MUSIC THEORY · GRADE 1

Music theory from the very beginning, one step at a time

An online course preparing you for the ABRSM Music Theory Grade 1 exam. Clear lessons, plenty of practice and a printable workbook – written by a UK music teacher.

One-off payment · no subscription · instant access

Tonica Academy Grade 1 workbook cover

11

chapters

300+

lesson and answer slides

199

workbook pages

3

mock tests

1

certificate of completion

WHO IT’S FOR

For anyone who wants to understand music, not just play it

Instrumental pupils

Theory that helps you read music faster and with more confidence – at the piano, violin, cello or any instrument.

Parents and home educators

A complete, structured course with answers to every exercise – easy to follow at home, even without a music background.

Adults returning to music

Learn at your own pace. Taking the exam is optional – the course is worth doing on its own.

SYLLABUS

11 chapters – everything in Grade 1

Every chapter: theory, exercises, a “Test yourself” page and key words.

01 Rhythm and time signatures

02 Treble and bass clef

03 Semiquavers, grouping and rests

04 Accidentals, tones and semitones

05 Dotted notes and ties

06 Scales: C, G, D and F major

07 Key signatures

08 Intervals

09 Tonic triads

10 Terms and signs

11 Music in context

+ Full revision and mock tests

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Everything you need for Grade 1, in one place

Lesson slide: What is a scale?

A slide from Chapter 6 – theory, key words and a “Remember” box on one page.

Lessons on slides

Over 300 clear slides with theory and the answers to every exercise.

Printable workbook

199 A4 pages – every chapter in one PDF, ready to print.

Full revision

Cheat sheets, tips and common mistakes from every chapter.

3 mock tests

Laid out like the real exam, with answers – so you know when you’re ready.

Certificate of completion

A personalised Tonica Academy certificate when you finish the course.

Exam-style questions

Practice in the format you’ll meet on the day, chapter by chapter.

HOW YOU LEARN

Four steps in every chapter

1

Print the workbook

Have the chapter’s pages ready before the lesson.

2

Learn from the slides

Theory step by step, with examples.

3

Do the exercises

Check your answers straight away on the slides.

4

Test yourself

A short test at the end of every chapter.

Chapter title page from the workbook

FREE SAMPLE

Start with Chapter 1 – free

Note values, bars and time signatures. Sign up and we’ll send you the Chapter 1 workbook pages, so you can see exactly what the course is like.

No spam. Unsubscribe with one click.

Anna Grondalska at the piano

ABOUT ME

Hello, I’m Anna Grondalska

I’m a music teacher in London, a cellist and a pianist. I prepare pupils for ABRSM exams and I know which topics cause the most trouble. I wrote this course the way I explain things in my lessons – simply, in order, and with lots of practice.

  • MA Music Education with distinction – UCL, London
  • BMus (Hons) Cello Performance – Royal Academy of Music
  • Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
  • Level 6 Apprenticeship – Music, secondary school – with distinction
  • DBS checked

PRICE

One payment, the whole course

Music Theory Grade 1 – complete course

lessons, workbook, revision and mock tests

£49 one-off

  • 11 chapters of lessons on slides
  • Printable workbook – 199-page PDF
  • Full revision with cheat sheets
  • 3 mock tests with answers
  • Certificate of completion

Secure card payment via Gumroad. Your materials arrive by email straight after purchase.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to take the exam?

No. The course prepares you for the ABRSM Music Theory Grade 1 exam, but you can take it just for yourself.

Is this an official ABRSM course?

No. It’s an independent Tonica Academy course, written in line with the ABRSM Music Theory Grade 1 syllabus. The certificate of completion is not an ABRSM qualification.

Who is the course for?

Teenagers and adults, including complete beginners. Younger children can follow it with a parent’s help.

Do I need to print the workbook?

It’s best on paper – writing notes by hand is the best practice for the exam. You can also fill it in on a tablet.

How does payment work?

You pay once, by card, through Gumroad’s secure checkout. No subscription and no hidden fees.