Jenny’s approach to music theory classes is unlike other music schools. What makes her so unique?
Customised Worksheets for Students
Every student is different and hence customised worksheets are provided to each student according to their capabilities.
Small Classroom Size
All group classes are kept small, with a maximum of four students. Interact with other students for fun and group learning and receive personalised attention at the same time.
Master’s degree with 20 Years Experience
20 years of music theory teaching experience combined with a Master degree in music from a music Conservatory in Germany, rest assured that she has the relevant experience and know how.
Concept Based Teaching for Quicker Learning
Concept based teaching for quicker learning. Rather than the traditional way of progressing through each exam grade, her lessons are concepts based. Examples are clefs, where the treble and bass clef are covered in grade 1, while alto and tenor clefs are covered in grades 4 and 5. Jenny’s approach is to introduce the four clefs in a single lesson.
Customised Mock Exams and Worksheets
For exam preparation, in addition to past years papers which are limited and may be outdated, Jenny creates her own customised mock exams worksheets.
Too Busy? Go For Online Lessons
Online theory lessons are offered for students who prefer to have their lessons at the comfort of their homes. She even has students from overseas, such as in Hong Kong or Taiwan. Her lessons can be in Mandarin or Cantonese.
*Latest News* Jenny’s customised textbook, updated yearly according to the latest syllabus, latest test papers and homework materials, will be provided to our students!
Individual lessons are also available for students.
At the end of each lesson, homework will be provided to each student for practice at home and sent to Jenny via Whatsapp for marking.
Contact Jenny
Our lessons are running out due to high demand! Contact us through the contact form on the left of the page, or email us at pianoplaying@yahoo.com. You can also call or SMS us through 98256286 for more information.
Lessons in Progress
See more pictures of our music theory lessons in progress.
ABRSM Music Theory Music Composition
The most challenging part of the ABRSM music theory exams is music composition. These YouTube videos from Jenny demonstrate systematic methods for the grade 8 exam music composition. Do subscribe to her channel to receive notifications of new FREE lessons. Still having problems? Do contact Jenny via whatsapp (click here)!
Past ABRSM Theory Exam Outcomes
The long wait for the results of the ABRSM music theory exam and the anxiety at the examination venues such as Suntec City has been proven fruitful. We have a complete list of our student’s certificates! The certificates speak for themselves!
Certificates Of Our Past & Present Students
Theory Lesson Packages And Materials
Jenny has, over her teaching career, established a proven and systematic method for teaching ABRSM music theory and even AMusTCL to help her students secure a pass for the exam. In addition to single-grade music theory lessons, she offers packages up to grade 5 music theory. For those pursuing ABRSM diploma exams, there are packages up to grade 8 music theory. Each of these packages is weekly intensive training sessions leading to the examinations. Jenny has experience teaching theory to piano and other instruments students too. To assist in learning, she has summarized what is essential knowledge to have in our simple Distinction Theory ABRSM Theory Learning Aids workbook! This workbook is constantly updated, and Jenny has included new topics such as melody writing and composition with imitation and sequential phrases. These topics are simplified so that her students can complete grades 6 to 8 within 5 to 6 months, allowing them to focus on grade 8 past year test papers and to score well on their exams.
Theory Lessons Package 1
The ABRSM course package 1 is suitable for beginners of all ages and covers the ABRSM grade 1 to 5 syllabus. Upon completing this course, students can go for the grade 5 theory exam right away.
Theory lessons package 2
Covers ABRSM grades 6 to 8. Upon completing this package, students can go for the grade 8 theory exam directly.
Fees:
Fees will be collected every 4 lessons and payment is due before the first lesson of each cycle. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for more details. Contact us for the fees.
Duration and frequency:
Unlike other music schools, we can customize the duration and frequency of the lessons according to the student’s capability. The duration of each package should not exceed one year.
Topics of Our Music Theory Classes in Singapore
The topics to be covered during 1-year course of 44 lessons:
Part I
Names of the degrees of the scales
Major and minor triads
Chord progressions
Cadences
The use of primary chords in root position, 1st and 2nd inversions.
Cadential 2nd inversion and passing 2nd inversion chords
Incorporating primary chords and cadences
Figured basses
Secondary chords
Part writing of S.A.T.B.
Part II
Melodic decorations:
Passing notes
Auxiliary notes
Appoggiaturas
Changing notes
Anticipations
Subsidiary harmony notes:
Figured bass
Suspensions
Dominant seventh chords
Modulation
Part III
Secondary 7th chords:
Supertonic 7th
Added 6th chord
Submediant 7th
Subdominant 7th
Tonic 7th
Mediant 7th
Leading-note 7th
Diminished 7th chord and other secondary 7th chords:
Chords of the 9th, 11th and 13ths
Chromatic chords
Neapolitan 6th
Augmented 6th chords
Diminished 7th chords
Supertonic chromatic chord
Supertonic chromatic chords of the 7th and 9th
The tonic chromatic chord
Secondary dominants
Augmented 5th chords
Borrowed chords
Tierce de Picardie
Brief introduction to J.S.Bach’s chorale style
Part IV
At least 5 sets of past years exam papers
Why Learn Music Theory?
When learning piano or any other instrument, you may think theory lessons are tedious or unnecessary. However, it is the foundation and bedrock of learning and playing all types of music. With knowledge of music theory concepts, you will gain a greater understanding of music and be able to play and read music much better than you were able to before. When you hear a song you like, this knowledge will help you identify what makes it an excellent song, the chords, progressions as well as other elements that make it so striking. A strong background in music concepts is needed to be an advanced musician.
The ABRSM music theory course is a standard curriculum for music theory and is recognised by schools and musical programs in Singapore. Jenny uses this syllabus in her music theory classes to ensure that students have the foundation in musical concepts they need to become better performers.
If you are interested to pursue an ABRSM Piano Diploma in Singapore, you will also need to go through and pass the Grade 5 music theory course, as the ABRSM Grade 6 practical exam is a requirement for it.
Music Theory Qualifications For Music Elective Programme By MOE
The four-year Music Elective Programme offered by the Ministry of Education at secondary schools such as Tanjong Katong Girls’ School leads to ‘O’-level music exams. It aims to develop critical thinking, creativity and musical interpretation skills. Part of the syllabus requires music theory knowledge which in the music studies component requires the students to identify modulations, chords and cadences such as perfect and plagal. The music writing portion requires two-part writing for solo voice and accompaniment.
Hence to qualify for the programme, an understanding of music theory is a must. The ABRSM grade 3 theory certification can be used at the secondary school level. To qualify for the programme at Junior Colleges such as Temasek Junior College, a higher music theory grade, such as ABRSM grade 6 theory, can be utilised.
Benefits of learning music theory
There are many other benefits to attend music theory classes in Singapore. Unfortunately, it is an area many students choose to skip or pay little attention to, but that is a mistake. Some of the benefits include:
1. Better playing and sight-reading of music
When you learn music theory, you learn rules and guidelines about how music works and is composed. This can help you sight-read new pieces more effectively because you’ll be able to feel where the music is going.
2. Increased understanding of styles and genres of music
Music theory will allow you to explore many different types of music and learn what makes them sound so different from each other.
3. Learn how to write your own music
Write music while adhering to basic music rules.
If you are interested in pursuing our music theory course, please fill up our contact form or get in touch with us through a phone call to get a free trial session now!
