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Discovering Music Theory, The ABRSM Grade 4 Workbook (Theory workbooks
Discovering Music Theory is a suite of workbooks and corresponding answer books that offers all-round preparation for the updated ABRSM Music Theory exams from 2020, including the new online papers. This full-colour workbook will equip students of all ages with the skills, knowledge and understanding required for the ABRSM Grade 4 Music Theory exam. Written to make theory engaging and relevant to developing musicians of all ages, it - straightforward explanations of all new concepts - progressive exercises to build skills and understanding, step by step - challenge questions to extend learning and develop music-writing skills - helpful tips for how to approach specific exercises - ideas for linking theory to music listening, performing and instrumental/singing lessons - clear signposting and progress reviews throughout - a sample practice exam paper showing you what to expect in the new style of exams from 2020 As well as fully supporting the ABRSM theory syllabus, Discovering Music Theory provides an excellent resource for anyone wishing to develop their music literacy skills, including GCSE and A-Level candidates, and adult learners.
- GenresNonfictionMusic
Sheet music
Published October 8, 2020
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About the author
ABRSM
997 books14 followersABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) was founded on October 1, 1889, by Sir Alexander Mackenzie (Royal Academy of Music) and Sir George Grove (Royal College of Music) to promote high standards in music education through standardized local examinations across the UK.
ABRSM also provides a publishing house for music which produces syllabus booklets, sheet music and exam papers and runs professional development courses and seminars for teachers
ABRSM also provides a publishing house for music which produces syllabus booklets, sheet music and exam papers and runs professional development courses and seminars for teachers
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 17, 2025
4 ⭐
This is the 4th of 5 Workbooks which accompany ABRSM’s ‘The AB Guide to Music Theory – Part 1’ (The pink book).
Chapter focus remains much the same as Grade 3 besides some minor changes: Rhythm, Pitch, Keys and Scales, Intervals, Triads/chords (replacing Tonic Triads), Terms, Signs and Instruments (Replacing ‘Terms and Signs’), ‘Music in Context’ and a Practice Exam for the Grade to wrap it up.
A new simple time signature in 4/8, as well as additonal compound time signatures 6/4, 9/4, 6/16, 9/16 and 12/16 are introduced.
Two new Major keys (Db and B) and Two new Minor keys (Bbm and G#m), along with their scales, are added to those previously learned and we are introduced to the chromatic Scale. The technical names for the degrees of the scale (tonic, mediant, dominant etc.) are also given, quite belatedly in my opinion given this is already Grade 4 music theory.
Tying in with the introduction of the chromatic scale, Intervals are spiced up further with the addition of the minor 2nd and Augmented/Diminished intervals. This section made me really aware of how beneficial it would be to memorise all minor key signatures as well as major as in my workings regarding anything minor, I tend to have to work back from the relative major, not having memorised sharps and flats for all minor keys. Just an extra step that makes it minutely more time-consuming.
After a little bit of tonic triad work for the newly introduced keys, we move onto recognizing other Primary Chords within a key; namely, the IV and V in addition to I.
Another new addition in Grade 4 is a bit of introductory theory regarding Orchestral Instruments and Their Families including, obviously, what family they each belong to, their pitch range (and for percussion instruments whether they are of definite or indefinite pitch) and what clef they most commonly (or always) use. There are a few ‘Theory in Sound’ recommendations at the beginning of this chapter intended to acquaint the student with the sound, or timbre, of different instruments. The String Quartets of Beethoven and Haydn for Violin, Viola and Cello. Holst’s ‘St.Paul’s Suite (Op.29, no.2)’ for String Instruments, Mozart’s ‘Serenade No.10 in Bb’ for Wind Instruments and Copland’s ‘Fanfare for the Common Man’ for Brass and Percussion Instruments. It is also suggested that the reader seek out a video clip of an orchestra playing Benjamin Britten’s ‘The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra (Op.34)’ and I concur absolutely. It is a Variations and Fugue on a theme by Purcell with each variation isolating different instruments of the orchestra for the benefit of the listener. Not only great for pedagogical purposes but a fine piece in it’s own right.
Onwards and upwards to book 5, the final book before tackling ABRSM’s ‘Harmony in Practice’ which acts as a bridge between Grades 5 and 6. Adieu.
This is the 4th of 5 Workbooks which accompany ABRSM’s ‘The AB Guide to Music Theory – Part 1’ (The pink book).
Chapter focus remains much the same as Grade 3 besides some minor changes: Rhythm, Pitch, Keys and Scales, Intervals, Triads/chords (replacing Tonic Triads), Terms, Signs and Instruments (Replacing ‘Terms and Signs’), ‘Music in Context’ and a Practice Exam for the Grade to wrap it up.
A new simple time signature in 4/8, as well as additonal compound time signatures 6/4, 9/4, 6/16, 9/16 and 12/16 are introduced.
Two new Major keys (Db and B) and Two new Minor keys (Bbm and G#m), along with their scales, are added to those previously learned and we are introduced to the chromatic Scale. The technical names for the degrees of the scale (tonic, mediant, dominant etc.) are also given, quite belatedly in my opinion given this is already Grade 4 music theory.
Tying in with the introduction of the chromatic scale, Intervals are spiced up further with the addition of the minor 2nd and Augmented/Diminished intervals. This section made me really aware of how beneficial it would be to memorise all minor key signatures as well as major as in my workings regarding anything minor, I tend to have to work back from the relative major, not having memorised sharps and flats for all minor keys. Just an extra step that makes it minutely more time-consuming.
After a little bit of tonic triad work for the newly introduced keys, we move onto recognizing other Primary Chords within a key; namely, the IV and V in addition to I.
Another new addition in Grade 4 is a bit of introductory theory regarding Orchestral Instruments and Their Families including, obviously, what family they each belong to, their pitch range (and for percussion instruments whether they are of definite or indefinite pitch) and what clef they most commonly (or always) use. There are a few ‘Theory in Sound’ recommendations at the beginning of this chapter intended to acquaint the student with the sound, or timbre, of different instruments. The String Quartets of Beethoven and Haydn for Violin, Viola and Cello. Holst’s ‘St.Paul’s Suite (Op.29, no.2)’ for String Instruments, Mozart’s ‘Serenade No.10 in Bb’ for Wind Instruments and Copland’s ‘Fanfare for the Common Man’ for Brass and Percussion Instruments. It is also suggested that the reader seek out a video clip of an orchestra playing Benjamin Britten’s ‘The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra (Op.34)’ and I concur absolutely. It is a Variations and Fugue on a theme by Purcell with each variation isolating different instruments of the orchestra for the benefit of the listener. Not only great for pedagogical purposes but a fine piece in it’s own right.
Onwards and upwards to book 5, the final book before tackling ABRSM’s ‘Harmony in Practice’ which acts as a bridge between Grades 5 and 6. Adieu.
December 2, 2022
Another strong book in this series. Definitely the most challenging read yet. I did not see the plot twist coming about minor 2nds, to say nothing about augmented and diminished intervals. Sheesh! I'm intrigued to see what the Grade 5 workbook has in store to wrap up this compelling series.
June 13, 2025
The chapter on intervals should be explained better, as it wasn't very intuitive without information outside of the book. Other than that, another excellent music theory workbook
November 23, 2025
slightly less waste of my time
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews