Music theory teaching at The Buchan School is hitting the right note with pupils and parents, with parents being encouraged to sit the exams alongside their children!

In the last academic year more than 30 children from Forms 1-4 passed their Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) music theory exams, achieving 19 distinctions, 13 merits and 1 pass across grades 1-4.

ABRSM music theory qualifications are a longstanding benchmark, evidencing a thorough understanding of the elements of music essential for full and satisfying performances, and an ABRSM pass at Grade 5 is obligatory for candidates looking to enter for Grade 6, 7 and 8 practical exams.

Pupils are encouraged to study music theory at The Buchan School and currently there are over 50 children participating. In addition, parents are welcome to work towards the same exams as their children.

Mary Leaver, who runs the Music Theory class, said: ‘We were delighted with last year’s results and congratulate all those who sat the exams with great results. Several parents have already joined up this term and will be able to sit their exams alongside their children when ready. The children like nothing more than to see their parents getting homework too!’

Music plays an important part of life at The Buchan School and includes choirs, an orchestra, a string band, rock bands, ocarina and ukulele groups, peripatetic lessons in brass, strings, woodwind, percussion, guitar, piano, harp, recorder and singing, plus a range of workshops, competitions and other performance opportunities.

To find out more visit www.kwc.im/buchan.

Photo - Student and parents working on their Music Theory workbooks with help from teacher Mary Leaver (standing).