Musicianship for Adults - Music Theory: Preparatory - Grade II

Academic Year 2026-27

Designed for beginners, start your musicianship journey of exploring, understanding and applying music theory in this highly engaging 12-week course designed for adult learners who wish to build knowledge from the very basics of music theory towards preparing for the RIAM Grade II Music Theory exam in the Summer Exam session. Participation in this exam is optional and at the discretion of each student.
Students will also receive tuition towards a Grade II standard (non-accredited) Aural Skills and Dictation exam, which will take place in class at the end of term, in which participation is optional.
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 up to Grade II standard integrated into the course.

Learning Outcomes

● Begin unlocking the language of music theory as you learn about written music basics such as the stave, notes on the treble and bass clefs, rhythmic time values and other essential stave notation fundamentals.
● Put your music theory knowledge into practice by developing your ear training, rhythmic and solfège sight-singing skills through enjoyable progressive exercises. Develop your inner hearing, pitch accuracy, sense of pulse and sight reading skills through rhythmic and melodic dictation.
● Start building your compositional skills by learning about keys, key signatures, scales and intervals. Discover how rhythm and phrasing help shape your melodic writing.
● Take your first steps towards understanding harmony and tonality and how triads and chords form the bedrock of musical composition.
● Sharpen your aural and literacy skills in musical observation through score reading and learn about the variety of musical expressive terms which help bring music to life.

Course Details:

Participation eligibility

● Participants must be over 18 years.
● No prior music theory knowledge is required for this course.

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 2 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)

Assessment and certification route

Students will be prepared to sit the RIAM Grade II Theory Examination.
*** Please note that applying to sit this 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 a Grade II standard (non-accredited) 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

Learning content: Preparatory → Grade II

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 adultdivision@riam.ie 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.

Here is what some of our previous 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!"