Examinations

Australian Music Examinations Board

AMEB grades 1-8

for details see: www.ameb.edu.au

ABRSM Classical, Grades 1 – 8

Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music preparation in Classical, grades 1 – 8 (ABRSM).

ABRSM Theory of music, Grades 1-8

A. Assessment objectives: Theory of Music examinations aim to give students opportunities to acquire a knowledge of the notation of western music (including the signs and terminology commonly employed), skill in constructing balanced rhythm patterns or completing given melodic or harmonic structures, and an understanding of the fundamental elements of western music, including the nature of intervals, keys, scales and chords. Candidates are assessed on their ability to identify, use and manipulate conventional music symbols, to complete musical extracts and to answer questions relating to the elements of music within the parameters detailed below

B . Copies of the question papers set in the Theory examinations for each of the preceding five years may be purchased only through a music dealer. In case of any difficulty in obtaining them, the Board’s publishing company should be consulted.

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,

234
444
Bar-lines and the grouping of the notes listed above within these times.Composition of a two-bar rhythm in answer to a given rhythm starting on the first beat of a bar.

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.

GRADE 2

As in Grade 1, with the addition of:

1.Simple time signatures of
2343
2228

and the grouping of notes and rests within these times. Triplets, andtriplet note groups with rests. Questions will include the composition of simple four-bar rhythms starting on the first beat of the bar and using a given opening.

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.