Grade 5 theory

Why take it?

Grade 5 theory is a requirement for students wanting to take instrumental examinations beyond Grade 5 with the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music (ABRSM).

A thorough knowledge of the theory of music helps all instrumental and vocal performers. Grade 5 theory is also supportive of the current Music GCSE, AS and A-Level examinations. An understanding of the theory of music is essential for higher grade aural tests.

What is available?

Classes run throughout the whole of the school year. An initial assessment takes place in the first lesson to determine the existing level of knowledge, and to estimate the timescale required for each pupil. In cases where a student already has a high level of knowledge, it may be possible to take the exam in one term. However, it would be more usual for pupils to build up their knowledge gradually over 2 to 3 terms. The tutor will continually assess pupils’ progress and let parents know when they are ready.

Where

Kettering Road Music and Arts Centre
Trinity Avenue
Northampton, NN2 6JW

When

Tuesday evenings
Preparation class is 6.30pm to 7pm
Examination class is 7pm to 8pm

Details

There will be at least 8 sessions each term.

Cost

The cost of the course for members of county music groups, Regional Centres or students in receipt of individual lessons is £90 for the first term and £50 for subsequent terms. The course fee includes:

tuition costs
examination entry fee
ABRSM work book
past test papers

The cost for students not registered with NMPAT is £130 for the first term and £90 for the subsequent terms

Please note that payment for the course is required in advance and will be requested when your place is confirmed. Payment can be made via the Parent Pay shop.

What equipment do you need?

You will need to bring these with you to every lesson:

pencils (2B or 3B)
pencil sharpener
eraser
manuscript paper

How to apply

Please complete the form below and return it to the Music Trust office as soon as possible and you will be contacted before the course starts. Places are limited for each term and pupils will be taken on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis so you do need to plan ahead if you need to have passed your theory exam.

Grade 5 Theory Classes Application Form (Word 188KB)

"All children should have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument"

Coronavirus and NMPAT

Tuesday 12th May update

Although the government is encouraging some people to go back to work unfortunately, at the moment, this does not include NMPAT.

All activities, events and regular face to face teaching remain suspended and our events are cancelled up to the end of June.

We are retaining options on some dates in July in the hope that it will be possible for some music making opportunities to resume before the summer break.
County Auditions applications for 2020-21 have been launched. We still hope that these may be able to take place in a socially distanced manner, but we are also considering on-line solutions.

Almost all the teaching staff of the Trust have been furloughed although HMRC have given permission for some on-line sessions to take place on a voluntary basis.

For those of you who have paid in advance, we will contact you with details of credits and remissions for the summer term. We have no plans to charge anyone for anything they have not received. Some people have asked about donation channels and these remain open at Virgin Money Giving, Local Giving and through Parent Pay. We really do appreciate your support.

Please stay in touch with our NMPositiviT team who are posting daily on our social media sites. We are aiming to find ways to keep you busy, practising and engaged in what we do. Check out #NMPositiviT.

We look forward to a time when we can all come together and begin to make music and theatre together again. Until then, stay safe, stay healthy and keep practising.

Peter Smalley, Chief Executive

Tuesday May 12th