Whether you are new to music and are just starting out on your first instrument or you are a highly accomplished multi-instrumentalist, a solid knowledge of music theory will underpin all that you learn on your instrument and help you to reach your full potential.
What is ABRSM Music Theory?
In the early grades, the focus is on learning to: read music notation, understand rhythms and note lengths, introducing different time and key signatures and beginning to learn some Italian terminology commonly used in pieces of music.
As the students progress, the focus shifts to more complex rhythms and notation along with new key/scales, transposition, chord inversions and intervals.
Importantly, passing the ABRSM Grade 5 music theory exam is a pre-requisite for taking an ABRSM practical exam at Grade 6 or above (in any instrument). This is to ensure that advanced instrumentalists have the necessary theoretical knowledge required to support their practical learning.
Why Study Music Theory at Bromley Conservatoire?
Having a strong grounding in music theory comes with the following benefits:
- Better musicianship - Music theory develops your ear training and helps you recognise intervals, chord progressions, and rhythms more quickly.
- Improved sight-reading - Theory knowledge lets you quickly recognise scales, arpeggios and common chord shapes in a score. Instead of reading each note individually, you can see the underlying structure.
- Exam Progression - Essential for students aiming for more advanced music grades (with ABRSM or otherwise)
- Path towards GCSE Music - Studying music theory early provides a strong foundation for the analytical and compositional work required at GCSE level.
How to Prepare for ABRSM Theory
We offer two, small group music theory classes at Bromley Conservatoire. One on Thursdays from 5:45pm - 6:30pm and one on Saturdays from 3:30pm - 4:15pm. We offer a free trial lesson for music theory so why not come along and try a class! Many of our teachers also offer 1-2-1 music theory lessons if this is something you’d prefer.
Our teachers can help guide you with which resources to use to best prepare for the exams as well as breaking down complex topics into manageable chunks. The best way to see improvements however is with consistent home practice.
Real Results: Our Music Theory Summer Course 2025
This Summer, we ran an intensive ARBSM music theory course, designed to allow students to pass a music theory grade in just one week. We had 12 students taking part, all at different grades/stages. For some, this was their first introduction to music theory and for others it enabled them to achieve their Grade 5 so they are now ready for their Grade 6 practical exams.
We’re delighted to let you know that:
- 100% of exam candidates passed their exams
- 75% of Grade 5 students achieved a distinction 👏
We were so impressed to see how quickly the students progressed over the week and the focus and dedication they put in both during the lessons and at home to succeed. We’re excited to offer more opportunities like this in the future. Our next music theory course will run from Monday 27th - Friday 31st October 2025. Sign up now.
Final Thoughts
Learning music theory isn’t just about passing an exam - it’s about becoming a well-rounded musician. Whether you’re starting at Grade 1 or preparing for Grade 5, every grade builds a stronger connection between the music you’re playing and your deeper understanding behind it.
Ready to get started? Drop us an email at admin@bromley-conservatoire.co.uk or head over to our website here to sign up now! We can’t wait to meet you.