that by the way, very useful.

OP posts:
number1wang · 08/09/2017 15:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Couchpotato3 · 08/09/2017 15:47

Or he could swap to another exam board e.g. Trinity College, who don't require Grade 5 as a prerequisite for higher grade practical exams.

Practical musicianship is quite tricky - it is a combination of various tests that includes sight-reading, aural skills, improvisation. Not many people take these exams, to be honest - it does require good all-round musicianship and some theoretical knowledge (eek!)

Original poster
JasmineOill · 08/09/2017 15:44

Yes he has been doing ABRSM exams. What is 'practical musicianship?

OP posts:
number1wang · 08/09/2017 15:41

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

number1wang · 08/09/2017 15:40

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