Musicianship for Adults - Music Theory: Grades III & IV

Description

Academic Year 2026-27

Designed for transitional learners, this progressive and highly engaging 12-week course provides an opportunity to further develop and consolidate existing music theory knowledge and skills. Building on established musicianship expertise, the course aims to deepen musical understanding, strengthen aural and analytical abilities, and cultivate greater confidence in musical practice.

Through a supportive and structured programme of study, students will be guided towards and prepared fully for undertaking the RIAM Grade III Music Theory exam in the Summer Exam session. Electing to take this exam is optional and at the discretion of each student. The course will also incorporate preparation for an Aural Skills and Dictation assessment (non-accredited), which will take place in-class at the end of term. Although participation is also optional, it is strongly encouraged, as the assessment provides a valuable opportunity to refine aural awareness and listening skills, evaluate progress, identify areas for further development, and build confidence in overall musicianship.

**Optional advanced exam pathway** Students who move confidently and securely through the Grade III course material may wish to sit the RIAM Grade IV Music Theory exam instead. Supplementary Grade IV material will be provided and covered, time permitting, to students who wish to avail of this option.

In addition to the written theory and dictation/aural components, this course also aims to support students sitting RIAM instrumental exams, with aspects of the combined Aural and Theoretical requirements integrated into the course, as appropriate to the students' learning needs.

Learning Outcomes

● Further cultivate your musicianship skills as you gain additional insights into more advanced rhythmic and pitch related notation, interval training and score transcription between Treble and Bass clefs.
● Continue refining your ear training, rhythmic and solfège sight-singing skills through gradually advanced pitch and rhythmic practical exercises. Gain more confidence with your inner hearing, pitch accuracy, sense of pulse and sight reading skills through rhythmic and melodic dictation.
● Take the next developmental steps in your compositional skills by exploring new metres, keys and minor tonalities. Strengthen your abilities in melodic writing as you work towards crafting melodies with a balanced contour and a natural sense of phrasing.
● Broaden your aural and observational skills through a variety of musical texts, and encounter a wider variety of instrumental and expressive terms which help bring colour and animation to musical scores.

Course Details:

Learning content: Grade III / IV

Click here for a more detailed Learning Content overview (PDF downloadable)

Participation eligibility

● Participants must be over 18 years.
● Prior theory knowledge of up to Grade II is desirable, but support will be given for learning gaps.

Self Assessment for Grading Purpose

If you're unsure which Grade would be the best fit for you, you can check your existing knowledge by completing one of the following online practice papers. Upon completion of each of these practice papers you will receive a result in form of a percentage (XX%) achieved in the test.

• Grade II Practice Paper (it is recommended to achieve 80%+ to register for the Grade III course)
• Grade III Practice Paper (it is recommended to achieve 80%+ to opt for the Grade IV option in the Grade III course)
• Grade IV Practice Paper (it is recommended to achieve 80%+ to register for the Grade V course)
• Grade V Practice Paper (it is recommended to achieve 80%+ to register for the Grade VI course)

Required materials

● Music Workout Grade 3* by Jean Archibald and Bernadette Marmion (will be provided by RIAM and is included in the course fee)
● Manuscript notebook (provided by student)
● Supplementary teaching materials (provided by teacher)

 *Course participants who choose to do the additional content and/or exam Grade 4 will need to source their own additional copy of a Music Workout Grade 4 book (ISBN: 9781902140056) from one of our associated retailers.

Assessment and certification route

Students will be prepared to sit the RIAM Grade III Theory Examination. (***with advanced option to sit Grade IV Theory Examination, time permitting***).
*** Please note that applying to sit either examination is optional and at the discretion of each student. Examination applications (which are made online) are entirely the applicant's responsibility.

*** Please also note that students will be prepared for and invited to sit an Aural Skills & Dictation exam, which will take place in-class at the end of term. Participation in this is optional and students can decide on their method of individual feedback: either grade with comment, or comment only.

Course Schedule: Spring 2027

We offer Musicianship for Adults - Music Theory courses for the following Grades: (Please follow the links to the individual courses)

• Musicianship for Adults - Music Theory: Preparatory - Grade II     (12 weeks)
• Musicianship for Adults - Music Theory: Grade III / IV                     (12 weeks)
• Musicianship for Adults - Music Theory: Grade V                             (12 weeks)
• Musicianship for Adults - Music Theory: Grade VI                            (14 weeks)

 For any enquiries about this course, please contact [email protected] or call 01 632 5300.

Tutor

Angie Flynn

Angie Flynn is an experienced music educator with over 25 years of teaching experience across conservatory and post-primary settings. A BMusEd graduate of Trinity College Dublin and the Royal Irish Academy of Music, she also holds an MA in Music Historical Studies from Maynooth University. 

Angie has a longstanding connection with RIAM, having previously taught Junior Musicianship and, more recently, joining the Academy’s Early Years faculty teaching Classical Guitar. Her musicianship teaching experience encompasses music theory, aural skills, vocal and rhythmic sight-reading, dictation, composition and music history. Her approach draws on Kodály and Curwen solfège, alongside listening, singing and practical musical examples to bring theoretical concepts to life.

For 23 years Angie taught Music at Loreto Secondary School Balbriggan, where she also served as Head of Music Department. During her time there, in addition to her teaching of Junior & Leaving Certificate Music, she also conducted the Junior and Senior Choirs, Orchestra, Samba Ensemble and was co-music director of ten TY musicals, fostering vocal and instrumental skills and a shared love of music with her students and colleagues.

Alongside her teaching career, Angie has maintained an active involvement in music-making. She is a former member of the RTÉ Philharmonic Choir, St Patrick’s Cathedral Chamber Choir, Canticum Novum Chamber Choir and is currently a member of GuitaRIAM. 

Angie believes that through the study of musicianship, we have the opportunity to deepen our understanding of music, developing confidence as musicians and discovering new ways to appreciate the music we hear and how we perform. She aims to create a welcoming and encouraging learning environment where students can build on their existing knowledge, explore new ideas and develop their skills at their own pace.

She is delighted to be a member of RIAM’s Adult Division Musicianship programme and looks forward to sharing her enthusiasm for music with adult learners at every stage of their musical journey.

Testimonials

Here is what some of our previous "Entry Level" course participants are saying:

"Excellent course - Clear information provided, good curriculum with opportunities to both practise learning and extend knowledge."

"I haven't enjoyed learning and homework this much since I was a child!! A few years ago, I attempted to pick back up the piano skills of my youth and failed to reach the same level. I realised my theory was letting me down but couldn't find a class offering what I needed. Then this class came along - exactly what I'd been looking for!!"

"I really enjoyed the tutors teaching style - it is engaging, interesting and agile. The tutor teaches with a passion for her music and subject which is contagious."

"An excellent instructor. She covered so much with great enthusiasm, and she dealt with questions in a very engaging way."

"Thank you for facilitating such a wonderful course - I am looking forward to more!"