Substantial Differences Between the Third and Previous Editions of All-In-One to Grade 5
The final paragraph of the Preface in All-In-One to Grade 5 summarises the principal differences between the Third Edition and the previous (First and Second) editions:
‘The most recent edition (THIRD EDITION) features further simplification throughout the book, making it even more accessible to the young beginner and more suitable for students taking the individual grades en route to Grade 5, while, most importantly, retaining All-In-One’s integrated approach.’
Differences in Detail
To see these changes in greater detail, compare the graded checklists in the All-In-One to Grade 5 Third Edition (pages viii–xi for both ABRSM and Trinity) with those in the Second Edition.
The most significant changes are found in Chapter 2 (Time) and Chapter 3 (Tonality), where topics have now been divided into graded key signatures. As a result, every worksheet remains entirely within the requirements of its designated grade.
In the previous editions, grading was organised by topic rather than by key signature, meaning that some exercises extended beyond the key signature requirements of a particular grade. While this worked well for beginners progressing through the book from start to finish, it was less convenient for intermediate students wishing to begin at a later point or study individual grades independently.
Chapter 3: Tonality
The revisions to Chapter 3 are particularly substantial, especially in the sections on Intervals, Primary Triads, and Chord Symbols.
These topics have been reorganised to fit the new graded structure while preserving the book’s integrated learning approach. This has been achieved largely through the reference sections, which remain unchanged. The result is a book that is equally suitable for students working through the individual grades and for those wishing to follow the complete fast-track route to Grade 5.
Chapter 2: Time
Chapter 2 has undergone a similar restructuring, with each topic now divided according to graded time signatures.
To avoid unnecessary overlap, Grade 3 (dotted crotchet beat time signatures) and Grade 4 (dotted quaver beat time signatures) are now presented separately. The explanatory and reference pages, however, remain unchanged, reinforcing the fact that the same principles apply across all time signatures.
The sections most affected by these revisions are the Grouping of Rests worksheets (pages 74–79 and 98–101).
Other Changes
A number of smaller improvements have also been made throughout the book.
The layout has been refined in several places to improve clarity and simplify presentation. Exercises have been adjusted to create an even more gradual progression (for example, pages 49–50, 56, 59–60, 166–180 and 228–229).
Additional worked examples have been included, with many first exercises now completed for guidance. Extra explanatory notes and practical tips have also been added (for example, pages 72–73, Tied Notes; page 169, Chord Chart; and pages 252–253, Transposition). New exercises appear on pages 23, 30, 119, 122, 145 and 160.
Numerous small revisions to the text improve the links between topics and create a smoother progression through the book (for example, pages 114, 138, Chords; pages 143–146; and pages 154 and 162).
New Checklist Reminders, printed at the bottom of relevant pages, provide a quick reference showing when each grade has been completed.
Trinity Supplement
The Trinity Supplement booklet has also been completely revised. It now contains many additional carefully graded exercises, making the Third Edition equally suitable for students preparing for Trinity College London examinations as for those studying the ABRSM syllabus.
All-In-One to Grade 5 is available at www.aaronpublications.co.uk.
Please note: From pages 94–233, the Third Edition is offset by two pages compared with the Second Edition. This is because two pages from Chapter 2: Words and Rhythms (Grade 3) have been moved to Chapter 4: Words and Rhythms (Grade 4).
