Grade Five Music Theory: for ABRSM Candidates Paperback – September 28, 2016

Value for money

I cannot recommend this book highly enough - Grade 5 was my first theory exam and I have just passed with 100% and would not have done that without Victoria's book.Many other people take Grade 5 as their first theory exam, and this book contains all of the knowledge you need assuming that you haven't taken any previous exams.Each chapter is clearly laid out - it starts with signposting you what you need to know, then the material to learn is laid out in an engaging way, followed by clear guidance on the type and style of questions which are likely to come up, and then worked examples of the questions. The writing style is perfect for learning this material, and Victoria includes lots of tips along the way that help to finesse your knowledge and avoid some of the pitfalls or traps you might encounter in the theory paper. Each chapter finishes with exercises and answer sheets to test all of the knowledge that you have gained in that chapter. And to top it off, at the end of the book there is an example exam paper.Victoria's website (mymusictheory.com) has much of the same content, but I really like to work from the hardcopy book. However, I did use the website to do some of the exercises - especially those where you don't need to write down the answer. Using this mix of the book and some of the exercises on the web-site was a really efficient way for me to learn and test myself on the material. On the web-site you can also sign up and receive notifications and blog messages etc.By way of contrast, I started learning with the ABRSM's "AB Guide to Music Theory" - that book is really densely written, misses out parts of the syllabus, and includes material that you don't need to know! The ABRSM book definitely needs an update (sorry ABRSM)!!!I have already bought Victoria's Grade 6 book!

My 12 year old daughter and 14 year old son used this book to prepare for their grade 5 theory exam, with very little theory work up to that point. Daughter studied the book meticulously, and scored 93%, son flicked through the book, then did ABRSM past papers, referring to the book when he couldn't answer a question; he scored 90%. Two very different methods, two excellent results. Couldn't have done it without the book.

I studied grades 1-5 of these books and walked out with a distinction at ABRSM grade 5. I'm self taught and these books are worth their weight in gold.

easier to understand The AB guide theory part 1

If like me you got bogged down and totally befuddled with the Eric Taylor pink and blue theory books then Victoria's book is for you. It is so so clear-and there are questions to try out with worked answers. Love this book - it is my grade5 music theory exam bible.