Music theory: grade 7
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
This course has now started
Course Code: MG437
Duration: 15 sessions (over 21 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
Develop your understanding of musical language, style and notation to a high level using the ABRSM/Trinity Grade 7 syllabus. This course focusses on chromatic harmony, stylistic features of Baroque and Classical music, and music analysis.
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://gb.abrsm.org/en/exam-booking/exam-dates-and-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.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- 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.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
- chromatic harmony: secondary 7ths, Neapolitan 6ths, diminished 7ths
- figured bass
- melodic decoration, including suspensions
- inessential notes in inner parts
- melody writing for instruments
- composing a keyboard accompaniment in Baroque or Classical style
- analysis of music for piano or ensemble (e.g. ornaments, phrase structure, style, performance directions, use of voices and instruments).
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- read and write chromatic harmony in tonal music
- read and write figured bass
- use inessential notes to decorate a melody
- identify inessential notes in inner parts
- compose instrumental melodies
- compose a keyboard accompaniment in Baroque or Classical style
- analyse music for piano or ensemble
- answer questions on a Grade 7 theory music exam paper.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
You need to have completed Music theory: grade 6 or equivalent, and have good knowledge of rhythm and metre, diatonic harmony, simple modulation, common stylistic features of Western music, and have score-reading and analytical skills.
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?
This is an online course you will need your own copy of the course text-book (see below) and a computer or tablet with a webcam, microphone and reliable internet connection to take this class. We use GOOGLE CLASSROOM to share messages, documents, audio and video files and for you to submit any homework tasks. We use ZOOM for live classes via webcam.
Your tutor will use a variety of techniques:
- tutor explanation and demonstration via webcam / shared screen
- 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?
Please buy and bring to class:
- ABRSM Music Theory Workbook Grade 7.
Other recommended additional texts are:
- Music Theory in Practice Grade 7 (Peter Aston & Julian Webb)
- Practice in Music Theory Grade 7 (Josephine Koh).
You may also like to use:
- ABRSM Guide to Music Theory Part II (Eric Taylor: covers Grades 6–8).
You will also need manuscript paper, pencil and eraser, notebook and pen, or you can work in Sibelius software if you prefer.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
We recommend MD438 Music theory: grade 8
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.
I have spent my professional career balancing performing as a concert pianist with teaching academic music courses. I was formerly a lecturer at the Royal College of Music and Trinity Laban Conservatoire, but have found that I enjoy teaching non-professionals far more, so a great deal of my work over the last three years has been with adult amateurs and the general public. Born to Indian parents (the name is a long story, but I and my forbears are Indian as far as records go back!), I now also spend a few months each year in India working with teachers and advanced students with the aim, ultimately, of opening India's first conservatoire. My research work has largely been in the area of 19th and 20th century performing practice, although for the last three years I have been investigating approaches to performance creativity, first at New College, Oxford, and now at Hughes Hall, Cambridge. In my spare time you may occasionally me performing as a founder member of the prog rock band, The Connoisseur.
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.
