This has now been running for just over a year and is attracting students from all over the UK. The course covers Grades 1 to 5 of the syllabi set by the three major national examination boards.

It is especially suitable for instrumental or vocal students who are working through the practical grade examinations but who do not have satisfactory access to theory of music tuition. It is also ideal for anyone who feels they would like to learn to read music to a higher standard, or for any other reason would like to study musical theory.

Each grade is divided into a small number of modules, and students who enrol for the course are sent one module at a time plus a set of related exercises to be worked. When the exercises have been completed students post their work back to DP Music Services in one of the special FREEPOST envelopes supplied; it is then marked, graded and returned to the students along with the next module of the course. If, however, there are serious errors in the work a set of supplementary exercises on the weaker topic(s) will be sent with tips and further in-depth explanation of these topics. In this way students gain full proficiency in each work topic before moving on.

After a student has successfully completed each grade of the course he or she may enter the relevant grade examination set by one of the three main national exam boards or simply continue with the work for the next grade. DP Music Services is able to co-ordinate such examination entries too -- full instructions are given when each student approaches the end of a grade.

Currently Theory by Post is available only to residents of the United Kingdom. Further developments and modifications to the course will eventually make it available in other parts of the world if there is sufficient interest. The ultimate aim is to make the entire course available online using e-mail channels for transfer of modules and exercises between student and tutor.

A leaflet has been published giving fuller details of the course including fees -- if you would like to receive a copy please contact DP Music Services. For contact address, telephone / fax numbers and e-mail address please see the page entitled 'Specialist Tuition'. Alternatively click here and complete the online form.