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ABRSM Syllabus
Music Theory Qualification Specification
Grade 1
- Note values of semibreve, minim, crotchet, quaver and semiquaver, and their equivalent rests (candidates may use the terms ‘whole note’, ‘half note’, etc.). Tied notes. Single-dotted notes.
- Simple time signatures of 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, bar-lines and the grouping of the notes listed above within these times.
- The stave. Treble (G) and bass (F) clefs. Names of notes on the stave, including middle C in both clefs. Sharp, flat and natural signs, and their cancellation.
- Construction of the major scale, including the position of the tones and semitones. Scales and key signatures of the major keys of C, G, D and F in both clefs, with their tonic triads (root position), degrees (number only), and intervals above the tonic (by number only).
- Some frequently used terms and signs concerning tempo, dynamics, performance directions and articulation marks. Simple questions will be asked about a melody written in either treble or bass clef.
Grade 2
As in Grade 1, with the addition of:
- Simple time signatures of 2/2, 3/2, 4/2, 3/8 and the grouping of notes and rests within these times. Triplets, and triplet note groups with rests.
- Extension of the stave to include two ledger lines below and above each stave.
- Relative major and minor keys. Construction of the minor scale (harmonic only). Scales and key signatures of the major keys of A, Bb and Eb, and the minor keys of A, E and D, with their tonic triads (root position), degrees (number only), and intervals above the tonic (by number only).
- More terms and signs in common use.
Grade 3
As in preceding grades, with the addition of:
- Compound time signatures of 6/8, 9/8, 12/8 and the grouping of notes and rests within these times. The demisemiquaver (32nd note) and its equivalent rest.
- Extension of the stave beyond two ledger lines. Transposition at the octave from the treble clef to the bass clef, and vice versa.
- Scales and key signatures of all major and minor keys up to and including four sharps and flats, including both harmonic and melodic forms of minor scales, with their tonic triads (root position), degrees (number only), and intervals above the tonic (number and type).
- More terms and signs.
Grade 4
As in preceding grades, with the addition of:
- All simple and compound duple, triple and quadruple time signatures, and the grouping of notes and rests. The breve and its equivalent rest. Double-dotted notes and rests. Duplets.
- Alto clef (C clef centred on 3rd line). Notes in the alto clef in any keys set for this grade. Notes of the same pitch written in different clefs and transposition at the octave. Double sharp/flat signs and enharmonic equivalents.
- Scales and key signatures up to five sharps and flats. Technical names for diatonic scale notes (tonic, supertonic, etc.). Construction of the chromatic scale. All intervals, not exceeding an octave, between any two diatonic notes.
- Triads and Chords (root position) on the tonic, subdominant and dominant notes in any set key (harmonic form used in minor keys).
- More terms and signs, including the trill, turn, upper/lower mordent, acciaccatura and appoggiatura. Questions about standard orchestral instruments.
Grade 5
As in preceding grades, with the addition of:
- Irregular time signatures of 5/4, 7/4, 5/8, 7/8 and grouping. Irregular divisions of simple time values.
- Tenor clef (C clef centred on 4th line). Identification of notes in the four clefs and transposition at the octave. Transposition to concert pitch for Bb, A or F instruments.
- Scales and key signatures up to six sharps and flats. All simple and compound intervals from any note.
- Root position, 1st and 2nd inversions of tonic, supertonic, subdominant and dominant chords. Choice of suitable chords at cadential points in C, G, D or F major. Perfect, plagal and imperfect cadences.
- More terms and signs. Recognition of ornaments. Questions on voice types, instrument families, clefs they use, and basic sound production.