About Music Theory Tuition
Clear, confidence-building music theory—taught online by Mary Morley.
With over 40 years’ teaching experience, Mary helps pupils of any age understand music theory step by step—from the basics through to ABRSM Grade 5 exam preparation.
How lessons feel
Supportive, one-to-one teaching
Mary explains concepts clearly, checks understanding, and adapts the pace to suit you—whether you’re a beginner, returning learner, or working towards an exam.
How lessons work online
Simple, effective online setup
Lessons are paced to suit the individual pupil, ensuring that they understand not just what to do, but why.
Online music theory lessons work very well, allowing pupils to learn in a calm, supportive way from the comfort of their own home. Working towards Grade 5 music theory also builds confidence in general musical ability, and helps many aspects of music reading to make far more sense.
Supporting learning between lessons
Alongside live teaching, I have created a simple, enjoyable online learning tool to support pupils as they practise and consolidate key areas of music theory. This is used as a supplement to lessons and is designed to help pupils feel more confident when working independently between sessions.
Who is this tuition particularly helpful for?
- Pupils of any age, from complete beginners to those with existing knowledge of music theory
- Pupils preparing for ABRSM Grade 6, 7 or 8 instrumental or vocal exams
- Pupils whose instrumental ability is ahead of their theory understanding
- Those who find music theory confusing or discouraging
- Pupils who benefit from calm, individual explanation and clear structure
Music theory can be introduced at any stage, and it is never too early to begin building understanding gradually. Starting in good time allows pupils to develop confidence steadily, rather than having to rush through the material later under exam pressure.
About Me
I trained as a harpist at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and have over 40 years’ experience teaching music theory. I regularly prepare pupils for ABRSM music theory examinations and am very familiar with the requirements of the Grade 5 syllabus.
As a pupil myself, I did not always find music theory easy, mainly because it was not taught to me in a clear or accessible way. This experience has strongly shaped my teaching.
Over the years I have developed a clear and reliable approach. I aim to create a calm, encouraging atmosphere where pupils feel at ease, ask questions and gradually grow in confidence. A sense of humour often helps too – music theory is so much easier to grasp when it feels human.
Outside music I have always loved animals. I am currently on my third German Shepherd (Otto), who keeps me well-exercised and occasionally supervises lessons from a distance. In the past I have also had cats and re-homed ex-battery hens. I enjoy encouraging wildlife into my garden and there is usually a steady stream of visitors to the bird feeders each day – some more polite than others.
★★★★★
‘For many people, music theory is seen as a necessary evil — something to be put off, or even slightly feared. Mary completely dispels this. As both a parent and a colleague, I have seen how her pupils not only make excellent progress and pass exams, but genuinely enjoy their lessons. I cannot recommend her highly enough.’
Dr Helen Isom
Music teacher and examiner
Ready to feel confident in music theory?
Tell Mary your current level and your goal (general understanding or ABRSM Grade 5), and you’ll get a clear next step. Email: marymorleytheory@gmail.com