Music theory: grade 1

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Learn the basic principles of musical language and notation: rhythmic values, time signatures, pitch on treble and bass clefs, simple major scales, intervals and key signatures, and the most common musical terms and signs. NB: Our February courses have scheduled breaks on: 15, 18 February 2027

Choose a starting date

Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.

  • Start Date: 15 Sep 2026
    End Date: 20 Oct 2026
    Tue (Daytime): 15:45 - 17:45
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
    Course Code: MG441
    Tutors:  Katy Homden
    Full fee £199.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £139.00
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  • Start Date: 18 Jan 2027
    End Date: 15 Mar 2027
    Mon (Daytime): 16:30 - 18:30
    Online
    Location: Online
    Duration: 8 sessions (over 9 weeks)
    Course Code: MG451
    Tutors:  Selena Kay
    Full fee £229.00 Senior fee £183.00 Concession £160.00
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  • Start Date: 21 Jan 2027
    End Date: 18 Mar 2027
    Thu (Daytime): 11:00 - 13:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 8 sessions (over 9 weeks)
    Course Code: MG431
    Tutors:  Selena Kay
    Full fee £229.00 Senior fee £183.00 Concession £160.00
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Any questions? music@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 4582 0412

Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.

Book your place
In stock
SKU
245544
Full fee £199.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £139.00

What is the course about?

An introductory course for those with little or no previous knowledge, covering the basics of music theory using the ABRSM Grade 1 syllabus. Practical exercises in class in conjunction with written homework will increase your understanding of musical language and notation.

This course may be used as preparation for an external ABRSM music theory exam.
- Music theory grades 1-5 are available as online examinations only
- Music theory grade 6 and upwards are available as paper-based exams at ABRSM exam centres
For latest information from ABRSM, including theory exam dates/fees, please click: https://www.abrsm.org/en-gb/dates-and-fees/exam-dates-and-fees-latest  [external website].
- All grade exams are available multiple times per year, and we recommend you sit your exam the term after your course finishes.

What will we cover?

  • rhythmic values for notes and rests from semibreve to semiquaver, including ties and dotted notes
  • time signatures of 2/4, 3/4 and 4/4
  • barlines and the grouping of rhythmic values within bars
  • pitch names on treble and bass clefs
  • sharp, flat and natural signs and their cancellation
  • construction of major keys (C, G, D, F): scales, scale degrees, intervals above the tonic, key signatures, tonic triads
  • the most commonly used musical terms and symbols.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

  • read, write, hear, clap and play/sing simple rhythms in 2/4, 3/4 and 4/4
  • read and write pitch on the treble and bass staves
  • read, hear and write music in simple major keys (C, G, D, F)
  • understand the most commonly used musical terms and symbols
  • answer questions on a sample Grade 1 theory music exam paper.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is not suitable for absolute beginners, it is designed for students who have already started learning an instrument or voice from notation, so you need to be familiar with some basic symbols of music notation to follow a simple tune, but no other previous experience of music theory is needed. It is expected that you will already be learning and instrument/voice whilst taking this class. You will be set homework tasks each week.

You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English, engage in class discussion and practical exercises, take notes in English and write staff notation.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will need your own copy of the course text-books (see below). We use GOOGLE CLASSROOM to share messages, documents, audio and video files and for you to submit any homework tasks between sessions.

Your tutor will use a variety of techniques:
- tutor explanation and demonstration
- short revision videos and/or audio files (posted in Google Classroom)
- worksheets (posted in Google Classroom)
- group performing and individual demonstration tasks (e.g. clapping rhythms).

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You will need manuscript paper, pencil and eraser, notebook and pen.
Please buy and bring both of these books to class:
Discovering Music Theory, The ABRSM Grade 1 Workbook (c.£7) [external website].
*please note these books are also available from Foyles bookshop (Charring Cross Road) and other independent retailers.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

This course leads to Music theory: grade 2


You may wish to support your learning through a focus on reading, writing and hearing music and musical patterns. For more details about musicianship and music theory please visit our blog: Musicianship and music theory at City lit which lists our full sequence of musicianship and music theory classes.

Katy Homden See more See less
Selena Kay Tutor Website See more See less

Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.