THEORY BY POST

This innovative correspondence course has attracted a great deal of interest since it was launched in May, 1999.

Theory by Post provides an alternative option for students wishing to study the theory of music up to Grade 5 level. It is especially suitable for instrumental or vocal students who are working through the practical grade examinations but do not have satisfactory access to qualified local tuition; it is also a good choice for anyone who would just like to learn to read music.

Each grade of the course comprises a number of modules (this number varying between 2 and 6), the modules each containing a tuition section and a set of related exercises. In order to progress from module to module students work through the exercises then send their completed scripts to DP Music Services, where they are carefully marked, graded and returned to the student together with the next module. Special FREEPOST envelopes are provided for students to use to send their work to be marked.

In order for each student to progress to the next module he or she must obtain at least a grade C (out of an A-E grading scheme, A representing the highest level). If any student receives a lower grade some further in-depth tuition is sent based on any apparent areas of weakness. There may also be a set of supplementary exercises for the student to work. In this way students gain full proficiency in each work topic before moving on.

Having worked through to the end of a grade a student may then enter the relevant grade examination set by either of the two leading national examination boards, or may continue with the next grade depending on preference. Where a student opts for an external examination DP Music Services is happy to arrange the examination entry on behalf of the student at no extra charge (the student will of course need to pay the usual external examination entry fee). Students may take an external examination at any of the recognised centres in many parts of the UK.

Although Theory by Post has been designed to run from beginner standard to Grade 5, a student may join the course at the commencement of any of the grades. However, unless students have previously taken lessons in musical theory it is recommended that they start at the beginning.

Your tutor will be either David Porter or Angela Parkes.

A major advantage of Theory by Post is that each student will be personally coached by David or Angela -- you will have access to the Helpline in case of queries or problems with the work so there is little chance of under-achievement.

1. The correspondence course material for Theory by Post arranged in modules, each page clearly set out with many musical illustrations and 'how to' tips.
2. For each module a set of related Course Exercises to be worked and returned to DP Music Services in the special FREEPOST envelopes supplied.
3. A FREE ring binder to hold all course materials -- a handy way to keep all your work in the same place. The FREE binder will be sent with your second module
4. Telephone and email helplines.
5. Experienced, fully qualified tuition (in over 20 years we've NEVER had a student fail a theory exam).
6. The opportunity to enter for an external examination after completing each grade.

Unfortunately Theory by Post is only available to residents of the United Kingdom. However an online international version is now available, making the course widely available to all English-speaking students worldwide who have access to a computer. For details of Theory by Email please click here.