Adult Music Theory Classes (Formative Level 1)

This course presents a Formative Level 1: based on RIAM Level 3 Music Theory & Harmony, with Additional Aural and Dictation for Instrumental Exam Support.

This course is designed to prepare students for the RIAM-accredited Level 3 Music Theory & Harmony Exam*.

Participants should have completed the Adult Music Theory Entry Level course or achieve a minimum of 90% in a Grade 2 Practice Exam.

 (Click here to assess yourself via a Music Theory Grade 2 Practice Paper online - Result in % is given at the end.)

(*This is an online, multiple-choice examination offered twice annually during the Winter and Summer Exam Sessions.)

We also offer a Entry Level course (Beginner - Grade 2), please see here for details: Adult Music Theory Classes (Entry Level)

We also offer a Formative Level 2 course (Grade 4/5),  please see here for details: Adult Music Theory Classes (Formative Level 2)

The 10-week Formative Course starting on the 24^th February (26th February Online) is in preparation for an optional RIAM Music Theory Exam (Grade 3).

While it is not compulsory to take the exam, this course is designed to prepare you for sitting the exam, should you choose to do so.

• Exam Date: Examination Portal opens on 11th May at noon and closes on 14th May at 10 p.m.
• Exam Application closing date: see below for more information
• Exam Fee: €35.50 (not included in the course fee; paid separately by the applicant)
• N.B. Applying to sit the exam is the responsibility and at the discretion of the student. 

In addition to written theory preparation, this course also supports the aural component of the  Grade 3 Practical Instrumental Exam by offering students the opportunity to complete a non-accredited aural and dictation examination. This element has been developed using both the RIAM internal musicianship syllabus and the Grade 3 aural requirements outlined in the practical instrumental exam syllabi. While students will receive a mark and feedback for the aural and dictation in class assessment, these will not be officially recognised by RIAM as part of the certified Music Theory examination.

Mandatory Course Material (This workbook is essential for classwork, homework, and exam preparation. Students must source their own copy and bring it to each session.)

• Music Workout Grade 3 by Jean Archibald and Bernadette Marmion (RIAM Publication)  ISBN: 978-1-902140-04-9  (€11.50) available from RIAM stockists. Click here for details
  

Optional Extension – Level 4 Material

To support differentiation and advanced learners, students may also choose to prepare for the Level 4 Theory Exam.

• Content from Level 4 is indicated with an asterisk (*) in the course syllabus. Click here for details
  
• These topics will be covered during the 10-week course only if time permits, and participation in the Level 4 exam is entirely at the student's discretion.

COURSE FEE (IN-PERSON or ONLINE): €285

Spring Term 2026 Schedule:

This course is available as either IN-PERSON or ONLINE option. Registrants are bound to attend their chosen option (time) and cannot alternate between IN-PERSON and ONLINE classes, unless approved by the course tutor.

                             LIVE IN PERSON COURSE                            LIVE ONLINE COURSE (via ZOOM)       

• Week 1:        Tue 24th February   6:00-6:55 PM (Room B001)         Thu 26th February 7:00-8:00 PM (Online Zoom)
• Week 2:        Tue  3rd March       6:00-6:55 PM (Room B002)          Thu 5th February   7:00-8:00 PM (Online Zoom)
• Week 3:        Tue 10th March       6:00-6:55 PM (Room B002)         Thu10th February  7:00-8:00 PM (Online Zoom)
• Break 1:       Tue 17th March      no class due to St. Patrick's Day  Thu 19th March    no class due to St. Patrick's Day
• Week 4:        Tue 24th March      6:00-6:55 PM (Room B002)          Thu 26th March     7:00-8:00 PM (Online Zoom)

                 ----------       Deadline for Music Theory Exam Applications is the 27^th of March (12:00 PM)     --------

• Week 5:        Tue 31st March      6:00-6:55 PM (Room B002)          Thu  2nd April        no class on Holy Thursday
• Break 2:       Tue  7th April       no class during Easter Week          Thu 9th  April        7:00-8:00 PM (Online Zoom)
• Week 6:        Tue 14th April         6:00-6:55 PM (Room B002)          Thu 16th April        7:00-8:00 PM (Online Zoom)
• Week 7:         Tue 21st April         6:00-6:55 PM (Room B002)          Thu 23rd April        7:00-8:00 PM (Online Zoom)
• Week 8:         Tue 28th April         6:00-6:55 PM (Room B002)         Thu 30th April        7:00-8:00 PM (Online Zoom)
• Week 9 :        Tue   5th May          6:00-6:55 PM (Room B002)         Thu   7th May        7:00-8:00 PM (Online Zoom)     - Mock Aural Test

                       --------   Online Exam to be completed between 11^th – 14^th of May       -----------

• Week 10:       Tue 12th May         6:00-6:55 PM (Room B002)          Thu 14th April        7:00-8:00 PM (Online Zoom)    - Mock Dictation Test

(It is recommended to wait with your potential exam registration until this course has started, as your course tutor will be discussing this with you in more detail.)

What you will learn:

This course will cover all of the Content for a Grade III Written Theory Exam

(Based on RIAM Internal Musicianship Level 3 Syllabus and Contents of Music Workout Grade 3)

Scales

• Major Scales - C, G, D, F, B♭ (up to two sharps and two flats)
• Minor Scales – Natural and Harmonic in the keys of A, E, and D minor
• Melodic minor scales
• Relative majors and minors

Transcribing

• Clef to clef

Intervals 

• In Major keys: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, (including all perfect and major)
• Harmonic and melodic intervals – understanding the differences
• In Minor keys: minor 3rd and minor 6th

Triads

• Tonic triads – in all the mentioned major and minor keys

Time and Rhythm 

• Note and rest values from demisemiquaver to semibreve, including dotted quaver and semiquaver
• The demisemiquaver
• The triplet and quaver triplets
• Grouping triplets
• Note grouping in various time signatures
• Rewriting rhythms in different time signatures
• Understanding Simple vs Compound time
• Time signatures: 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 2/2, 3/2, 3/8, 6/8

Ledger Lines 

• Notes above and below the treble and bass clefs

General Observations / Application of Theory 

• Revision of the Circle of Fifths - Application in the major scale system
• Terms and symbols – Dynamics, expression marking and Articulation
• Contextual application and understanding.

Additional Learning: Two non-accredited course internal tests

Grade III Aural Tests (during Class 9)

(Integration of the RIAM Internal Musicianship Level 3 Syllabus, and Aural Components in Practical Instrumental Exams) 

• Aural Observation - This section involves listening and responding to a short piece of music.
• Memory Skills - This section assesses the ability to recall and reproduce music by ear.
• Clapping a Rhythm at Sight - A four-bar rhythm is clapped or tapped at sight in one of the following time signatures:
• Sight Singing - A four-bar melody is sung, hummed, or whistled at sight.
• Scales and Intervals (Sung)

Grade III Dictation Tests (during Class 10)

(Based on the RIAM Internal Musicianship Level 3 Syllabus) 

• Write down a four-bar rhythm in 3/4 or 4/4 time.
• Describe the intervals from the given tonic of a Major key
• Write down a short melody of four bars in 2/4 or 3/4 time in C Major or D Major.
• State whether a short piece is in a Major or Minor key. 

For any enquiries about this course, please contact adultdivision@riam.ie or call 01 632 5300.

• Participants must be 18+.

• Mandatory Course Material (This workbook is essential for classwork, homework, and exam preparation. Students must source their own copy and bring it to each session.) Music Workout Grade 3 by Jean Archibald and Bernadette Marmion (RIAM Publication)  ISBN: 978-1-902140-04-9  (€11.50) available from RIAM stockists. Click here for details

• Participants should have completed the Adult Music Theory Entry Level course or achieve a minimum of 90% in a Grade 2 Practice Exam.

(Click here to assess yourself via a Music Theory Grade 2 Practice Paper online - Result in % is given at the end.)

Martina Rosaria O’Connell

Martina Rosaria O’Connell is an accomplished Irish-Italian flautist and music educator, known for her dedication to both performance and teaching.

Martina holds a Master’s in Flute Performance from the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) and Trinity College Dublin, graduating with distinction and achieving the highest result of her year. She also earned a First Class Honours Bachelor of Music Education from Trinity College Dublin and RIAM, including a six-month Erasmus placement at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Martina’s career spans both solo and ensemble performances. She has appeared with renowned ensembles such as the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, the Irish Baroque Orchestra, RIAM Philharmonia, the Dublin Symphony Orchestra, and the Esker Festival Orchestra. Additionally, she has performed in masterclasses with world-renowned flautists such as Sir James Galway, Michael Cox, and Adam Walker, and participated in prestigious programs including the Camerata Ireland Academy and Saline Royale Academy in France.

An advocate for music education, Martina is a Post-Primary Music Teacher and serves as Head of Education for the West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival. In this role, she developed Music Appreciation classes for adults, broadening access to classical music through engaging and interactive sessions. She also works as Assistant Orchestra Manager for the Irish Baroque Orchestra. Martina has taught Junior Musicianship at RIAM as an 1848 Scholar and coordinated music camps and outreach projects nationally and internationally. Her efforts include coordinating the "It's Time" Music Education Outreach Project, which was featured on RTÉ News2Day.

Martina’s blend of performance excellence and educational leadership reflects her commitment to fostering a love for music across all ages and skill levels.

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

"Excellent course - really engaging teacher, 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 Martina’s teaching style - it is engaging, interesting and agile. Martina 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!"