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 (or "speed-reading"), which is the basis of solfege training, as well as aural note-recognition ("ear 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 as well as their aural note-recognition do not always correspond to their playing level unless they are also specifically trained in such skills.
Therefore, the course includes exercises in both visual note recognition (also known as "speed-reading") and aural note recognition ("ear training")
Some group sight-singing may also be included if and when there is time in the lesson.
The course generally follows the FWB school calendar.
Lessons take place on Mondays at Ecole Eos, 184 chaussée d'Etterbeek, 1040 Etterbeek. However, some Mondays are off.
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!
There is some theory homework to do each week, for which the workload is kept light
There are note-reading exercises to be practised and proved each week, for which a little daily practice is necessary
There are ear-training exercises to be practised and proved each week, for which a little daily practice is also necessary
There are up to 8 pupils per group.
Each pupil must be accompanied by one of his/her parents. Exceptions are possible only for students who are older and/or are deemed to have enough autonomy by the course teachers .
The course is taught in both French and English. Teachers can explain any of the concepts in either language or in both, as necessary.
The theory material is in English, using the English note-naming system (A-B-C-D...). If the pupil doesn't understand English, that's ok provided the parent does and can understand and explain to their child the theory and questions set out in the course book.
The solfege exercises are done using the French note-naming system (la-si-do-ré...)
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, as well as having successfully passed the required note-reading tests and ear-training tests.
At grade 5 and above only, pupils will be encouraged, after completing each grade's course, to take the real ABRSM Theory of Music 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 Music Theory 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: 125€ 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 Music Theory 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.