Last Updated on 22 May 2026 by Victoria Williams
Pass Your Grade 1 Music Theory with Distinction!
ABRSM Grade 1 Theory Video Course
Get started with the basics of pitch and rhythm notation, including accidentals, key signatures and time signatures.
Learn about major scales, how we can use them to created chords or triads, and how we can measure the distance or “interval” between two notes.
Learn at home at your own pace, with a structured course in logical order!
The course includes around 1 hour of short video lessons (2-4 minutes each), plus PDF with answers included.
View ABRSM Grade 1 Music Theory Video CourseAlso Available…
ABRSM Grade 1 Theory Syllabus
- Note values of semibreve, minim, crotchet, quaver and semiquaver*, and their equivalent rests (candidates may use the terms ‘whole note’, ‘half note’, etc.). Tied notes. Single-dotted notes and rests.
- Simple time signatures of 2/4, 3/4 & 4/4, bar-lines and the grouping of the notes listed above within these times.
- The stave. Treble (G) and bass (F) clefs. Names of notes on the stave, including middle C in both clefs. Sharp, flat and natural signs, and their cancellation.
- Construction of the major scale, including the position of the tones and semitones. Scales and key signatures of the major keys of C, G, D and F in both clefs, with their tonic triads (root position), degrees (number only), and intervals above the tonic (by number only).
- Some frequently used terms and signs concerning tempo, dynamics, performance directions and articulation marks. Simple questions will be asked about a melody written in either treble or bass clef.