Music Theory & Solfege Course
at Ecole EOS in Etterbeek
Free of charge for SMB violin students
at Ecole EOS in Etterbeek
Free of charge for SMB violin students
Participants are taught through the grades of the ABRSM Music Theory course and are also trained in visual note recognition (also known as "speed-reading"), which is the basis of solfege training.
ABRSM Music Theory
ABRSM is a UK-based international organisation proposing high-quality music examinations for every classical instrument as well as for music theory. Examination levels range from Grade 1 (beginners) through Grade 8 (advanced). ABRSM diplomas are recognised by music schools, colleges and conservatoires all over the world. Unlike the music examinations organised by most state education systems, including that of Belgium, ABRSM examinations are open to all, making them ideal for pupils who are taught privately.
ABRSM Music Theory grades 1 to 5 cover all the theory most musicians need and more or less correspond to the theory taught in solfege classes in Belgian music academies, while grades 6 to 8 are more advanced and focus mainly on harmony and analysis.
It may also be important to note that admission to any ABRSM examination in Violin, Piano, Cello, Singing, etc. at Grade 6 or above requires having previously obtained the certificate for ABRSM Music Theory Grade 5 or higher.
ABRSM publishes excellent textbooks for each theory grade, which together provide a complete, structured course for teaching classes. However, it is important to note that ABRSM Music Theory is a pure theory course. The ABRSM theory course is therefore not a full solfege course, as it does not teach practical elements such as ear training, visual note-recognition, sight-singing or practical rhythm.
Solfege
While the concert skills of young Suzuki pupils are often impressive for their age, from the age of seven or eight their visual note-recognition skills do not always correspond to their playing level, and are sometimes inadequate to the demands of the ABRSM theory course. Therefore, the course also includes exercises in visual note recognition (also known as "speed-reading").
Other typical aspects of traditional solfege (such as sight-singing, ear training or rhythm exercises) are not taught in the course as these skills are expected to be taught by SMB instrumental teachers as part of their individual and/or group lessons.
Lessons take place on Mondays at Ecole Eos, 184 chaussée d'Etterbeek, 1040 Etterbeek
The course generally follows the FWB school calendar. However, some Mondays are off.
There are 25 lessons per year, starting from the third Monday of Term 1 (8 September 2025).
There is some theory homework to do each week, but the workload is generally kept light.
There are up to 6 pupils per group.
There are two groups: Group 1 at 17:00 and Group 2 at 17:30. Although levels can be mixed, pupils are not necessarily free to choose which group they will attend, since violin students must coordinate with the schedule of their violin groups and the number of pupils in each group must be balanced.
Each pupil must be accompanied by one of his/her parents. Exceptions are possible only for students who are older and are deemed by the teachers to have enough autonomy.
The course is taught in both French and English. Teachers can explain any of the concepts in either language or in both, as necessary.
Please note that the ABRSM Theory material is in English. If the pupil doesn't understand English, that's ok provided the parent does and can understand and explain to their child the explanations and questions in the course book.
Solfege (fast note-reading) is taught using the French sol-fa system (fixed-do system).
NEW: each pupil's progression is individual, so it's ok to miss some lessons; but of course, if too many are missed covering each grade's material might take too long and revision for the end-of-grade tests could become tough!
The teacher for each lesson will change from week to week, alternating between Alexis and Dominika.
The course material is provided free of charge.
At Grades 1 to 4, success in completing a Grade is defined as having obtained Distinction in a sample paper at least once, or Merit at least twice, as well as having successfully passed the required note-reading tests.
At grade 5 and above only, pupils will be encouraged, after completing each grade's course, to take the real ABRSM examination for that grade, preferably only after they have proved ready to obtain Distinction in the mock tests (NB: ABRSM charges a fee for each examination - see below).
For Grade 1:
the pupil should fulfil at least both of the following conditions:
be at least 7 years old
have reached Book 2 of the Suzuki Method (or equivalent) on their instrument AND/OR be recommended by their single-lesson teacher as able to take the course
For Grades 2 and above:
the pupil should fulfil at least one of the following conditions:
to have successfully passed the tests for the previous level less than 2 years before the start of the course
to have obtained the real ABRSM diploma for the previous grade less than 2 years before the start of the course
The fees and conditions set out here apply only to classes given within the framework of the classes organised by the SMB violin section at Ecole Eos.
SMB violin student: FREE of charge.
Other students: 120€ per pupil per year
ABRSM fees are not included in the course fee; however, at Grades 1 to 4 it is not necessary for pupils to take an official ABRSM examination: they only need to be tested through sample exams, for which there is no added fee.
On the other hand, if a parent does want their child to take a real examination (for example, because they plan to move abroad and want their child to have an official ABRSM certificate), that is of course possible.
To check the applicable ABRSM examination fees, please check https://www.abrsm.org/en-be/dates-and-fees/exam-dates-and-fees-latest
Please contact Alexis at alexis.oberreit@suzuki-music-brussels.be.
Follow the link given below or at the top of the page to reach the inscription form.