Music theory: grade 8
keyboard in historical styles, writing melodies for instrument, and analysing a score (ornaments, harmonic structure,
phrase structure, style, performance directions, use of voices and instruments). Break weeks: 30 March until return on 20 April, also bank holiday mondays 4 and 25 May 2026.
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: 23 Feb 2026End Date: 06 Jul 2026Mon (Daytime): 10:30 - 12:30In PersonFull fee £369.00 Senior fee £369.00 Concession £258.00
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.
What is the course about?
Develop your understanding of musical language, style and notation to an advanced level using the ABRSM/Trinity Grade 8 syllabus. This course focusses on sophisticated harmony, and stylistic features of Baroque, Classical and early Romantic 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.
What will we cover?
- all standard diatonic and chromatic chords in tonal music
- 18th century style counterpoint in two parts
- keyboard writing in Classical/early Romantic style
- melody writing for instruments
- 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...
- analyse and use all standard diatonic and chromatic harmony in tonal music
- write two-part counterpoint in 18th century style over a given harmonic structure
- write keyboard music in Classical/early Romantic style
- compose instrumental melodies in Baroque, Classical or early Romantic style
- analyse music for piano or ensemble
- answer questions on a Grade 8 theory music exam paper.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
You need to have completed Music theory: grade 7 or equivalent, and have good knowledge of diatonic and chromatic harmony, the principal features of Baroque and Classical music including figured bass, 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?
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?
Please buy and bring to class:
- Grade Eight Music Theory: for ABRSM Candidates: Volume 8 (MyMusicTheory Complete Courses) [external website]
- Theory Workbook Grade 8 (ABRSM) [external website]
- You will also need manuscript paper, pencil and eraser, notebook and pen.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You may also be interested in: Music theory: diploma topics, Music theory: counterpoint, Composition, Songwriting, or Keyboard harmony and improvisation.
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.
Simon Rigby is a freelance composer, arranger, conductor, and organist; he is also a member of academic staff at Greene's College, Oxford, and a Music Tutor at the City Literary Institute, Holborn. For many years a Senior Lecturer at the London College of Music (University of West London), Simon was recently awarded an Honorary Fellowship for his services to the College. His hobbies include studying Latin, making wine, and smoking his pipe! He and his family live in Reading, Berkshire. For more details, please visit: https://bit.ly/Simon-Rigby and https://www.youtube.com/@simon.rigby.musician
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.
