The History of All-In-One Music Theory and Victoria College of Music
How the Collaboration Began
The connection between All-In-One Music Theory and Victoria College of Music began at Rhinegold Expo in 2017, where Rachel Billings was exhibiting the All-In-One Music Theory books.
For more background, see the subsequent Aaron Publications at the Music & Drama Education Expo 2018 exhibition article.
During the event, the Head of the Victoria College of Music Examination Board approached Rachel to discuss the possibility of working together on the development of a VCM Music Theory syllabus.
This led to further collaboration, with the aim of creating a clear and progressive syllabus from First Steps through to Grade 5, closely aligned with the All-In-One Music Theory books.
Rachel Billings was privileged to work with the Victoria College of Music Examination Board in developing the syllabus. The first examination session using the new syllabus began in Spring 2020.
All-In-One Music Theory Endorsed by VCM
Victoria College of Music has endorsed the All-In-One Music Theory series as “Best Music Theory” and recommends the books for students preparing for VCM Music Theory examinations.
The VCM Theory of Music syllabus states that its First Steps to Grade 5 syllabus is derived from Rachel Billings’ All-In-One Music Theory books.
This close alignment provides students with a clear and structured route through the VCM Music Theory syllabus using the All-In-One Music Theory series.
Working with Victoria College of Music
Rachel Billings worked closely with Stewart Thompson, who was Qualifications Manager at VCM at the time, during the development of the new Music Theory syllabus.
The collaboration helped ensure that the syllabus worked closely with the topics and approach already established in the All-In-One Music Theory books.
The result was a progressive Music Theory pathway from First Steps through to Grade 5.
Revised All-In-One Music Theory Editions
The revised editions of the All-In-One Music Theory books include Victoria College of Music Graded Checklists, helping students and teachers identify the topics required at each level.
The revised books include:
- All-In-One Music Theory to Grade 5 – Third Revised Edition
- All-In-One Music Theory Grades 1–3 – Third Revised Edition
These editions continue the All-In-One approach of combining clear explanations, visual examples, progressive exercises and revision material.
A Continuing Partnership
The collaboration between Rachel Billings, All-In-One Music Theory and Victoria College of Music has helped create a clear pathway for students studying Music Theory from First Steps through to Grade 5.
The VCM syllabus and practice papers provide additional resources for students and teachers preparing for VCM Music Theory examinations alongside the All-In-One Music Theory books.
