Know the theory.
Play the music.

Grades 1 to 5 music theory practice for anyone who has to pass it before they can play what they actually want to.

Start with the placement testFree. Twenty questions.

Doublesharp is aligned to the ABRSM theory syllabus in the way a workbook is. It is not made, endorsed or approved by ABRSM.

Grade 3 · Time signatures7 of 12

Which time signature fits this bar?

Look at the beams, not the number of notes.

A3/4
B6/8
C2/4
D3/8

Six quavers, beamed in threes. Two dotted-crotchet beats, so 6/8. L.

The wall at grade 5

Nothing below grade 6 needs theory. Then everything does.

Compulsory

A grade 5 theory pass is required before grade 6, 7 or 8 on any instrument.

The exam itself

Grades 1 to 5 are sat online, multiple choice, bookable all year. The exam board charges around £60 to enter.

Left late

Most arrive at it as a grade 5 or 6 player who has never opened a theory book.

How it works

Start where you are. Climb to the exam.

01Placement

Twenty questions. You start on the grade you belong on, not grade 1.

02Learn it

Each topic opens with a five-minute walk-through before the first question.

03Practise

Short sessions. A hint before you answer, an explanation after.

04Test

Papers in the shape of the real exam. What you got wrong comes back until it sticks.

For instrumental teachers

Set it as homework. See who is ready.

Add pupils, set a focus for the week, see who is ready to book and who keeps missing the same thing.

Ask about the teacher plan£9 a month, or £80 a year. Unlimited pupils.
Pricing

Free to start. One payment to finish.

What Doublesharp costs. The exam entry fee is separate and goes to the board.

Free
£0no card
The placement test, and every Learn it walk-through.
Grade 1, all of it.
The start of grade 2.
Start free

The placement test, then grades 1 and 2. No card asked for.

The whole ladder
£19once
Grades 1 to 5, every topic and every rung.
Practice papers.
Everyone in the family. No subscription.
Create an account

Unlocking is per learner, from your dashboard, once there is a profile to unlock. So the account comes first.