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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. NB: scheduled break week: 4th & 25th May 2026.
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 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.
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 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-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.
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?
You will need manuscript paper, pencil and eraser, notebook and pen.
Please buy and bring to class: ABRSM Guide to Music Theory Part I (covers Grades 1–5) (c.£6) [external website]
Discovering Music Theory, The ABRSM Grade 4 Workbook (c.£8) [external website].
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.
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.
Edward teaches music history and theory at City lit. His specialism is early music (medieval, renaissance and baroque) and he completed a PhD in historical musicology at King's College London (2013) on the performance of medieval music. Outside of teaching, Edward is a regular contributor to Gramophone magazine and has lectured for Dartington International Summer School, London's Southbank Centre and The British Library. He has also worked as a researcher for BBC Proms and written for the journal Early Music (OUP). His essays are published in: The Cambridge Encyclopaedia of Historical Performance in Music, (Cambridge University Press); The Montpellier Codex: Studies in Medieval and Renaissance Music 16 (Boydell Press); Recomposing the Past: Representations of Early Music on Stage and Screen (Ashgate 2018); and 30-Second Classical Music (Ivy Press).
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.jpg249249GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Performing arts/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Music theory & musicianship22851314135113591228513141351Study 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. NB: scheduled break week: 4th & 25th May 2026. <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>151182817Music theory: grade 4249249https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/m/u/music_theory-grade_4-1024_23.jpgInStockDaytimeThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-04-23T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceApr 2026Performing artsMG436249249Music theory: grade 4199174249Edward Breenmusic-theory-grade-4/mg436-2526Study 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. NB: scheduled break week: 28th May 2026.0000-Available|2026-04-23 00:00:00A 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 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://gb.abrsm.org/en/exam-booking/exam-dates-and-fees/" target="_blank"> https://gb.abrsm.org/en/exam-booking/exam-dates-and-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.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. NB: scheduled break week: 28th May 2026.- 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-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.<br />
<br />
Your tutor will use a variety of techniques:<br />
- tutor explanation and demonstration via webcam / shared screen<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).You will need manuscript paper, pencil and eraser, notebook and pen.<br />
Please buy and bring to class:<br />
<a href="http://shop.abrsm.org/shop/prod/Taylor-Eric-The-AB-Guide-to-Music-Theory-Part-I/598230"target=_blank">ABRSM Guide to Music Theory Part I </a> (covers Grades 1–5) (c.£6) [external website]<br />
<br />
<ahref="https://shop.abrsm.org/shop/prod/ABRSM-Discovering-Music-Theory-The-ABRSM-Grade-4-Workbook/2437299 "target=_blank"> Discovering Music Theory, The ABRSM Grade 4 Workbook </a> (c.£8) [external website].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=" http://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/musicianship-music-theory-courses-city-lit " target="_blank"> Musicianship and music theory at City lit </a> which lists our full sequence of musicianship and music theory classes.virtual1182880Music theory: grade 4249249https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/m/u/music_theory-grade_4-1024_22.jpgInStockDaytimeMonOnlineAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-04-20T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceApr 2026Performing artsMG454249249Music theory: grade 4199174249Selena Kaymusic-theory-grade-4/mg454-2526Study 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. NB: scheduled break week: 4th & 25th May 2026.0000-Available|2026-04-20 00:00:00A 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 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://gb.abrsm.org/en/exam-booking/exam-dates-and-fees/" target="_blank"> https://gb.abrsm.org/en/exam-booking/exam-dates-and-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.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. NB: scheduled break week: 4th & 25th May 2026.- 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-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.<br />
<br />
Your tutor will use a variety of techniques:<br />
- tutor explanation and demonstration via webcam / shared screen<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).You will need manuscript paper, pencil and eraser, notebook and pen.<br />
Please buy and bring to class:<br />
<a href="http://shop.abrsm.org/shop/prod/Taylor-Eric-The-AB-Guide-to-Music-Theory-Part-I/598230"target=_blank">ABRSM Guide to Music Theory Part I </a> (covers Grades 1–5) (c.£6) [external website]<br />
<br />
<ahref="https://shop.abrsm.org/shop/prod/ABRSM-Discovering-Music-Theory-The-ABRSM-Grade-4-Workbook/2437299 "target=_blank"> Discovering Music Theory, The ABRSM Grade 4 Workbook </a> (c.£8) [external website].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=" http://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/musicianship-music-theory-courses-city-lit " target="_blank"> Musicianship and music theory at City lit </a> which lists our full sequence of musicianship and music theory classes.virtual199249174MG436,MG454NONEThu,Mon20/04/26 - 06/07/2616:30 - 18:3016:3018:3010 sessions (over 12 weeks)105-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayOnlineKeeley Street,OnlineEdward Breen,Selena KaySome experienceAvailable courses2026-04-23T00:00:00+00:00,2026-04-20T00:00:00+00:00Apr 2026Performing arts249249Music theory: grade 4music-theory-grade-4/mg436-2526,music-theory-grade-4/mg454-2526Study 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. NB: scheduled break week: 28th May 2026.,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. NB: scheduled break week: 4th & 25th May 2026.0000-Available|2026-04-20 00:00:00A 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 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://gb.abrsm.org/en/exam-booking/exam-dates-and-fees/" target="_blank"> https://gb.abrsm.org/en/exam-booking/exam-dates-and-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.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. NB: scheduled break week: 28th May 2026.,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. NB: scheduled break week: 4th & 25th May 2026.- 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-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.<br />
<br />
Your tutor will use a variety of techniques:<br />
- tutor explanation and demonstration via webcam / shared screen<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).You will need manuscript paper, pencil and eraser, notebook and pen.<br />
Please buy and bring to class:<br />
<a href="http://shop.abrsm.org/shop/prod/Taylor-Eric-The-AB-Guide-to-Music-Theory-Part-I/598230"target=_blank">ABRSM Guide to Music Theory Part I </a> (covers Grades 1–5) (c.£6) [external website]<br />
<br />
<ahref="https://shop.abrsm.org/shop/prod/ABRSM-Discovering-Music-Theory-The-ABRSM-Grade-4-Workbook/2437299 "target=_blank"> Discovering Music Theory, The ABRSM Grade 4 Workbook </a> (c.£8) [external website].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=" http://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/musicianship-music-theory-courses-city-lit " target="_blank"> Musicianship and music theory at City lit </a> which lists our full sequence of musicianship and music theory classes.configurable
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
