ABRSM

Qualification Specification
Graded Exams in Music Theory

2019

Version 1.0: January 2019

Next review: January 2020
Contents
Introduction....................................................................................................................... 3
About ABRSM, 3
This qualification specification, 3
About these qualifications ..........................................................................................4
Overview, 4
Regulated qualification details, 5
Graded Exams in Music Theory................................................................................. 6
Syllabus, 6
Entries, 6
Access (for candidates with specific needs), 6
In the exam, 6
Elements of the exam, 7
Supporting publications, 7
Assessment objectives ..................................................................................................8
About assessment objectives, 8
Grades 1–3 (RQF Level 1), 8
Grades 4–5 (RQF Level 2), 9
Grades 6–8 (RQF Level 3), 10
Exam syllabus .................................................................................................................. 11
Grade 1, 11
Grade 2, 11
Grade 3, 11
Grade 4, 12
Grade 5, 12
Grade 6, 13
Grade 7, 13
Grade 8, 14
Exam content ...................................................................................................................15
Grades 1–5, 15
Grades 6–8, 18
Assessment ..................................................................................................................... 21
Mark allocation, 21
Result categories, 21
Marking criteria ............................................................................................................. 22
Grades 1–5, 22
Grades 6–8, 23
Results ............................................................................................................................... 24
Results, mark forms and certificates, 24
Malpractice and maladministration, 24

2
Introduction
About ABRSM

Who we are
We are the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), a company registered in England and Wales
(company registration number 1926395) and a registered charity (charity registration number 292182). Our
registered office is at 4 London Wall Place, London, EC2Y 5AU.

Our mission
ABRSM’s mission is to inspire musical achievement. We do this in partnership with four Royal Schools of Music:
Royal Academy of Music, Royal College of Music, Royal Northern College of Music and Royal Conservatoire of
Scotland.

We are passionate about music, its value as an art form and the importance of music education. We believe that
being involved with music gives people unique, positive experiences with life-long benefits.

Through our world-leading assessments, books and resources we provide people worldwide with the tools they
need to teach, learn, make and enjoy music. Our scholarships, donations, sponsorship and partnerships create
opportunities for people of all ages to discover music and fulfil their potential. Everything we do is designed to
support learners and teachers on their musical journey. Find out more at www.abrsm.org

How we are regulated

ABRSM's Graded Exams in Music Theory are regulated in England by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations
Regulation (Ofqual) and the corresponding regulatory authorities in Wales (Qualifications Wales) and Northern
Ireland (CCEA Regulation). They are part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) in England and Northern
Ireland.

This qualification specification

What this specification covers

This qualification specification includes all the information required to deliver a qualification, including regulated
qualification details, assessment objectives and learning outcomes. It is designed to help teachers, candidates,
parents and organisations when preparing for Graded Exams in Music Theory.

Validity of this specification

This specification is valid from January 2019, and will be reviewed again in January 2020. We may change or add to
this specification from time to time. The latest version will be available at www.abrsm.org

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About these qualifications
Overview

Qualification objectives
Graded Exams in Music Theory are designed for learners developing their skills in musical literacy. Each grade
represents a new challenge for the learner, providing motivation and structure to develop and hone skills in reading,
writing, understanding and interpreting staff notation. Exams allow learners to receive formal recognition of the
level of mastery they have achieved and feedback to support their learning journey.

Developing musical literacy forms a key part of a rounded education for performers, composers and listeners of all
kinds. An understanding of how written symbols relate to the elements of music, and having the skills to interpret
and translate them into sounds, empowers us to communicate and experience music in a meaningful way. Music
Theory is a very practical subject that is completely entwined with performance and composition.

Who the qualifications are for

Learners may be entered for Graded Exams in Music Theory at any age and without previously having taken any
other grade, though the material for each grade builds cumulatively on earlier grades. We aim to make our exams
accessible to all candidates by providing access arrangements and reasonable adjustments where appropriate.

Progression route
The Music Theory syllabus for Grades 1–5 progressively covers the basic elements of music, including clefs, pitch,
keys and rhythm. We believe that a thorough understanding of these basic elements is essential for a full and
satisfying performance at the higher Music Performance grades, and require candidates to pass Grade 5 in Music
Theory before they can enter for Grade 6, 7 or 8 exams in Music Performance.

The Music Theory syllabus for Grades 6–8 builds on the knowledge of basic elements acquired in the earlier grades,
and includes harmony, melody writing and score reading, to provide a strong foundation for learners who wish to
progress to higher education in music.

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 About these qualifications

Regulated qualification details

Qualification titles
The table below shows the regulated titles and qualification numbers of our Graded Exams in Music Theory. Further
information can be found at https://register.ofqual.gov.uk

Qualification
Qualification Title
Number
501/2155/8 ABRSM Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Music Theory (Grade 1)
501/2156/X ABRSM Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Music Theory (Grade 2)
501/2153/4 ABRSM Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Music Theory (Grade 3)
501/2157/1 ABRSM Level 2 Award in Graded Examination in Music Theory (Grade 4)
501/2158/3 ABRSM Level 2 Award in Graded Examination in Music Theory (Grade 5)
501/2167/4 ABRSM Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Music Theory (Grade 6)
501/2164/9 ABRSM Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Music Theory (Grade 7)
501/2165/0 ABRSM Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Music Theory (Grade 8)

Qualification size
The table below describes the size of the Graded Exams in Music Theory qualifications by showing the amount of
time that a candidate would typically need to spend preparing for them:
• Under the guidance of a teacher (Guided Learning Hours);
• Under the guidance of a teacher and time spent preparing independently (Total Qualification Time);
and:
• The assigned credit value (which denotes the size of the qualification).

Level Guided Learning Hours* Total Qualification Time* Credits

(GLH) (TQT)
Grade 1 6 20 2
Grade 2 9 30 3
Grade 3 9 50 5
Grade 4 12 58 7
Grade 5 12 90 9
Grade 6 18 130 13
Grade 7 24 170 17
Grade 8 36 210 21

*The Guided Learning Hours and Total Qualification Time are estimates of the average amount of time that it might take a
learner to prepare for these qualifications, and should be used as guidance only; it is recognised that there will be variance
dependent on each individual’s level of experience.

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Graded Exams in Music Theory
This section provides a summary of the information that teachers and learners need to know when preparing for
Graded Exams in Music Theory.

Syllabus

Syllabus availability
When preparing for an exam, it is important to read the relevant syllabus. We update our syllabuses from time to
time. Advance notice of any changes is given at www.abrsm.org/exams

Syllabus corrections
Any updates to a syllabus – e.g. changes to publication details or other minor corrections or clarifications – will be
posted at www.abrsm.org/syllabuscorrections

Exam Regulations
When preparing for an exam, it is important to read ABRSM’s Exam Regulations, which set out the rules for completing
the exams listed in this specification. This information is available at www.abrsm.org/examregulations

Entries

Entry requirements
Candidates may be entered for a Graded Exam in Music Theory at any age, and without previously having taken any
other grade, though the material for each grade builds cumulatively on earlier grades.

Making an entry
Details of exam dates, locations, fees and how to book an exam are available at www.abrsm.org/exambooking

Access (for candidates with specific needs)

We are committed to providing all candidates with fair access to our assessments by providing access arrangements
and reasonable adjustments. We publish an Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments Policy which is
intended to be a helpful and clear guide for teachers, parents and candidates before entering for an exam; the policy is
available at www.abrsm.org/specificneeds. Where a candidate has specific needs that are not covered by our guidelines,
we consider each case individually. Further information is available from the Access Co-ordinator (accesscoordinator@
abrsm.ac.uk).

In the exam

Invigilators
Invigilators are present for the whole exam and make sure that proper exam conditions are met. The invigilators
open the sealed packet of exam papers in the exam room in front of the candidates, collect the papers at the end
of the exam and seal them in secure envelopes to be returned to us for marking.

Conduct of the exam

Candidates must fill in their exam paper without help or reference to notes, musical calculators or books of any
kind. They must not talk or in any way communicate with each other during the exam. Candidates are not allowed
to bring mobile phones, other electronic devices or any unauthorised material or equipment (such as their own
manuscript or other paper, any representation of the piano keyboard or recording devices) into the exam room.
Any candidate infringing these rules or helping another candidate may be investigated for malpractice and subject
to a penalty. Further information about our Malpractice and Maladministration Policy can be found at www.abrsm.org/
policies

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 Graded Exams in Music Theory

Leaving the exam room

Candidates may leave the exam room at any time after 40 minutes from the start of the exam. If a candidate
wishes to hand in their exam paper, they should stay seated and raise their hand until an invigilator approaches
them to collect it. After handing in their exam paper, candidates must leave the exam room and may not return.
Once candidates have left the exam room, they are no longer under the invigilators’ supervision. Candidates must
not take any exam papers or rough notes from the room. Full information about the conduct of Graded Exams in
Music Theory can be found in the Exam Regulations, available at www.abrsm.org/regulations

Elements of the exam

Exam timings
The time allowed is printed at the top of each candidate's exam paper. The timings in the table below show the length
of each exam:

Grade Timing
Grade 1 1.5 hours
Grade 2 1.5 hours
Grade 3 1.5 hours
Grade 4 2 hours
Grade 5 2 hours
Grade 6 3 hours
Grade 7 3 hours
Grade 8 3 hours

Where English is not a candidate’s first language, the candidate can request to bring a bilingual paper dictionary
and receive 15 minutes extra time. Requests must be made at the time of entry.

Exam content
The information on pages 15 to 20 of this specification show in detail the content of the assessment at each grade.

Supporting publications

Examples of exam questions and model answers are given in Past Theory Papers and Model Answers (2013–2017), as
well as Music Theory Practice Papers. We also publish First Steps in Music Theory, The AB Guide to Music Theory (in two
parts), Music Theory in Practice (Grades 1–5), Theory Workbooks (Grades 6–8), and Harmony in Practice and Harmony
in Practice Answer Book, available at www.abrsm.org/shop. Purchasing these resources is not a requirement.

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Assessment objectives
About assessment objectives

The Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) level describes the difficulty level of the qualification. There are
nine qualification levels in the framework, labelled in order of difficulty from Entry Level to Level Eight. For further
information, visit https://register.ofqual.gov.uk

The tables below describe the level of knowledge and skills required of candidates taking Graded Exams in Music
Theory. Alongside this, they also show the assessment objectives and corresponding learning outcomes. The marking
criteria used by examiners are available on pages 22 and 23 of this specification.

Grades 1–3 (RQF Level 1)

Qualification aims
Our Level 1 qualifications in Music Theory are designed to provide learners with a solid foundation in fundamental
elements of Western music notation, including pitches, rhythms, keys, time signatures, notational conventions,
simple transpositions and common Italian terms. The exact scope of the material covered is laid out in the exam
content listed on pages 15 to 17 of this specification.

Assessment objectives Learning outcomes

Learners will: Learners can:
Demonstrate basic factual knowledge of simple music Identify and write basic elements of music notation,
notation within a defined set. including pitches, key signatures, tonic triads, scales,
degrees of the scale and intervals in treble and bass
clefs, with a general degree of accuracy.
Demonstrate basic factual knowledge and understanding Identify, name and explain basic elements of music
of commonly occurring musical signs and terms. notation, including dynamics, other musical instructions,
and Italian terms relating to tempo and expression,
with a general degree of accuracy.
Demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of the Complete musical extracts by adding time signatures,
processes involved in completing and/or amending bar lines and rests, and amend them by grouping
musical examples to make them grammatically correct. notes and rests, with a general degree of accuracy.

Demonstrate musical knowledge and understanding in Identify and describe the meaning of various features
analysing simple melodies and by transposing individual of a piece of simple music, and transfer pitches and
pitches or basic musical fragments. short melodic fragments between clefs and octaves,
with a general degree of accuracy.

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 Assessment objectives

Grades 4–5 (RQF Level 2)

Qualification aims
Our Level 2 qualifications in Music Theory are designed to provide learners with a solid foundation in more complex
elements of Western music notation, including pitches, rhythms, keys, time signatures, notational conventions,
transpositions and common Italian, French and German musical terms. The exact scope of the material covered
is laid out in the exam content listed on pages 15 to 17 of this specification, and builds cumulatively on material
learned at Level 1.

Assessment objectives Learning outcomes

Learners will: Learners can:
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Identify and write elements of more advanced music
moderately complex music notation within a defined notation, including pitches, key signatures, scales,
set. technical names of notes in diatonic scales, intervals
and chords of I, IV V and (Grade 5 only) II in treble,
bass, alto and (Grade 5 only) tenor clefs, with a
general degree of accuracy.
Demonstrate factual knowledge and understanding of Identify, name and explain more advanced elements
less commonly occurring musical signs, including of music notation, including dynamics, ornaments,
ornaments, musical terms, and the ranges and other musical instructions, and Italian, French and
characteristics of standard orchestral instruments. German musical terms relating to tempo and expression,
with a general degree of accuracy.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Complete musical extracts of moderate difficulty by
processes involved in completing and/or amending adding time signatures, bar lines and rests; grouping
incomplete musical examples of moderate difficulty notes and rests; and rewriting musical passages in
to make them grammatically correct. notes of half or twice the value, or from compound
to simple time and vice versa, with a general degree
of accuracy.
Demonstrate musical knowledge and understanding Identify and describe the meaning of various
in decoding moderately complex musical extracts, features of a piece of moderately complex music,
and by transposing more complex music. and transfer short melodic fragments between clefs,
octaves and keys, with a general degree of accuracy.

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 Assessment objectives

Grades 6–8 (RQF Level 3)

Qualification aims
Our Level 3 qualifications in Music Theory are designed to provide learners with a solid foundation in fundamental
elements of Western music harmony, melodic writing and interpretation of complex written scores, covering figured
bass, trio sonata, keyboard writing, and music in a range of styles up to full orchestral score. The exact scope
of the material covered is laid out in the exam content listed on pages 18 to 20 of this specification, and builds
cumulatively on material learned at Levels 1 and 2.

Assessment objectives Learning outcomes

Learners will: Learners can:
Demonstrate advanced musical skills, knowledge Complete advanced harmonic tasks in interpreting
and understanding of applied harmony, showing figured bass, completing harmony and counterpoint
sophisticated awareness of stylistic conventions. exercises from a stimulus drawn from real repertoire,
reconstructing music from skeleton scores with a
general degree of accuracy and awareness of harmonic
conventions, styles and characteristics.
Demonstrate advanced musical skills, knowledge Compose an original melody with a sense of shape
and understanding of melodic writing for a range of and direction, generally continuing in the same style
instruments. and character as indicated by the opening, and write
idiomatically for a range of instruments with a
general degree of accuracy and awareness of their
technical characteristics and of stylistic conventions.
Demonstrate factual knowledge and understanding Identify, name and write advanced elements of music
of advanced musical signs, including ornaments, notation, including dynamics, ornaments, other
musical terms, and the ranges and characteristics of music instructions, and Italian, French and German
standard orchestral instruments. musical terms relating to tempo and expression, with
a general degree of accuracy.
Demonstrate musical knowledge and understanding in Identify and describe the meaning of various features
analysing complex musical extracts. of a piece of complex music, including its underlying
form and harmonic structure, with a general degree
of accuracy.

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Exam syllabus
The Graded Exams in Music Theory syllabus below shows the requirements from 1 January 2018. The syllabus must be
read in conjunction with the Exam Regulations, available at www.abrsm.org/examregulations

Music Theory GRADE 1

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 and rests.
2 Simple time signatures of 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, bar-lines and the grouping of the notes listed above within these
times.
3 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.
4 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).
5 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.

Music Theory GRADE 2

As in Grade 1, with the addition of:
1 Simple time signatures of 2/2, 3/2, 4/2 and 3/8, and the grouping of notes and rests within these times.
Triplets, and triplet note groups with rests.
2 Extension of the stave to include two ledger lines below and above each stave.
3 Construction of the minor scale (harmonic or melodic at candidate’s choice, but candidates will be
expected to know which form they are using). 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).
4 More terms and signs in common use.

Music Theory GRADE 3

As in preceding grades, with the addition of:
1 Compound time signatures of 6/8, 9/8 and 12/8, and the grouping of notes and rests within these times.
The demisemiquaver (32nd note) and its equivalent rest.
2 Extension of the stave beyond two ledger lines. The transposition of a simple melody from the treble clef
to the bass clef, or vice versa, at the octave.
3 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).
4 More terms and signs. The simple questions about a melody may include one on its phrase structure.

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 Exam syllabus

Music Theory GRADE 4

As in preceding grades, with the addition of:
1 All simple and compound duple, triple and quadruple time signatures, and the grouping of notes and
rests within these times. The breve and its equivalent rest. Double-dotted notes and rests. Duplets.
2 Alto clef (C clef centred on 3rd line). The identification of notes in the alto clef in any of the keys set for
this grade (see below), and the transcription at the same pitch of a simple melody from the treble or
the bass clef to the alto clef, and vice versa. Double sharp and double flat signs, and their cancellation.
Enharmonic equivalents.
3 Scales and key signatures of all major and minor keys up to and including five sharps and flats, with
both forms of minor scales. Technical names for the notes of the diatonic scale (tonic, supertonic, etc.).
Construction of the chromatic scale. All intervals, not exceeding an octave, between any two diatonic
notes in any of the keys set for this grade.
4 The identification and writing of triads (root position) on the tonic, subdominant and dominant notes
in any of the keys set for this grade. The recognition of 5/3 (root position) chords on the tonic, sub-
dominant and dominant notes in any of the keys set for this grade (the harmonic form of the scale
will be used in minor keys).
5 More terms and signs, including the recognition and naming (but not writing out) of the trill, turn, upper
and lower mordent, acciaccatura and appoggiatura. Questions about a passage of music will include
simple related questions about standard orchestral instruments.

Music Theory GRADE 5

As in preceding grades, with the addition of:
1 Irregular time signatures of 5/4, 7/4, 5/8 and 7/8, and the grouping of notes and rests within these
times. Irregular divisions of simple time values.
2 Tenor clef (C clef centred on 4th line). The identification of notes in the four clefs in any of the keys set for
this grade (see below), and the transposition at the octave of a simple melody from any clef to another.
The writing at concert pitch of a melody notated for an instrument in Bb, A or F, and vice versa (the inter-
val of transposition up or down will be given).
3 Scales and key signatures of all major and minor keys up to and including six sharps and flats. All simple
and compound intervals from any note.
4 The identification of the 5/3, 6/3 and 6/4 forms of the tonic, supertonic, subdominant and dominant
chords in any of the keys set for this grade. The identification of the progression 6/4 5/3 (Ic-V) on the
dominant note in any of the keys set for this grade. The choice of suitable chords at cadential points
of a simple melody in the major key of C, G, D or F.
5 More terms and signs. The recognition of ornaments, including the replacement of written-out ornamen-
tation with the appropriate signs, but not vice versa. Questions about a passage of music written for
voices or instruments appropriate to the grade will include questions on the types of voice and names
of instruments, the clefs they use, instrument family groups and the basic way by which they produce
sound, as well as points of general musical observation designed to test the candidate’s ability to apply
theoretical knowledge to actual music.

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 Exam syllabus

Music Theory GRADE 6

As in preceding grades. The harmonic vocabulary expected will include: the use of 5/3, 6/3 and 6/4 chords
on any degree of the major or minor (harmonic and melodic) scale; the recognition of the dominant seventh
chord in root position, first, second and third inversions, and the supertonic seventh chord in root position
and first inversion, in any major or minor key; and the figuring for all these chords. An understanding of the
principles of modulation and a knowledge of cadences, ornamentation and melodic decoration (which might
include passing notes, auxiliary notes, appoggiaturas, changing notes and notes of anticipation) will also be
expected. Questions will cover:
1 Writing specified chords for voices in four parts or for keyboard (at the candidate’s choice) above a given
bass part of about four bars.
2 The indication of suitable chords for the accompaniment of a diatonic melody of about eight bars in any
key, using any recognised method of notation, or, at the candidate’s choice, the provision of a bass to a
given melody, adding figures to indicate the intended harmonies.
3 Composition of a melody for a specific instrument (a choice will be given), using a given opening. Modulation to
the dominant, subdominant, relative major or relative minor may be required.
4 Questions on short extracts of music written for piano or in open score for voices or for any combination
of instruments and/or voices, designed to test the candidate’s knowledge of the elements and notation
of music, including the realization of ornaments, the identification and notation of underlying harmonic
structure, phrase structure, style, performance, and on the voices and instruments for which the works
were written.

Music Theory GRADE 7

As in preceding grades, with the addition of recognition of all diatonic secondary seventh chords and their
inversions, the Neapolitan sixth and the diminished seventh chords, and of all figures commonly used by
composers during the period c.1620–1790 to indicate harmonies above a bass part. Questions will cover:
1 The indication of chords and movement of the inner parts by figuring the bass in a passage in which both
the melody and bass are given.
2 Rewriting a given passage to include appropriate suspensions and notes of melodic decoration.
3 Continuation of a given opening for solo instrument with keyboard accompaniment, which will be given
in full throughout the passage, by completing the solo part, or, at the candidate’s choice, composition of
a melody for a specified instrument (a choice will be given) based on a given progression of chords or
melodic figure.
4 Questions on short extracts of music written for piano or in open score for voices or for any combination
of instruments and/or voices, designed to test the candidate’s knowledge of the elements and notation
of music, including the realization of ornaments, the identification and notation of underlying harmonic
structure, phrase structure, style, performance, and on the voices and instruments for which the works
were written.

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 Exam syllabus

Music Theory GRADE 8

As in preceding grades. The harmonic vocabulary expected will include all standard diatonic and chromatic
chords. Questions will cover:
1 Continuation of a given opening of a passage from a Baroque trio sonata for two treble instruments and
basso continuo. The basso continuo part will be given throughout and fully figured (but a realization for
keyboard will not be required).
2 Completion of an outline of a short passage for keyboard. Some knowledge of the styles practised by
composers from the time of Haydn onwards will be assumed.
3 Continuation of a given opening of a melody for a specified instrument (a choice will be given).
4 Questions on short extracts of music written for piano or in open score for voices or for any combination
of instruments and/or voices, designed to test the candidate’s knowledge of the elements and notation
of music, including the realization of ornaments, the identification and notation of underlying harmonic
structure, phrase structure, style, performance, and on the voices and instruments for which the works
were written.

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Exam content
The table below shows the introduction of elements at each grade. These requirements are presented cumulatively,
i.e. once introduced, they apply to all subsequent grades.

Grades 1–5

Topic Grade
1 2 3 4 5
Clef • treble • alto • tenor
• bass
Time • 2/4 • 3/8 • 6/8 • 4/8 • 5/4
signatures • 3/4 • 2/2 • 9/8 • 6/4 • 7/4
• 4/4 •  • 12/8 • 9/4 • 5/8
•  • 3/2 • upbeat opening • 6/16 • 7/8
• 4/2 • 9/16
• 12/16
Pitches • treble clef • treble clef • treble clef • enharmonic equivalent
• double sharps
• double flats

• bass clef
• bass clef
• bass clef

Degrees of • degrees of scale within • degrees of scale • degrees of scale above • technical names:
scale one octave and above beyond one octave, or below the tonic tonic, supertonic,
the tonic: 1st–8th above the tonic mediant, subdominant,
dominant, submediant,
leading note
Keys • major keys of C, F, G, D • major keys of Bb, Eb, A • major keys of E, Ab • major keys of B, Db • major keys of F#, Gb
• minor keys of A, E, • minor keys of C#, F, B, • minor keys of G#, Bb • minor keys of D#, Eb
D and their relative G, C F • relative majors/minors • relative majors/minors
majors • relative majors/minors of all keys set for the of all keys set for the
• relative minors of of all keys set for the grade grade
C, F, G grade
Scales • all keys set for the • all keys set up to and • all keys set up to and • all keys set up to and • all keys set up to and
grade including this grade including this grade including this grade including this grade
• ascending and de- • candidate choice of • melodic and harmonic • adding accidentals to • writing chromatic
scending type of minor scale minor scales make chromatic scale scale beginning on
(melodic or harmonic) any note
Time values • semiquaver; quaver; • triplet semiquavers; • demisemiquavers • breves • quintuplet; sextuplet
N.B. American crotchet; minim; triplet quavers; triplet • triplet • double-dotted notes
terms also semibreve crotchets; triplet demisemiquavers • duplets
accepted
• dotted quaver; dotted minims • dotted semiquaver
crotchet; dotted minim
Rests • semiquaver; quaver; • dotted quavers; dotted • demisemiquavers • breves
crotchet; minim; crotchets • simple or compound • dotted minim rests
semibreve • triplet rests(quaver time (6/4 time only)
• whole-bar rest crotchet) • dotted semiquaver
Intervals • melodic and harmonic • 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th • major 2nd, minor and • any diatonic interval: • chromatic intervals:
intervals and 8ve in all keys set major 3rd, perfect 4th, minor 2nd, augmented augmented 3rd,
• 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th up to and including perfect 5th, minor and 2nd, augmented 4th, diminished 3rd,
and 8ve in all keys set this grade major 6th, minor and diminished 4th, augmented 6th,
for the grade • above the tonic only major 7th, perfect 8ve in augmented 5th, diminished 6th,
• above the tonic only all keys set up to and diminished 5th, augmented 7th,
• semitones and tones including this grade diminished 7th in all augmented 8ve,
• above the tonic only keys set up to and diminished 8ve
including this grade • compound intervals:
9th or compound 2nd,
10th or compound 3rd,
11th or compound 4th,
12th or compound 5th,
13th or compound 6th,
14th or compound 7th,
15th or compound 8ve
Triads • tonic triads in all keys • tonic triads in all keys • tonic triads in all keys • tonic, subdominant,
set for this grade set up to and including set up to and including dominant triads in all
this grade this grade keys set up to and
including this grade

15
 Exam content

Topic Grade
1 2 3 4 5
Chords • primary triads (I, IV, V) • supertonic
in root position • first and second
inversions
• recognition of Ic–V
(6/4–5/3) progression
Transposition • rewriting melody from • octave transposition • instruments in F, Bb
treble to bass clef at from treble to bass or A
the same pitch and clef and vice versa • interval of
vice versa transposition given
• with or without key
signature
Phrase • regular phrase • regular phrase
structure structure of short structure of eight to 12
extract bar extract
Grouping • simple time, can in- • simple time, can include • compound time
clude triplet quavers demisemiquavers
• beaming of quavers,
semiquavers and
dotted quavers in
simple time
Ornaments • recognising signs • recognising written-
for trill, (upper) turn, out ornaments
upper mordent, lower
mordent, acciaccatura,
grace note(s),
appoggiatura
Instruments • string: violin, viola cello, • harp; piccolo; cor anglais
double bass • triangle; tambourine;
• woodwind: flute, oboe, castanets; tam-tam;
clarinet, bassoon xylophone; marimba;
• brass: trumpet, horn, glockenspiel;
trombone, tuba vibraphone; celesta;
• percussion: timpani, tubular bells (definite
side drum, bass drum, or indefinite pitch
cymbals only)
• percussion: definite or • single reed; double reed
indefinite pitch • transposing/non-trans-
• knowledge of clefs used posing
and broad understanding
of range and family
Instrumental • pizzicato (pizz.)/arco • una corda; tre corde
directions • up bow, down bow • pedalling signs
• slur • con/senza pedale
• con/senza sord/sordini; • mano sinistra (m.s.);
avec/sans sourdines mano destra (m.d.)
• sul G arpeggiation
Voices • standard voice-types:
soprano, mezzo-
soprano, alto, tenor,
baritone and bass
• broad understanding
of range

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 Exam content

Topic Grade
1 2 3 4 5
Terms Italian terms Italian terms Italian terms Italian terms Italian terms
• accelerando (or accel.) • a • adagietto • affettuoso • attacca
• adagio • al, alla • ad libitum, ad lib. • affrettando • dolente
• allegretto • allargando • agitato • amabile • dolore
• allegro • andantino • alla breve • appassionato • doppio movimento
• andante • assai • amore • calando • estinto
• cantabile • con, col • anima • cantando • incalzando
• crescendo (or cresc.) • dolce • animato • come • lacrimoso
• da capo (or D.C.) • e, ed • ben • facile • loco
• dal segno (or D.S.) • espressivo (or espress. • brio • fuoco • lunga
• decrescendo (or or espr.) • comodo • giusto • lusingando
decresc.) • fp • deciso • l'istesso • misura
• diminuendo (or dim.) • grave • delicato • morendo • ossia
• fine • grazioso • energico • niente • piacevole
• f (forte) • larghetto • forza • nobilmente • piangevole
• ff (fortissimo) • largo • largamente • perdendosi • pochettino, poch.
• legato • ma • leggiero • possibile • rinforzando, rf, rfz
• lento • maestoso • marcato, marc. • quasi • segue
• mezzo • meno • marziale • sonoro • smorzando, smorz.
• mf (mezzo forte) • molto • mesto • sopra • teneramente,
• mp (mezzo piano) • mosso, moto • pesante • sotto tenerezza
• moderato • non • prima, primo • veloce • tosto
• p (piano) • più • risoluto • voce • volante
• pp (pianissimo) • presto • ritmico
• poco • senza • rubato, tempo rubato
• rallentando (or rall.) • sf, sfz • scherzando, scherzoso French terms German terms
• ritardando (or ritard. • simile (or sim.) • seconda, secondo • à • aber
or rit.) • sostenuto • semplice • animé • Ausdruck
• ritenuto (or riten. or • tenuto • sempre • assez • bewegt
rit.) • troppo • stringendo • avec • breit
• staccato (or stacc.) • vivace, vivo • subito • cédez • ein
• tempo • tanto • douce • einfach
• tranquillo • en dehors • etwas
• triste, tristamente • et • fröhlich
• volta • légèrement • immer
• lent • langsam
• mais • lebhaft
• moins • mässig
• modéré • mit
• non • nicht
• peu • ohne
• plus • ruhig
• presser • schnell
• ralentir • sehr
• retenu • süss
• sans • traurig
• très • und
• un, une • voll
• vif • wenig
• vite • wieder
• zart
• zu
Signs • crescendo • accent
• diminuendo • semi-staccato
• slur • staccatissimo
• octave • tenuto
• perform an octave
higher
• perform an octave
lower
• staccato
• accent
• pause on the note
or rest
• repeat marks
• metronome indications

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 Exam content

Grades 6–8

The table below shows the introduction of elements at each grade. These requirements are presented cumulatively,
i.e. once introduced, they apply to all subsequent grades. An overall knowledge of all music theory set for Grades
1–5 is assumed by Grade 6. Some instruments and performance directions may appear in an exam a grade earlier
than listed below, but these will not be assessed.

Topic Grade
6 7 8
Keys • all major and minor keys • modulation to unrelated keys
• modulation to related keys
• modern scores without key signatures
Figured bass • (5/3), 6(/3), 6/4 • 5§/#
• (3)§, (3)b, (3)# • 7, 7/§, 7/b, 7/#, 7/5§/#
• 5/§, 5/b, 5/# • 6/5, 6/5/§, 6/5/b, 6/5/#
• 6§, 6b, 6# • 4/2, 4#/2, 4b/2
• 9-8, 7-6, 4-3

Harmonic • 5/3, 6/3, 6/4 chords on any degree of • V7a, V7b, V7c, V7d
usage the major or minor scale • diminished 7th chord in root position and
• 6/4 - 5/3 progression inversions
• all diatonic secondary 7th chords and their
inversions
• Neapolitan 6th
Chord • 5/3, 6/3, 6/4 chords on any • diminished 7th chord in root position and • augmented 6th chords
identification degree of the major or minor scale inversions (Italian/French/German)
and recognition • 6/4 - 5/3 progression • all diatonic secondary 7th chords and their • V9, V11, V13 and their inversions
• roman notation inversions • all chromatic chords
• V7a, V7b, V7c, V7d • Neapolitan 6th
• ii7a, ii7b
Harmonic • cadences: perfect, imperfect, plagal, • false relation • identification of enharmonic equivalent
feature interrupted • suspensions of a chord
recognition • pedal points: tonic, dominant • Tierce de Picardie
• harmonic sequences
Melodic • melodic sequences • simultaneous enharmonic change • contrapuntal features
feature • imitation/canon between two different instruments • motivic development
recognition • melodic motifs (non-transposing instruments) • texture: more than four parts
• texture: no more than four parts • melodic inversion
• enharmonic change between two
consecutive notes in the same part
Rhythmic • imitation/canon
feature • rhythmic motifs
recognition • syncopation
• augmentation/diminution
Notes of • unaccented passing notes • accented passing notes
melodic • lower/upper auxiliary note (diatonic) • lower/upper auxiliary note (chromatic)
decoration • appoggiatura
usage • note of anticipation
• changing note (échappée)
Notes of • unaccented/accented passing note
melodic • lower/upper auxiliary note (diatonic and
decoration chromatic)
identification • appoggiatura
and recognition • note of anticipation
• changing note (échappée)
Melodic • using a given opening • continuation of a melody with a given • using a given opening
composition • tonal and in more modern styles accompaniment or using a given open- • at least 12 bars in length
• modulation to related keys ing/harmonic framework with optional
• eight to ten bars in length opening
• at least eight bars in length
Stylistic • indicating chords to accompany a given • reconstruction of an extract from a Bach • three-part counterpoint: completing an
completion melody or two-part completion: adding a chorale by adding suspensions and notes extract from a trio sonata
bass line and figured bass to a melody of melodic decoration • completing an extract from a moderately
• four-part realization of figured bass for • reconstruction of an extract from a complex piano piece using the given
SATB or keyboard simple piano piece using notes of melodic outline
decoration

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 Exam content

Topic Grade
6 7 8
Score reading Question 4 Question 4 Question 4
and analysis • solo piano/keyboard • transposing solo instrument, including • up to five staves
• voice/instrument and piano the use of C clefs
• string/vocal quartet
• solo instrument non-transposing only Question 5
(e.g. violin sonata) and treble/bass clef Question 5 • full score up to 24 staves sounding
• full score up to 14 staves sounding simul- simultaneously, including more modern
taneously (five woodwind, four to five in style
Question 5 brass, percussion, strings)
• full score (orchestra or large ensemble or
chorus with orchestra); up to nine staves
sounding simultaneously (four wood-
wind, horns, timpani, five strings)

Instruments • transposing instruments in: F, Bb or A, • transposing instruments in: D or Eb • bass clarinet (may be in score in Grade 7,
clarinet, cor anglais, horn, trumpet (not • horns additionally in E or G but no related questions will be asked)
bass clarinet or double bassoon) • double bassoon • percussion: more frequent transposition
• transposing instruments in C: piccolo, • percussion: occasional transposition of xylophone, celesta, glockenspiel
double bass • less commonly used instrument names in
• commonly used instrument names in English, German, French, Italian
English, German, French, Italian
Instrumental • terms and signs relating to instrumental • harmonics: any string instrument • further advanced instrumental tech-
features techniques, e.g: tremolo, glissandi; or • more advanced instrumental features, niques, e.g. bouché, cuivré, chiuso, etc.
score layout, e.g. a2, I/II, tutti, unis. div.; or e.g. flutter tonguing, playing on the
change of pitch e.g. muta G in A fingerboard
• open strings, double stopping • pitch names e.g. B, H, mi§, sib, la#
• muting
• signs for reiterations and repeated
patterns
Intervals • harmonic or melodic • intervals in treble/bass/C clefs and • including double bassoon and bass
• all major, minor, perfect, augmented and between two transposing instruments clarinet
diminished intervals, including compound in different keys (including Eb horn or Eb
intervals clarinet)
• chromatic semitone (augmented unison)
• including the use of transposing
instruments but, if different transposing
instruments, one of those will be double
bass or piccolo
Composer/ • underlining name of composer/period of • underlining name of composer/period of
period/style composition, three choices (all from the composition, maximum of four choices
Baroque period onwards, each from a (all from the Baroque period onwards)
different period)
• naming reasons when or by whom the
extract was written
Ornaments • realization and recognition of ornaments
(written out or signs)
• trill, (upper) turn, upper mordent, lower
mordent, acciaccatura, grace note(s),
appoggiatura
Voices • standard voice types and ranges
Phrase • indicating phrase structure of whole
structure extract
General • naming features which show change
features in mood/texture, prominence of solo
instrument, climactic point, melodic
variation, etc.
• describing similarities and differences

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 Exam content

Topic Grade
6 7 8
Terms • a piacere • brillante • affretare (affrettando)
• dolciss. • colla parte • ancora
• mezza voce • legg. (leggiero) • appassionato
• prestissimo • lunga pausa • brioso
• rinf. (rinforzando) • marc. (marcato) • calma
• soave • pochiss. • calmato
• spiritoso • 1er mouvt. • legatissimo
• strepitoso • au mouvt. • mancando
• doux • en animant • nobilmente
• encore • en serrant • precipitando
• ausdrucksvoll • sonore • rinf.
• geschwind • Tierce de Picardie • scherzo
• langsamer • doch • smorz. (smorzando)
• rasch • empfindung • stretto
• ziemlich • gesangvoll • modérement
• langsamer als • peu à peu
• pressez
• gesprochen (same as parlando)
• immer
• lebhafter
• leicht
• leise
• ruhiger
• schleppend
• schneller

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Assessment
Mark allocation

Marks are allocated for each question in the exam, as shown in the tables below. The marks allocated for each
question are printed in brackets on the right hand side of each candidate's exam paper.

Grades 1–3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grades 6–8

Question Maximum Question Maximum Question Maximum Question Maximum
number marks number marks number marks number marks
1 10 1 15 1 15 1 15
2 10 2 10 2 10 2 15
3 10 3 10 3 10 3 20
4 10 4a 10 4a 10 4 25
5 10 4b 10 4b 10 5 25
6 10 4c 10 4c 10 Total 100 marks
7 10 5 10 5 10
8 10 6 10 6 15
9a 10 7 15 7 10
9b 10 Total 100 marks Total 100 marks
Total 100 marks

Result categories

Graded Exams in Music Theory are marked out of a total of 100. The result categories are defined as follows:

Result category Mark band

Distinction 90-100
Merit 80-89
Pass 66-79
Below Pass 0-65

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Marking criteria
Grades 1–5

Grades 1–3 Grades 4–5

Learners are assessed on:
• Rhythm • Rhythm
• Pitch and transposition • Pitch and transposition
• Keys and scales • Keys and scales
• Intervals • Intervals
• Tonic triads • Triads and chords
• Terms and signs • Terms, signs and instruments
• Music in context • Music in context

Grades 1–5 Marking criteria

Distinction • Highly accurate with excellent attention to detail
90–100 • The required basic elements of music are fully grasped
• Confident use of simple logical and mathematical concepts
Merit • Largely accurate with good attention to detail
80–89 • The required basic elements of music are mainly grasped
• Strengths significantly outweigh weaknesses
Pass • Generally accurate but some lapses in attention to detail
66–79 • The required basic elements of music are generally grasped
• Strengths just outweigh weaknesses
Below Pass • Inaccuracies throughout with little attention to detail
1–65 • The required basic elements of music are not grasped
• Weaknesses outweigh strengths
• Some items incomplete
0 • No work offered

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 Marking criteria

Grades 6–8

Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8

Learners are assessed on:
• Harmonisation of a melody • The addition of figures to a • Trio sonata
or completion of a bass line bass line • Keyboard completion
• Figured bass • Embellishment of a • Melodic composition
• Melodic composition harmonic skeleton • Music in context
• Music in context • Melodic composition
• Music in context

Grades 6–8 Marking criteria

Distinction • Highly accurate with excellent attention to detail
90–100 • The required elements of key, tonality, modulation, cadences, harmonic progressions and
figured bass are fully grasped
• The melody has an excellent overall sense of shape and direction and is unified in style
and character
• Confident score reading and analysis
Merit • Largely accurate with good attention to detail
80–89 • The required elements of key, tonality, modulation, cadences, harmonic progressions and
figured bass are mainly grasped
• The melody has a good overall sense of shape and direction, and the style and character
of the given opening is well maintained
• Largely confident score reading and analysis
• Strengths significantly outweigh weaknesses
Pass • Generally accurate but some lapses in attention to detail
66–79 • The required elements of key, tonality, modulation, cadences, harmonic progressions and
figured bass are generally grasped
• The melody has some sense of shape and direction, and some attempt has been made to
maintain the style and character of the given opening
• Some ability shown in score reading and analysis, despite errors
• Strengths just outweigh weaknesses
Below Pass • Inaccuracies throughout with little attention to detail
1–65 • The required elements of key, tonality, modulation, cadences, harmonic progressions and
figured bass are not grasped
• The melody lacks overall shape and direction, with poor maintenance of the style and
character of the given opening
• Frequent errors in score reading and analysis
• Weaknesses outweigh strengths
• Some items incomplete
0 • No work offered

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Results
Results, mark forms and certificates

Issuing results
All candidates receive a mark form which gives a breakdown of the marks awarded for each question and the total
number of marks. Exam papers are not returned after marking. Successful candidates receive a certificate that
shows the subject and level that they have been examined in. We aim to release results approximately four weeks
after the exam date, and results and certificates are sent by post within six weeks of the exam. Some results may
take longer if the checking process highlights anything that we want to look at more closely. Unless otherwise
requested at the point of entry, mark forms and certificates are posted to the applicant named on the entry form,
whose responsibility it is to pass them on to candidates.

Appeals
Specific guidance about assessment appeals and the process for requesting a re-mark is available on our website. We
also welcome feedback about other matters. All feedback is logged and plays a valuable part in our quality assurance
procedures. Specific guidance and a Re-mark Request Form can be found at www.abrsm.org/examconcerns

Entry to higher education

In the UK, ABRSM’s Grade 6–8 Music Theory exams can contribute towards entry into higher education through
the allocation of UCAS points; the table below shows the UCAS Tariff value of these grades. For further information
visit www.ucas.com

Qualification/Level Pass Merit Distinction

Grade 6 4 5 6
Grade 7 6 7 8
Grade 8 8 9 10

Malpractice and maladministration

We are committed to inspiring achievement in music. Our qualifications are used by thousands of people to support
their music learning or teaching. Many people also use them when applying to study at further and higher education
institutions. It is therefore vital that our qualifications remain a valuable and reliable measure of a candidate’s skills
and knowledge. We therefore take any form of malpractice or maladministration very seriously.

• Malpractice is defined as any act which compromises or is an attempt to compromise the assessment
process, the integrity of any qualification or the validity of a result or certificate. This also includes any
act which damages our reputation or credibility as an awarding organisation.
• Maladministration is defined as any act which breaches the regulations through a mismanagement of
administrative processes, particularly where such a breach could compromise the integrity of a qualification
or assessment.

Applicants and candidates must follow the requirements set out in the Exam Regulations and all other ABRSM
policies about the delivery of our exams. In cases where applicants or candidates have committed malpractice, a
sanction or penalty may be given. Further information about our Malpractice and Maladministration Policy can be
found at www.abrsm.org/policies

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