Music Theory
Exam Board: ABRSM / TCM / RSL
Course Entry Requirements: No specific course entry requirements. Grade 5 theory is a requirement for completing A level Music. You will take this exam during year 1 if you do not hold this qualification on entry.
Please make sure that you have also looked at and understand the overall entry requirements to study at BHASVIC. These are available here and outline the GCSE grades you need to take up one of the Study Programmes at the college.
Length and size of qualification: 1 year course
Timetable hours: 1.5 hours per week
Assessment Method: Exam in Autumn, Spring or Summer term
BHASVIC Department: Media and Performing Arts
Head of Department: Ryan Stagg
What will I study?
Grade 5 Theory is recognised as a landmark musical achievement and is equivalent in standard to GCSE Music. A pass in Grade 5 Theory is also a prerequisite for any student who wishes to take an ABRSM practical exam beyond Grade 5. The knowledge and skills acquired in Grade 5 theory will greatly improve your ability in musical analysis and composition as well as developing your performing skills. Developing musical literacy forms a key part of a rounded education for all music students and supports performance and composition. By studying this course you will acquire:
- a knowledge of the notation of western music, including the signs and terminology commonly employed
- an understanding of fundamental musical elements such as intervals, keys, scales and chords
- an ability to apply theoretical knowledge and understanding to score analysis
Students studying BTEC Music will study the Rock School Popular Music Theory course within their BTEC course and can opt to take a graded exam. The popular music course will develop:
- a knowledge of the notation of popular music, including the signs and terminology commonly employed in popular music
- an understanding of fundamental musical elements such as intervals, keys, scales and chords
- an ability to apply theoretical knowledge and understanding to band score analysis< - an understanding of guitar, bass, keys, drums and vocals techniques and notation - an understanding of key developments in popular music technology and how technology is used in bands
Is this course right for me?
All students who wish to improve their understanding of musical theory are welcome to take this course. Students who start with a very basic understanding will be able to achieve Grade 5 within a year providing they are willing to work hard. For students who already have Grade 5 Theory, instruction is also given in Grades 6-8 theory. Students who study this course should be able to play an instrument or sing. The theory course is open to all students at all grade levels including those who have not yet studied any music theory. The course is open to music and non-music students. If you are studying A level Music and have not yet achieved a Grade 5 Music Theory qualification then you must study the Grade 5 Theory course.
Students who have achieved Grade 5 Music Theory can study Grades 6-8.
Where next?
Grades 6 and above carry UCAS points. The upper levels of Theory are recognised as excellent training for any student wishing to study Music or Music Technology in Higher Education. Grade 8 Music Theory is highly regarded and, alongside Grade 8 Practical on an instrument or voice, may be accepted by some universities and conservatoires as an alternative to A level Music.
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