Study more complex musical language including duplets, double-dotted rhythms, alto clef, double sharps/flats, the concept of enharmonic equivalence, and recognising and writing common triads. Learn the technical names for scale degrees, and standard ornaments and instruments. These courses have scheduled break weeks eg:4, 25 May 2026, 1st Jun 2027
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.
An course for those with previous knowledge, covering the basics of music theory using the ABRSM Grade 4 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 three times per year, and we recommend you sit your exam the term after your course finishes.
What will we cover?
- all regular simple and compound metres - more complex rhythmic patterns using double dots, duplets and the breve - alto clef (used by the viola) and transcribing music between the three clefs - major and minor keys up to five sharps/flats, including root position primary triads (chords on 1st, 4th and 5th scale degrees) - double sharps / flats and their cancellation - the principle of enharmonic equivalence - technical names for scale degrees - quantity and quality of all intervals up to an octave - the chromatic scale - terms and signs for melodic decoration and their application in instrumental music.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- read, write, hear, clap and play/sing complex rhythms in any regular metre - read and write in alto clef, and transcribe music between clefs - read, hear and write music in major and minor keys up to five sharps / flats, including using double sharps / flats where needed - read and write root position primary triads - technical names for scale degrees - read, write, hear and sing/play intervals up to an octave - understand terms and signs for melodic decoration and their application in instrumental music - answer questions on a Grade 4 theory music exam paper.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
- You need to have completed Music theory: grade 3 or equivalent, and have good knowledge of rhythm, simple and compound metre, melodic structure, and tonic triads. - 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 to class:
**NB these books are also available from independent retailers.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
This course leads to Music theory: grade 5
Study of music theory is greatly enhanced by our Practical musicianship courses. 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.
Sarha is an experienced teacher and gigging musician, performing on the saxophone, arranging and composing on the piano, in classical, jazz and world music genres. Her principal band, Bollywood Brass Band, is the UK’s pioneering Indian-style wedding band, performing tunes and compulsively danceable rhythms of Bollywood films. Twice nominated for Songlines World Music Awards, the band has performed across the world in concerts, festivals, and Indian weddings in the UK, Europe, India, Thailand and South Africa. Sarha played with Ghanaian Highlife band Orchestre Jazira, and socialist big band, The Happy End. She also plays in the Charlie Mingus jazz cover band Hog Callin’, The Great Yiddish Parade marching band and Freylekh klezmer band. Sarha’s specialist area is World Music, and she has a PhD on the study of the Flattened Supertonic across different cultures. At CityLit she teaches jazz and classical piano, saxophone, world music styles (practical and academic courses), musicianship and music theory.
Edward HendersonSee moreSee less
Edward is a composer who studied at Cambridge and Trinity Laban. He teaches composition and music history at City Lit, Morley College and Trinity Laban Junior Department, and writes about music for The Wire (UK) and Positionen (Germany). His latest work includes a commission for the London Contemporary Music Festival 2024. Previous significant work includes “Flower” (recorded by the BBC at the Aldeburgh Festival 2019 and broadcast on the New Music Show), “One Two” (Cologne 2022), Will (Oslo and Cambridge), “Hold” (Huddersfield 2017), and “Tape Piece” ( LCMF 2015). Since 2013 Ed has worked with Bastard Assignments curating, performing and contributing work to regular shows in London and internationally. Their performances at Southbank Centre (2016) and Wellcome Collection (2017) were broadcast live on BBC Radio 3, and they have featured in articles in the Guardian, Telegraph, Financial Times, Frieze, and Neue Zeitschrift für Musik. In 2024 a profile on the group, “Family Dynamics,” was broadcast in Germany. They have been commissioned for a large scale performance in Norway, Denmark and London in 2025 and 2026, and “House” for Musik Installationen Nürnberg in 2025.
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-4136909Music theory: grade 4https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/m/u/music_theory-grade_4-1024.jpg279279GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Performing arts/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Music theory & musicianship22851314135113591228513141351<p>Study more complex musical language including duplets, double-dotted rhythms, alto clef, double sharps/flats, the concept of enharmonic equivalence, and recognising and writing common triads. Learn the technical names for scale degrees, and standard ornaments and instruments. These courses have scheduled break weeks eg:<strong>4, 25 May 2026, 1st Jun 2027</strong></p> <div data-content-type="html" data-appearance="default" data-element="main">A course for those with good knowledge of the basics of music theory who wish to build on their knowledge. Using the ABRSM/Trinity Grade 4 syllabus, you will develop your understanding of rhythm, melody and simple harmony, and start to learn about different instruments and ornaments and embellishments.<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.</div>153034588Music theory: grade 4279279https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/m/u/music_theory-grade_4-1024_24.jpgInStockDaytimeWedKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-01-13T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceJan 2027Performing artsMG464279279Music theory: grade 4223195279Sarha Mooremusic-theory-grade-4/mg464-2627<p>Study more complex musical language including duplets, double-dotted rhythms, alto clef, double sharps/flats, the concept of enharmonic equivalence, and recognising and writing common triads. Learn the technical names for scale degrees, and standard ornaments and instruments. These courses have scheduled break weeks eg:<strong>4, 25 May 2026, 1st Jun 2027</strong></p>0000-Available|2027-01-13 00:00:00<p>An course for those with previous knowledge, covering the basics of music theory using the ABRSM Grade 4 Syllabus. Practical exercises in class in conjunction with written homework will increase your understanding of musical language and notation.<br><br>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 ABRSM, including theory exam dates/fees, please click: <a href="https://www.abrsm.org/en-gb/dates-and-fees/exam-dates-and-fees-latest" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.abrsm.org/en-gb/dates-and-fees/exam-dates-and-fees-latest</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>Study more complex musical language including duplets, double-dotted rhythms, alto clef, double sharps/flats, the concept of enharmonic equivalence, and recognising and writing common triads. Learn the technical names for scale degrees, and standard ornaments and instruments. These courses have scheduled break weeks eg:<strong>4, 25 May 2026, 1st Jun 2027</strong></p>- all regular simple and compound metres<br>- more complex rhythmic patterns using double dots, duplets and the breve<br>- alto clef (used by the viola) and transcribing music between the three clefs<br>- major and minor keys up to five sharps/flats, including root position primary triads (chords on 1st, 4th and 5th scale degrees)<br>- double sharps / flats and their cancellation<br>- the principle of enharmonic equivalence<br>- technical names for scale degrees<br>- quantity and quality of all intervals up to an octave<br>- the chromatic scale<br>- terms and signs for melodic decoration and their application in instrumental music.- read, write, hear, clap and play/sing complex rhythms in any regular metre<br>- read and write in alto clef, and transcribe music between clefs<br>- read, hear and write music in major and minor keys up to five sharps / flats, including using double sharps / flats where needed<br>- read and write root position primary triads<br>- technical names for scale degrees<br>- read, write, hear and sing/play intervals up to an octave<br>- understand terms and signs for melodic decoration and their application in instrumental music<br>- answer questions on a Grade 4 theory music exam paper.- You need to have completed Music theory: grade 3 or equivalent, and have good knowledge of rhythm, simple and compound metre, melodic structure, and tonic triads.<br>- 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.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.<br><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).<p>You will need manuscript paper, pencil and eraser, notebook and pen.<br>Please buy and bring to class:</p><ul><li><a href="http://shop.abrsm.org/shop/prod/Taylor-Eric-The-AB-Guide-to-Music-Theory-Part-I/598230" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ABRSM Guide to Music Theory Part I </a> (covers Grades 1-5) (c.£6) [external website]</li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Discovering-Music-Theory-Workbook-workbooks/dp/1786013487" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Discovering Music Theory, The ABRSM Grade 4 Workbook</a> (c.£8) [external website]</li></ul><p>**NB these books are also available from independent retailers.</p><p>This course leads to Music theory: grade 5<br><br>Study of music theory is greatly enhanced by our Practical musicianship courses. For more details about musicianship and music theory please visit our blog: <a href="https://http://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 & musicianshipvirtual3036595Music theory: grade 4299299https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/m/u/music_theory-grade_4-1024_25.jpgInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-04-13T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceApr 2027Performing artsMG444299299Music theory: grade 4239209299Edward Hendersonmusic-theory-grade-4/mg444-2627<p>Study more complex musical language including duplets, double-dotted rhythms, alto clef, double sharps/flats, the concept of enharmonic equivalence, and recognising and writing common triads. Learn the technical names for scale degrees, and standard ornaments and instruments. These courses have scheduled break weeks eg:<strong>4, 25 May 2026, 1st Jun 2027</strong></p>0000-Available|2027-04-13 00:00:00<p>An course for those with previous knowledge, covering the basics of music theory using the ABRSM Grade 4 Syllabus. Practical exercises in class in conjunction with written homework will increase your understanding of musical language and notation.<br><br>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 ABRSM, including theory exam dates/fees, please click: <a href="https://www.abrsm.org/en-gb/dates-and-fees/exam-dates-and-fees-latest" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.abrsm.org/en-gb/dates-and-fees/exam-dates-and-fees-latest</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>Study more complex musical language including duplets, double-dotted rhythms, alto clef, double sharps/flats, the concept of enharmonic equivalence, and recognising and writing common triads. Learn the technical names for scale degrees, and standard ornaments and instruments. These courses have scheduled break weeks eg:<strong>4, 25 May 2026, 1st Jun 2027</strong></p>- all regular simple and compound metres<br>- more complex rhythmic patterns using double dots, duplets and the breve<br>- alto clef (used by the viola) and transcribing music between the three clefs<br>- major and minor keys up to five sharps/flats, including root position primary triads (chords on 1st, 4th and 5th scale degrees)<br>- double sharps / flats and their cancellation<br>- the principle of enharmonic equivalence<br>- technical names for scale degrees<br>- quantity and quality of all intervals up to an octave<br>- the chromatic scale<br>- terms and signs for melodic decoration and their application in instrumental music.- read, write, hear, clap and play/sing complex rhythms in any regular metre<br>- read and write in alto clef, and transcribe music between clefs<br>- read, hear and write music in major and minor keys up to five sharps / flats, including using double sharps / flats where needed<br>- read and write root position primary triads<br>- technical names for scale degrees<br>- read, write, hear and sing/play intervals up to an octave<br>- understand terms and signs for melodic decoration and their application in instrumental music<br>- answer questions on a Grade 4 theory music exam paper.- You need to have completed Music theory: grade 3 or equivalent, and have good knowledge of rhythm, simple and compound metre, melodic structure, and tonic triads.<br>- 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.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.<br><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).<p>You will need manuscript paper, pencil and eraser, notebook and pen.<br>Please buy and bring to class:</p><ul><li><a href="http://shop.abrsm.org/shop/prod/Taylor-Eric-The-AB-Guide-to-Music-Theory-Part-I/598230" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ABRSM Guide to Music Theory Part I </a> (covers Grades 1-5) (c.£6) [external website]</li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Discovering-Music-Theory-Workbook-workbooks/dp/1786013487" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Discovering Music Theory, The ABRSM Grade 4 Workbook</a> (c.£8) [external website]</li></ul><p>**NB these books are also available from independent retailers.</p><p>This course leads to Music theory: grade 5<br><br>Study of music theory is greatly enhanced by our Practical musicianship courses. For more details about musicianship and music theory please visit our blog: <a href="https://http://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 & musicianshipvirtual223,239279,299195,209MG464,MG444NONEWed,Tue13/01/27 - 17/03/2711:00 - 13:0011:0013:0010 sessions (over 10 weeks)105-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetSarha Moore,Edward HendersonSome experienceAvailable courses2027-01-13T00:00:00+00:00,2027-04-13T00:00:00+00:00Jan 2027,Apr 2027Performing arts279279,299Music theory: grade 4music-theory-grade-4/mg464-2627,music-theory-grade-4/mg444-2627<p>Study more complex musical language including duplets, double-dotted rhythms, alto clef, double sharps/flats, the concept of enharmonic equivalence, and recognising and writing common triads. Learn the technical names for scale degrees, and standard ornaments and instruments. These courses have scheduled break weeks eg:<strong>4, 25 May 2026, 1st Jun 2027</strong></p>0000-Available|2027-01-13 00:00:00<p>An course for those with previous knowledge, covering the basics of music theory using the ABRSM Grade 4 Syllabus. Practical exercises in class in conjunction with written homework will increase your understanding of musical language and notation.<br><br>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 ABRSM, including theory exam dates/fees, please click: <a href="https://www.abrsm.org/en-gb/dates-and-fees/exam-dates-and-fees-latest" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.abrsm.org/en-gb/dates-and-fees/exam-dates-and-fees-latest</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>Study more complex musical language including duplets, double-dotted rhythms, alto clef, double sharps/flats, the concept of enharmonic equivalence, and recognising and writing common triads. Learn the technical names for scale degrees, and standard ornaments and instruments. These courses have scheduled break weeks eg:<strong>4, 25 May 2026, 1st Jun 2027</strong></p>- all regular simple and compound metres<br>- more complex rhythmic patterns using double dots, duplets and the breve<br>- alto clef (used by the viola) and transcribing music between the three clefs<br>- major and minor keys up to five sharps/flats, including root position primary triads (chords on 1st, 4th and 5th scale degrees)<br>- double sharps / flats and their cancellation<br>- the principle of enharmonic equivalence<br>- technical names for scale degrees<br>- quantity and quality of all intervals up to an octave<br>- the chromatic scale<br>- terms and signs for melodic decoration and their application in instrumental music.- read, write, hear, clap and play/sing complex rhythms in any regular metre<br>- read and write in alto clef, and transcribe music between clefs<br>- read, hear and write music in major and minor keys up to five sharps / flats, including using double sharps / flats where needed<br>- read and write root position primary triads<br>- technical names for scale degrees<br>- read, write, hear and sing/play intervals up to an octave<br>- understand terms and signs for melodic decoration and their application in instrumental music<br>- answer questions on a Grade 4 theory music exam paper.- You need to have completed Music theory: grade 3 or equivalent, and have good knowledge of rhythm, simple and compound metre, melodic structure, and tonic triads.<br>- 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.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.<br><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).<p>You will need manuscript paper, pencil and eraser, notebook and pen.<br>Please buy and bring to class:</p><ul><li><a href="http://shop.abrsm.org/shop/prod/Taylor-Eric-The-AB-Guide-to-Music-Theory-Part-I/598230" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ABRSM Guide to Music Theory Part I </a> (covers Grades 1-5) (c.£6) [external website]</li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Discovering-Music-Theory-Workbook-workbooks/dp/1786013487" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Discovering Music Theory, The ABRSM Grade 4 Workbook</a> (c.£8) [external website]</li></ul><p>**NB these books are also available from independent retailers.</p><p>This course leads to Music theory: grade 5<br><br>Study of music theory is greatly enhanced by our Practical musicianship courses. For more details about musicianship and music theory please visit our blog: <a href="https://http://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
