Music Theory for Beginners - Online Courses - Adult Learning

The aim of this course is to equip you with the knowledge and understanding of fundamental music theory required to successfully prepare for and pass the ABRSM Grade 1 and/or Grade 2 Music Theory examinations. Through a structured, step-by-step approach, learners will develop skills in rhythm, melody, harmony, musical notation, dynamics, tempo, and expression, building confidence in reading and understanding written music regardless of prior experience.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Understand the key elements of music theory at Grade 1 and/or Grade 2 level.

• Read and interpret basic Western music notation.

• Complete music theory exercises and practice examination papers.

• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed to sit the ABRSM Grade 1 and/or Grade 2 Theory Exam.

The course is suitable for beginners and requires no previous music theory experience.

You will need:

Associated Boards of the Royal College of Music (ABRSM) Grade 1 and/or Grade 2 Theory Practice Papers.

The ability to send photographs of completed homework (usually via a mobile phone) to the tutor’s Inspire email address for marking and feedback.

As this course is online, a suitable device such as laptop or computer will be required to access the course. The link for you to join the live sessions will be sent to you once your enrolment has been completed.

Funding and Fees

If you receive certain benefits, you may be able to take the course for free.
If money is stopping you from enrolling, please visit our funding page to see what help is available.

Living in England

To book and join one of our courses, you must live in England permanently and either:

• Live inside the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) area (Nottinghamshire or Derbyshire)

or

• Live outside the devolved areas listed below

You cannot enrol if you live in these devolved areas:

• Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA)

• Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

• North East Combined Authority

• South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority

• Tees Valley Combined Authority

• West Midlands Combined Authority

• West of England Combined Authority

• West Yorkshire Combined Authority

• Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority

• York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority

• Hull and East Yorkshire

• Greater Lincolnshire

• Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority

• Cornwall Council

• Lancashire Combined County Authority

• Buckinghamshire Council

Residency Requirements (Additional Information)

If you live in the UK on a visa, we’ll need evidence of your visa to confirm funding. You can upload this when applying, and you’ll need to complete a short questionnaire.

Some exceptions include:

• Your visa must last until after your course ends.

• Asylum seekers must have lived in the UK for at least 6 months while their claim is being processed.

• You are supported by your local authority under Section 23C or 23CA of the Children Act 1989, or under the Care Act 2014.

Anyone who does not meet the funding criteria would need to pay full course fees.