The course consists of 20 modules, commencing at beginner level and progressing gradually up to the end of Grade 5. Each module contains clear, easy-to-understand tuition and a set of course exercises based on the topics covered by the tuition notes. After completion of the final module in each grade there is a set of three Specimen Papers to be worked before continuing with the course.
The general objective of the course is for each student to work through one module at a time. Once all the course exercises for each module have been completed, a student will post his or her work (using special 'Freepost' envelopes supplied) to DP Music Services, where the work done is carefully marked and graded before being returned to the student along with the next module of the course.
At DP Music Services, we feel that when a student follows a course it is important that the student receives objective assessment of their achievement and attainment as they proceed, and for this reason all work completed by each student is carefully monitored and assessed: a report is prepared after each set of course exercises has been marked, giving assistance to students if errors have been made, so that students are able to make better progress through the course and hopefully achieve even higher marks in examinations. Occasionally the space supplied on the Report Sheet does not provide enough room for tutors to fully explain errors, in which case a more detailed set of notes is prepared so that students are helped and supported as much as possible.
Sometimes students may require assistance before they send in their work to be marked, in which case there is a Helpline that is available (for immediate help), or it is possible to send an email to DP Music Services (where it will be answered as quickly as possible, usually within 24 hours).
There is now an extra facility for students who require help with any of their coursework, in the form of website assistance. This comprises a series of questions and answers based on some of the topics in the course that have been known to cause 'headaches'. It is expected that more questions and answers will be added during the coming few months.
All in all, students who enrol for THEORY BY POST can safely assume that they will be guided and helped towards achieving as high a standard as possible in attaining their goal (exam results speak for themselves: to date no student has achieved a lower mark than 90% in external examinations).
The content of the tuition modules includes all work topics found in Grade examinations in the theory of music up to and including Grade 5 that are set by The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and Trinity Guildhall, and following the successful completion of each grade of the course students may (if they wish) enter for the appropriate exam set by either board. However, most students prefer to continue through THEORY BY POST until they reach the end of Grade 5, after which they may enter for the external Grade 5 exam only. Whichever way, students have freedom and flexibility in making their choices, and this is an important feature of THEORY BY POST
| GRADE ONE: 3 modules |
GRADE TWO: 2 modules |
GRADE THREE: 3 modules |
GRADE FOUR: 6 modules |
GRADE FIVE: 6 modules |
For a full course resumé, click here.
Our current course tutors are David Porter and Angela Parkes, both being extremely well-qualified and experienced. They are very familiar with the examination board syllabuses and both give theory of music lessons in or near their respective homes. David and Angela are in an ideal position to help students to grasp the various disciplines involved and overcome any weaknesses as they progress.
The first module is FREE, after which there are two ways of paying THEORY BY POST course fees:
If you would like to enrol for THEORY BY POST you will need to complete the enrolment form.
If you would prefer a printed enrolment form so that you may use good ol' pen and paper, please click here.
All course fees are payable by cheque or credit card