Take Five and Pass First Time by Christopher Dunn Available from all good music shops, distributed by Music Sales Limited The essential independent manual for students preparing for the Grade Five Theory of Music exam of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. Take Five takes the mystery out of music theory - and puts the fun back in. It provides a completely fresh approach to the teaching and learning of music theory, full of innovative methods, devices and tips to help students learn and remember the rules and formulae of theory up to Grade Five standard. For any further info, email takefive@hidehollow.co.uk

What the teachers and students say

'A superbly helpful book! The style, language and layout get the information across absolutely clearly. As soon as a new concept appears it is thoroughly explained in a reader-friendly way that is always easy to understand. I recommend Take Five to all my pupils - and to anyone who wants to know how music theory works.' Pat Brandon, composer and music teacher 'If you're taking the Grade 5 Theory of Music exam, what more delightful text could you imagine to lead you to a pass… or a distinction? In his epilogue to Take Five, Chris Dunn hopes that his enthusiasm for the theory of music is infectious. It is - and I predict that generations of students will have cause to thank him as they receive their certificates.' Rodney Dale, writer, musician and author of Teach Yourself Jazz 'Here at last is an accurate, user-friendly and informative guide to everything you need to know to pass the dreaded Grade 5 Theory exam.' Wood Wind & Reed, Cambridge 'I was really struggling with my Grade Five. There was so much that I didn't understand. Then a friend showed me a copy of your book.  It did the trick.  I went from complete no-hoper to a distinction in three months. I really can't thank you enough.' CS, Hong Kong

'Take Five was truly a life-saver for me! My search for a teacher was in vain, so I decided I would teach myself and I bought Take Five. I found it easy to understand and a joy to read. After only two months of study I took the exam and received my results today. I achieved 88 marks, and had to write and thank you.' CMcK, Co Monaghan, Republic of Ireland 'I was amazed that there was so such that I could still learn from your book.' DW, theory of music teacher, Warrington 'I thought Take Five was terrific. I am pleased to say I achieved a distinction with 96 per cent. Thank you.' RT, Somerset 'I am writing to express my appreciation of your wonderful book, Take Five.  All that I was rather struggling with has been made clear. It is written in a completely logical and very human way. I will recommend your book to all our musical friends.' JD, Norfolk 'At the age of 61, without the ability to play the piano and having had no musical training, I found myself wanting to overcome the hurdle of Grade Five in order to take Grade Seven cello. It was your book that helped me. I particularly liked the 'grown-up' tone of the whole book. PS: I so nearly got a distinction!' SH, Denbighshire