Develop your knowledge of musical language by learning to read and write rhythm and melody in simple and compoundtime. Explore the concept of ledger lines, minor scales, intervals, and common key signatures, terms and signs.
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.
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.
A course for those with knowledge of the basics of music theory. Using the ABRSM Grade 2 syllabus, you will increase your knowledge and understanding of musical language and notation through practical exercises in class in conjunction with written homework.
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: exam dates/fees [external website]. - All grade exams are available three times per year, and we recommend you sit your exam the term after your course finishes.
What will we cover?
Subdivision of the beat into triplets
Time signatures of 2/2, 3/2, 4/2 and 3/8, including the grouping of rhythmic values within bars
ledger lines on treble and bass clefs
keys of A, Bb and Eb major
the construction of minor keys (A, E, D): harmonic and melodic scales, scale degrees, intervals above the tonic,
key signatures, tonic triads
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 rhythms in 2/2, 3/2, 4/2 and 3/8
understand and apply triplet rhythms
read and write pitch in treble and bass clefs, up to two ledger lines above/below the stave
read, hear and write music in major keys up to three sharps / flats
read and write music in simple minor keys (A, E, D)
understand the use of melodic and harmonic minor constructions
understand commonly used musical terms and symbols
answer questions on a Grade 2 theory music exam paper.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
You need a confident understanding of the basic building blocks of music and notation (having completed Music theory: grade 1 or equivalent). You will need to be able to read and write notes on treble and bass staves, simple time signatures and rhythms, and keys up to two sharps or one flat.
You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English, engage in online 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-book (see below). 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 to class: Discovering music theory grade 2 [external website].
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
This course leads to Music theory: grade 3
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.
Selena began her musical career as a composer, gaining a Dutch Government scholarship to study at the Royal Conservatory, The Hague with Louis Andriessen. As a student she won numerous prizes including BBC Young Composers, resulting in a commission for the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and BBC Radio 3 broadcasts. She has wide musical interests ranging from Renaissance counterpoint and the origins of tonality to twentieth-century composition techniques and electronic music. Selena performs in an experimental electronic music duo KOGG with Cerys Hogg. They create music by sampling vocals, sound objects, and home-made instruments, combining composed and improvised material. They have performed live and are producing an album. Selena has a keen interest in music pedagogy, particularly the social and cognitive benefits of music education, and is a specialist Kodály practitioner. She is also advisor in further education for the British Kodály Academy. Selena holds BMus (Hons), MMus and PGCE degrees, has held positions at Goldsmiths and Middlesex University and currently teaches at City Lit and Morley College.
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.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/music-theory-grade-2136908Music theory: grade 2https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Musicianship_for_singers-1024.jpg199199GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Performing arts/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Music theory & musicianship22851314135113591228513141351<p>Develop your knowledge of musical language by learning to read and write rhythm and melody in simple and compoundtime. Explore the concept of ledger lines, minor scales, intervals, and common key signatures, terms and signs.<br></p> A course for those with knowledge of the basics of music theory. Using the ABRSM/Trinity Grade 2 syllabus, you will increase your knowledge and understanding of musical language and notation through practical exercises in class in conjunction with written homework.<br />
<br />
This course may be used as preparation for an external / online ABRSM music theory exam. ABRSM theory exam dates/fees are published online here: https://gb.abrsm.org/en/exam-booking/exam-dates-and-fees/ all grade exams are available three times per year, and it is usual to sit your exam the term after your course finishes. <br />
<br />
This is a live online course. You will need:<br />
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.<br />
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.<br />
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.<br />
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.44.43034570Music theory: grade 2249249https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Musicianship_for_singers-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-04-15T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceApr 2027Performing artsMG432249249Music theory: grade 2199174249Selena Kaymusic-theory-grade-2/mg432-2627<p>Develop your knowledge of musical language by learning to read and write rhythm and melody in simple and compoundtime. Explore the concept of ledger lines, minor scales, intervals, and common key signatures, terms and signs.<br></p>0000-Available|2027-04-15 00:00:00<p>A course for those with knowledge of the basics of music theory. Using the ABRSM Grade 2 syllabus, you will increase your knowledge and understanding of musical language and notation through practical exercises in class in conjunction with written homework.</p><p>This course may be used as preparation for an external ABRSM music theory exam.<br>- Music theory grades 1-5 are available as online examinations only<br>- Music theory grade 6 and upwards are available as paper-based exams at ABRSM exam centres<br>For latest information from <a href="https://www.abrsm.org/en-gb/dates-and-fees/exam-dates-and-fees-latest" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ABRSM: exam dates/fees</a> [external website].<br>- All grade exams are available three times per year, and we recommend you sit your exam the term after your course finishes.</p><p>Develop your knowledge of musical language by learning to read and write rhythm and melody in simple and compoundtime. Explore the concept of ledger lines, minor scales, intervals, and common key signatures, terms and signs.<br></p><ul><li>Subdivision of the beat into triplets</li><li>Time signatures of 2/2, 3/2, 4/2 and 3/8, including the grouping of rhythmic values within bars</li><li>ledger lines on treble and bass clefs</li><li>keys of A, Bb and Eb major</li><li>the construction of minor keys (A, E, D): harmonic and melodic scales, scale degrees, intervals above the tonic,</li><li>key signatures, tonic triads</li><li>commonly used musical terms and symbols.<br></li></ul><ul><li>read, write, hear, clap and play/sing rhythms in 2/2, 3/2, 4/2 and 3/8</li><li>understand and apply triplet rhythms</li><li>read and write pitch in treble and bass clefs, up to two ledger lines above/below the stave</li><li>read, hear and write music in major keys up to three sharps / flats</li><li>read and write music in simple minor keys (A, E, D)</li><li>understand the use of melodic and harmonic minor constructions</li><li>understand commonly used musical terms and symbols</li><li>answer questions on a Grade 2 theory music exam paper.<br></li></ul><p>You need a confident understanding of the basic building blocks of music and notation (having completed<br>Music theory: grade 1 or equivalent). You will need to be able to read and write notes on treble and bass staves, simple time signatures and rhythms, and keys up to two sharps or one flat.</p><p>You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English, engage in online class discussion and practical exercises, take notes in English and write staff notation.<br></p><p>You will need your own copy of the course text-book (see below).<br>Your tutor will use a variety of techniques:<br>- tutor explanation and demonstration<br>- short revision videos and/or audio files (posted in Google Classroom)<br>- worksheets (posted in Google Classroom)<br>- group performing and individual demonstration tasks (e.g. clapping rhythms)<br></p><p>You will need manuscript paper, pencil and eraser, notebook and pen.<br>Please buy and bring to class: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Discovering-Music-Theory-Workbook-workbooks/dp/1786013460" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Discovering music theory grade 2</a> [external website].<br></p><p>This course leads to Music theory: grade 3</p><p>For more details about musicianship and music theory please visit our blog: <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/musicianship-music-theory-courses-city-lit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Musicianship and music theory at City lit</a> which lists our full sequence of musicianship and music theory classes.</p>MusicMusic theory & musicianshipvirtual3034579Music theory: grade 2279279https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Musicianship_for_singers-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeMonOnlineAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-04-12T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceApr 2027Performing artsMG452279279Music theory: grade 2223195279Selena Kaymusic-theory-grade-2/mg452-2627<p>Develop your knowledge of musical language by learning to read and write rhythm and melody in simple and compoundtime. Explore the concept of ledger lines, minor scales, intervals, and common key signatures, terms and signs.<br></p>0000-Available|2027-04-12 00:00:00<p>A course for those with knowledge of the basics of music theory. Using the ABRSM Grade 2 syllabus, you will increase your knowledge and understanding of musical language and notation through practical exercises in class in conjunction with written homework.</p><p>This course may be used as preparation for an external ABRSM music theory exam.<br>- Music theory grades 1-5 are available as online examinations only<br>- Music theory grade 6 and upwards are available as paper-based exams at ABRSM exam centres<br>For latest information from <a href="https://www.abrsm.org/en-gb/dates-and-fees/exam-dates-and-fees-latest" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ABRSM: exam dates/fees</a> [external website].<br>- All grade exams are available three times per year, and we recommend you sit your exam the term after your course finishes.</p><p>Develop your knowledge of musical language by learning to read and write rhythm and melody in simple and compoundtime. Explore the concept of ledger lines, minor scales, intervals, and common key signatures, terms and signs.<br></p><ul><li>Subdivision of the beat into triplets</li><li>Time signatures of 2/2, 3/2, 4/2 and 3/8, including the grouping of rhythmic values within bars</li><li>ledger lines on treble and bass clefs</li><li>keys of A, Bb and Eb major</li><li>the construction of minor keys (A, E, D): harmonic and melodic scales, scale degrees, intervals above the tonic,</li><li>key signatures, tonic triads</li><li>commonly used musical terms and symbols.<br></li></ul><ul><li>read, write, hear, clap and play/sing rhythms in 2/2, 3/2, 4/2 and 3/8</li><li>understand and apply triplet rhythms</li><li>read and write pitch in treble and bass clefs, up to two ledger lines above/below the stave</li><li>read, hear and write music in major keys up to three sharps / flats</li><li>read and write music in simple minor keys (A, E, D)</li><li>understand the use of melodic and harmonic minor constructions</li><li>understand commonly used musical terms and symbols</li><li>answer questions on a Grade 2 theory music exam paper.<br></li></ul><p>You need a confident understanding of the basic building blocks of music and notation (having completed<br>Music theory: grade 1 or equivalent). You will need to be able to read and write notes on treble and bass staves, simple time signatures and rhythms, and keys up to two sharps or one flat.</p><p>You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English, engage in online class discussion and practical exercises, take notes in English and write staff notation.<br></p><p>You will need your own copy of the course text-book (see below).<br>Your tutor will use a variety of techniques:<br>- tutor explanation and demonstration<br>- short revision videos and/or audio files (posted in Google Classroom)<br>- worksheets (posted in Google Classroom)<br>- group performing and individual demonstration tasks (e.g. clapping rhythms)<br></p><p>You will need manuscript paper, pencil and eraser, notebook and pen.<br>Please buy and bring to class: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Discovering-Music-Theory-Workbook-workbooks/dp/1786013460" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Discovering music theory grade 2</a> [external website].<br></p><p>This course leads to Music theory: grade 3</p><p>For more details about musicianship and music theory please visit our blog: <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/musicianship-music-theory-courses-city-lit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Musicianship and music theory at City lit</a> which lists our full sequence of musicianship and music theory classes.</p>MusicMusic theory & musicianshipvirtual3036589Music theory: grade 2199199https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Musicianship_for_singers-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-11-03T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceNov 2026Performing artsMG442199199Music theory: grade 2159139199Katy Homdenmusic-theory-grade-2/mg442-2627<p>Develop your knowledge of musical language by learning to read and write rhythm and melody in simple and compoundtime. Explore the concept of ledger lines, minor scales, intervals, and common key signatures, terms and signs.<br></p>0000-Available|2026-11-03 00:00:00<p>A course for those with knowledge of the basics of music theory. Using the ABRSM Grade 2 syllabus, you will increase your knowledge and understanding of musical language and notation through practical exercises in class in conjunction with written homework.</p><p>This course may be used as preparation for an external ABRSM music theory exam.<br>- Music theory grades 1-5 are available as online examinations only<br>- Music theory grade 6 and upwards are available as paper-based exams at ABRSM exam centres<br>For latest information from <a href="https://www.abrsm.org/en-gb/dates-and-fees/exam-dates-and-fees-latest" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ABRSM: exam dates/fees</a> [external website].<br>- All grade exams are available three times per year, and we recommend you sit your exam the term after your course finishes.</p><p>Develop your knowledge of musical language by learning to read and write rhythm and melody in simple and compoundtime. Explore the concept of ledger lines, minor scales, intervals, and common key signatures, terms and signs.<br></p><ul><li>Subdivision of the beat into triplets</li><li>Time signatures of 2/2, 3/2, 4/2 and 3/8, including the grouping of rhythmic values within bars</li><li>ledger lines on treble and bass clefs</li><li>keys of A, Bb and Eb major</li><li>the construction of minor keys (A, E, D): harmonic and melodic scales, scale degrees, intervals above the tonic,</li><li>key signatures, tonic triads</li><li>commonly used musical terms and symbols.<br></li></ul><ul><li>read, write, hear, clap and play/sing rhythms in 2/2, 3/2, 4/2 and 3/8</li><li>understand and apply triplet rhythms</li><li>read and write pitch in treble and bass clefs, up to two ledger lines above/below the stave</li><li>read, hear and write music in major keys up to three sharps / flats</li><li>read and write music in simple minor keys (A, E, D)</li><li>understand the use of melodic and harmonic minor constructions</li><li>understand commonly used musical terms and symbols</li><li>answer questions on a Grade 2 theory music exam paper.<br></li></ul><p>You need a confident understanding of the basic building blocks of music and notation (having completed<br>Music theory: grade 1 or equivalent). You will need to be able to read and write notes on treble and bass staves, simple time signatures and rhythms, and keys up to two sharps or one flat.</p><p>You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English, engage in online class discussion and practical exercises, take notes in English and write staff notation.<br></p><p>You will need your own copy of the course text-book (see below).<br>Your tutor will use a variety of techniques:<br>- tutor explanation and demonstration<br>- short revision videos and/or audio files (posted in Google Classroom)<br>- worksheets (posted in Google Classroom)<br>- group performing and individual demonstration tasks (e.g. clapping rhythms)<br></p><p>You will need manuscript paper, pencil and eraser, notebook and pen.<br>Please buy and bring to class: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Discovering-Music-Theory-Workbook-workbooks/dp/1786013460" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Discovering music theory grade 2</a> [external website].<br></p><p>This course leads to Music theory: grade 3</p><p>For more details about musicianship and music theory please visit our blog: <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/musicianship-music-theory-courses-city-lit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Musicianship and music theory at City lit</a> which lists our full sequence of musicianship and music theory classes.</p>MusicMusic theory & musicianshipvirtual199,223,159249,279,199174,195,139MG432,MG452,MG442NONEThu,Mon,Tue03/11/26 - 08/12/2615:45 - 17:4515:4517:456 sessions (over 6 weeks)65-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley Street,OnlineSelena Kay,Katy HomdenSome experienceAvailable courses2027-04-15T00:00:00+00:00,2027-04-12T00:00:00+00:00,2026-11-03T00:00:00+00:00Apr 2027,Nov 2026Performing arts199249,279,199Music theory: grade 2music-theory-grade-2/mg432-2627,music-theory-grade-2/mg452-2627,music-theory-grade-2/mg442-2627<p>Develop your knowledge of musical language by learning to read and write rhythm and melody in simple and compoundtime. Explore the concept of ledger lines, minor scales, intervals, and common key signatures, terms and signs.<br></p>0000-Available|2026-11-03 00:00:00<p>A course for those with knowledge of the basics of music theory. Using the ABRSM Grade 2 syllabus, you will increase your knowledge and understanding of musical language and notation through practical exercises in class in conjunction with written homework.</p><p>This course may be used as preparation for an external ABRSM music theory exam.<br>- Music theory grades 1-5 are available as online examinations only<br>- Music theory grade 6 and upwards are available as paper-based exams at ABRSM exam centres<br>For latest information from <a href="https://www.abrsm.org/en-gb/dates-and-fees/exam-dates-and-fees-latest" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ABRSM: exam dates/fees</a> [external website].<br>- All grade exams are available three times per year, and we recommend you sit your exam the term after your course finishes.</p><p>Develop your knowledge of musical language by learning to read and write rhythm and melody in simple and compoundtime. Explore the concept of ledger lines, minor scales, intervals, and common key signatures, terms and signs.<br></p><ul><li>Subdivision of the beat into triplets</li><li>Time signatures of 2/2, 3/2, 4/2 and 3/8, including the grouping of rhythmic values within bars</li><li>ledger lines on treble and bass clefs</li><li>keys of A, Bb and Eb major</li><li>the construction of minor keys (A, E, D): harmonic and melodic scales, scale degrees, intervals above the tonic,</li><li>key signatures, tonic triads</li><li>commonly used musical terms and symbols.<br></li></ul><ul><li>read, write, hear, clap and play/sing rhythms in 2/2, 3/2, 4/2 and 3/8</li><li>understand and apply triplet rhythms</li><li>read and write pitch in treble and bass clefs, up to two ledger lines above/below the stave</li><li>read, hear and write music in major keys up to three sharps / flats</li><li>read and write music in simple minor keys (A, E, D)</li><li>understand the use of melodic and harmonic minor constructions</li><li>understand commonly used musical terms and symbols</li><li>answer questions on a Grade 2 theory music exam paper.<br></li></ul><p>You need a confident understanding of the basic building blocks of music and notation (having completed<br>Music theory: grade 1 or equivalent). You will need to be able to read and write notes on treble and bass staves, simple time signatures and rhythms, and keys up to two sharps or one flat.</p><p>You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English, engage in online class discussion and practical exercises, take notes in English and write staff notation.<br></p><p>You will need your own copy of the course text-book (see below).<br>Your tutor will use a variety of techniques:<br>- tutor explanation and demonstration<br>- short revision videos and/or audio files (posted in Google Classroom)<br>- worksheets (posted in Google Classroom)<br>- group performing and individual demonstration tasks (e.g. clapping rhythms)<br></p><p>You will need manuscript paper, pencil and eraser, notebook and pen.<br>Please buy and bring to class: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Discovering-Music-Theory-Workbook-workbooks/dp/1786013460" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Discovering music theory grade 2</a> [external website].<br></p><p>This course leads to Music theory: grade 3</p><p>For more details about musicianship and music theory please visit our blog: <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/musicianship-music-theory-courses-city-lit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Musicianship and music theory at City lit</a> which lists our full sequence of musicianship and music theory classes.</p>MusicMusic theory & musicianshipconfigurable
13591351Music theory & musicianshiphttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/music-theory-and-musicianship1/2/285/1314/1351/13591/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Music theory & musicianship
