1 THEORY The NZMEB is offering written theory examinations from Grades 1 to 6. These will be held biannually on the first Saturday in May and the first Saturday after Labour Day. Entrants need to write clearly and tidily on examination papers. The maximum number of marks for each question will be shown on the examination paper. Entrants for Grade 6 and above who would like their theory equivalent from another examining body recognised by NZMEB should provide a copy with their practical entry or as soon as practicable thereafter. Work in the syllabus can be covered by using Essential Music Theory by Gordon Spearritt, How to Blitz Grade Theory by Samantha Coates or Music Theory Made Easy for AMEB Syllabus by Lina Ng. Harmony Step by Step by Dulcie Holland is a useful adjunct from Grade 3 onwards. Co-requisites and Equivalents There are no co-requisite theory requirements for Standard Syllabus examinations. Co-requisite theory requirements for all Performance Syllabus examinations are as follows: NZMEB Performance Exam NZMEB/AMEB Theory TRINITY Theory ABRSM Theory Grade Grade 6 Grade 3 Pass Grade 5 pass Grade 6 pass Grade 7 Grade 4 Pass Grade 6 pass Grade 7 pass Grade 8 Grade 4 Credit Pass Grade 6 pass Grade 7 pass Diploma AMusNZ Grade 5 Credit Pass Grade 7 pass Grade 8 pass Diploma LMusNZ Grade 6 Pass - - To be awarded the practical grades shown above, an entrant must also achieve a supporting theory paper. Any of the above equivalents are acceptable, note for LMusNZ the only acceptable supporting paper is Grade 6 NZMEB. Entrants will be allowed 36 months to attain their theory qualification after sitting their practical exam. There is no time constraint to complete a practical examination after a corresponding theory paper has been achieved. A copy of the certificate will be required. If an entrant has already gained a co-requisite theory pass, please send a photocopy of it to: NZMEB PO Box 7019 Tauranga 3148 Schedule of marks from a total of 100 A+ High Distinction 90+ A Distinction 85-89 A- Honours 80-84 B+ Credit Plus 75-79 B Credit 70-74 B- Merit 65-69 C+ Pass Plus 60-64 C Pass 55-59 C- Pass Awarded 50-54 Below 50: insufficient marks to pass Harmony Entrants are encouraged to use as broad a vocabulary as possible. There is no restriction on the chords to be used and those listed are a guideline only. Allowed for Theory Examinations First Grade 1 hour Second Grade 1 hour 30 minutes Third Grade 2 hours Fourth Grade 3 hours Fifth Grade 3 hours Sixth Grade 3 hours NZMEB THEORY SYLLABUS ed 18.11
2 Grade One 1 hour Maximum mark 100 Pass mark 60 Entrants will be prepared to answer questions on the following: values The following note values, rests and time signatures: 2 3 4 4 4 with or without anacrusis Pitch Writing and identifying notes on the treble and bass clefs including two leger lines above and below each stave. The sharp, flat and natural. Keys and Scales The recognition and writing of the following scales and their key signatures, and the positioning of their tones and semitones: C G F major. One octave only The writing of scale degree numbers under notes of a melody Intervals Writing and identifying all diatonic intervals above the tonic in specified keys for the grade. Treble clef and number only (not quality). Triads Writing the tonic triad in root position in the treble clef. Keys: C, G and F major Memory and Transposition The entrants will be expected to write the whole melody of Happy Birthday from memory on the treble stave. The correct key signature, time signature, pitch and note values, and phrasing are expected. Words are not required. 5 Hap- py 4 3 Hap- py Birth- day day dear to you, dent, Hap- py Birth- day Stu- Birth- Hap- py Birth- day to to you, Entrants will be expected to transpose a four bar (or less) melody without accidentals into another key. Keys and note values will be those specified for the grade. you! Terminology The English meanings of the following, together with their abbreviations and signs, where applicable: adagio, allegro, andante, moderato, presto accelerando (accel.), a tempo, rallentando (rall.), ritardando (rit.), ritenuto (riten.) (rit.) crescendo (cres.) (cresc.), decrescendo (decres.) (decresc.), diminuendo (dim.), forte (f), piano (p), legato, staccato tie, slur, bar line, double bar line Allocation of marks from a total of 100 and Rhythm 16 Pitch 18 Keys and Scales 20 Intervals and Triads 12 Memory 10 Transposition 10 Musical Knowledge 14
3 Grade Two 1 hour 30 minutes Maximum mark 100 Pass mark 60 Entrants will be prepared to answer questions on the following: values Added to the note values and rests of the previous grades, entrants will now recognize: In simple time: 3,,,,, In compound time:,,, The following note lengths in both simple and compound time: as it occurs as an anacrusis before the bar-line The semibreve or whole bar rest, Added to the time signature of previous grades: 6 8 with or without anacrusis Entrants show an understanding of simple duple, triple and quadruple time and compound duple time. Keys and Scales Added to previous grade are: D and A major A, E and D minor (harmonic form) Through one or two octaves, including positioning of tones and semitones. Intervals Recognition and writing of all diatonic intervals above the tonic in specified keys for the grade. Treble clef and specifying quality and numerical value. Triads Writing the tonic triad in root position in the keys specified for the grade. Treble clef and bass clef. Form To recognize the form of a tune as binary or ternary and show ability to mark its main divisions A B or A B A. General Musical Skills To mark the accentuation in a simple couplet of words by placing a bar line before each accented syllable or word. Memory and Transposition The entrants will be expected to write the whole melody of Pokarekare ana from memory on the treble stave. The correct key signature, time signature, pitch and note values, and phrasing are expected. Words are not required. 5 10 3 4 Po Whit- e, e wai- k ki re tu k hi- ko- mai re hinee ra Ka na, e, ma i, te ro- ho- m te nga no u- o na wai e. Entrants will be expected to transpose a short melody (not more than 8 bars in length) in a key specified for the grade, into another key set for this grade. The only accidental shall be the leading note of the minor keys specified for this grade. E ha ri- pu e. ne Grade Two NZMEB THEORY SYLLABUS ed 18.11
4 Terminology The English meanings of the following, together with their abbreviations and signs, where applicable: adagio, allegretto, allegro, andante, largo, lento, moderato, presto, vivace, vivo accelerando (accel), allargando, meno mosso, piu mosso, rallentando (rall.), ritardando (rit.), ritenuto (riten.) (rit.), a tempo crescendo (cres.) (cresc.), decrescendo (decres.) (decresc.), diminuendo (dim.), forte (f), fortissimo (ff), mezzo forte (mf), piano (p), pianissimo (pp), mezzo piano (mp) cantabile, fine, da capo al fine, dal segno, legato, leggiero, maestoso, molto, poco, sempre, senza, sostenuto, staccato, mezzo staccato pause, repeat sign, signs for accents Allocation of marks from a total of 100 and Rhythm 20 Keys and Scales 14 Intervals and Triads 18 Memory 12 Transposition 10 Composition 8 Musical Knowledge 18 Grade Three 2 hours Maximum mark 100 Pass mark 60 Entrants will be prepared to answer questions on the following: Added to the note values and rests of the previous grades, entrants will now recognize rests: 3 2 2 3 8 time signatures: 9 8 Entrants will show an understanding of compound triple time, and of the anacrusis Keys and Scales The recognition and writing of scales and their key signatures as for previous grades, with the addition of the following: E, B, E and A major G and C minor (harmonic form) through one or two octaves. To show understanding of tones and semitones and the technical names of the degrees of the scales. To show understanding of accidentals. To show understanding of sequence. Intervals Recognition and writing of all diatonic intervals above the tonic in specified keys for the grade. Treble clef or Bass clef. Triads Recognize and write three primary triads in close position, in the keys specified for the grade in root position or first inversion. Treble clef and Bass clef.
5 Cadences Recognition and writing of the perfect and plagal cadences in keys specified for the grade in either vocal or pianoforte styles. Treble clef and Bass clef. Form To recognize the form of a tune as binary, ternary or rondo and show ability to mark its main divisions A B, A B A, A B A C A etc. To show on appropriate staves, the approximate compass of soprano, alto, tenor and bass voices. General Musical Skills To write a suitable rhythmic pattern to a simple couplet of words or To write a melody of four bars in any major key up to two sharps or two flats, on a given rhythmic pattern. Phrasing is required. Memory and Transposition The entrants will be expected to write the whole melody of Now is the Hour from memory on the treble stave. The correct key signature, time signature, pitch and note values, and phrasing are expected. Words are not required. 5 9 8 6 Now Soon While is you'll you're the be hour way, ling 13 When you wai- re- turn you'll oh For find far me please me to cross re- mem- Entrants will be expected to transpose a short melody (approx. 8 bars in length) in a key specified for Grade 3 into another key set for this grade say the good- sai- ting sea ber bye. me here Terminology The English meanings of the following, together with their abbreviations and signs, where applicable: adagio, allegretto, allegro, andante, con moto, largamente, largo, larghetto, lento, moderato, presto, prestissimo, vivace, vivo accelerando (accel.), allargando, a tempo, meno mosso, piu mosso, rallentando (rall.), ritardando (rit.), ritenuto (riten.) (rit.) calando, crescendo (cres.) (cresc.), decrescendo (decres.) (decresc.), diminuendo (dim.), forte (f), fortissimo (ff), forte-piano (fp) mezzo forte (mf), mezzo piano (mp), morendo, piano (p), pianissimo (pp), sforzando (sf) (sfz) ad libitum, agitato, attacca, ben marcato, cantabile, con anima, con brio, con forza, con grazia, fine, da capo al fine, dal segno, dolce, legato, leggiero, loco, maestoso, main droite (m.d.), main gauche (m.g.), mezzo staccato, molto, opus, poco, risoluto, staccato, sempre, senza, sostenuto, tranquillo, tre corde, una corda Allocation of marks from a total of 100 and Rhythm 12 Keys and Scales 14 Intervals 10 Triads and Cadences 20 Memory and Transposition 16 Composition 12 Musical Knowledge 16 Grade Three NZMEB THEORY SYLLABUS ed 18.11
6 Grade Four 3 hours Maximum mark 100 Pass mark 60 Entrants should be prepared to answer questions on the following: and rhythm Added to the note values and rests of the previous grades, entrants will now recognize: Syncopation (crotchet and quaver values only) Barring an unbarred phrase signatures: 6 4 12 8 Compound quadruple time Keys and Scales The recognition and writing of scales and their key signatures as for previous grades, with the addition of the following: B, F, D and G major B, F, C, F and B minor (harmonic form) through one or two octaves. To show a use of double sharps, double flats, tones and semitones and the technical names of the degrees of the scales. To recognize diatonic and chromatic semitones in scales. Intervals Recognition and writing of all diatonic intervals (both harmonic and melodic) and their inversions in specified keys for the grade. Treble clef or Bass clef. Modulation Recognition in melodies of modulation to the dominant or relative major or minor. Harmony Recognition of chords on I, Ib, II, IIb, IV, IVb, V, Vb, VI, VIb, VIIb in major keys and chords on I, Ib, IIb, IV, IVb, V, Vb, VI, VIb in minor keys up to four sharps or flats, in either pianoforte or four part vocal style Writing and recognition of four principal cadences in the same keys in both styles The harmonization of a simple melody in major or minor up to four sharps or four flats, not more than 8 bars, in four part vocal style. Form To understand the form, time and character of the dances used in baroque keyboard suites (Bach, Handel and Purcell), i.e. Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Minuet, Gavotte, and Gigue. Instrumental To show a knowledge of orchestral bowed strings, their tunings, and use of appropriate clefs. General Musical Skills To write a melody to a verse couplet with words correctly placed below notes or To write a balanced melody to a given rhythm of not more than 8 bars, in a major or minor key up to two sharps or two flats. Phrasing is required. Modulation not expected.
7 Memory and Transposition The entrants will be expected to write God Defend New Zealand from memory on the treble stave. The correct key signature, time signature, pitch and note values, and phrasing are expected. Words are not required. 5 9 13 4 God God de- fend New Make her prai- ses at we Thy feet, ple star, heard In far, the bonds of of n tions God de- fend our From the shafts of Ze love we meet. free land. strife and war, Entrants will be expected to transpose a short melody (approx. 8 bars in length) into another key. Accidentals will be included. Keys and note values will be specified for the grade. Hear our voi- ces en- treat, tri- Guard p cif- ic's land Terminology The English meanings of the following, together with their abbreviations and signs, where applicable: adagio, allegretto, allegro, andante, con moto, grave, largo, largamente, larghetto, lento, l istesso tempo, moderato, non troppo, prestissimo, presto, tempo commodo, tempo giusto, vivace, vivo accelerando (accel.), allargando, a tempo, meno mosso, piu mosso, rallentando (rall.), ritardando (rit.), ritenuto (riten.) (rit.), rubato, stringendo crescendo (cres.) (cresc.), calando, decrescendo (decres.) (decresc.), morendo, diminuendo (dim.), forte-piano (fp), forte (f), piano (p), sforzando (sf) (sfz), pianissimo (pp), perdendosi, fortissimo (ff), smorzando, mezzo forte (mf), rinforzando (rfz) (rf), mezzo piano (mp), pesante legato, con anima, staccato, con brio, maestoso, con grazia, sostenuto, con forza, sempre, dolce, poco, risoluto, molto, ben marcato, senza, main droite (m.d.), main gauche (m.g.), cantabile, leggiero, una corda, fine, dal segno, tre corde, da capo al fine, ad libitum, mezzo staccato, opus, agitato, attacca, loco, animato, tranquillo, cantando, tenuto (ten), piacevole, portamento, dolente, doloroso, sotto voce, giocoso, grazioso, assai, quasi, scherzando, subito (sub) Terms referring to String Playing sul ponticello (sul pont), sul tasto, tremolo, pizzicato (pizz), arco Ornaments appoggiatura, acciaccatura, mordent (upper and lower), turn, trill Allocation of marks from a total of 100 and Rhythm 14 Scales and Modulation 10 Intervals 12 Cadences and Harmony 24 Memory and Transposition 14 Composition 10 Musical Knowledge 16 Grade Four NZMEB THEORY SYLLABUS ed 18.11
8 Grade Five 3 hours Maximum mark 100 Pass mark 60 Entrants should be prepared to answer questions on the following: Keys and Scales The recognition and writing of scales and their key signatures of all major and minor scales (both forms). Intervals Recognition and writing of all diatonic (both harmonic and melodic) and chromatic intervals and their inversions. Treble clef or bass clef, with or without key signatures. Modulation Understanding of modulation, as it occurs in melodies, to the dominant, subdominant, relative major or relative minor keys. Harmony To harmonize a melody, up to eight bars in length, in four part vocal style using the following chords: I, Ib, II, IIb, IV, IVb, V, Vb, VI, VIb, VIIb and Ic cadential in major and minor keys as appropriate. In keys up to four sharps or four flats, in pianoforte or four part vocal style. To harmonize cadences in four part vocal or pianoforte style in a given melody or unfigured bass, which may modulate to a related key. Each cadence is to be preceded by a suitable chord. Use of first inversions in approach chords of cadential progressions is encouraged. Form To identify, show knowledge of, and provide examples of the following forms: Minuet and Trio Scherzo Air with variations Recitative and Aria in opera and oratorio of the late 18th century - i.e. Handel and Mozart. Instrumental To show a knowledge of the woodwind instruments of the symphony orchestra (flute, oboe, clarinet in B, clarinet in A, bassoon), and to show a knowledge of the ranges of these instruments, and clefs used. General Musical Skills To write a melody to a four lined stanza of poetry, in major or minor keys up to three sharps or three flats, with words to be correctly written below the notes. Phrase marks to be included. Modulation optional. or To complete a balanced eight bar melody from a given opening in major or minor keys up to three sharps or three flats. Phrase marks to be included. Modulation optional. Allocation of marks from a total of 100 Scales and Modulations 16 Intervals 10 Harmony 28 Form 18 Composition 12 Woodwind Instruments 16
9 Grade Six 3 hours Maximum mark 100 Pass mark 60 Entrants should be prepared to answer questions that touch on matters specified in previous grades and concentrate on the following: Harmony To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of composition, using the following chords: I,II, III (major keys only), IV, V, VI Ib, IIb, IIIb, IVb, Vb, VIb, VIIb Ic, IVc, Vc V7, V7b, V7c, V7d In keys up to four sharps or four flats. In pianoforte or four part vocal style. Accented and unaccented passing notes and auxiliary notes, single suspensions, Tierce de Picardie. Modulation to nearly related keys. to harmonize a melody or an unfigured bass in four part harmony to write two part counterpoint with a sound harmonic basis Form To show knowledge of sonata, or first movement form, and to refer to a standard movement in a work of the entrant s choice, from the classical period. To answer questions on the sonata, symphony, concerto and overture from the classical period, and refer to examples of these forms together with the composers of such works. Instrumental To show knowledge of the brass instruments of the symphony orchestra (horn in F, trumpet in B, tenor trombone, tuba in F), their ranges and the clefs they use. General Musical Skills To write a melody to a four lined stanza of poetry, in major or minor keys up to four sharps or four flats. Words are to be correctly written below the notes. Phrase marks are to be included. Modulation is required. To complete a balanced melody from a given opening, of 16 bars in length, in major or minor keys up to four sharps or four flats. Phrase marks are to be included. Modulation is required. Set Work Entrants will be able to answer general questions about the work, to quote the main themes, and indicate their orchestration. Symphony No 39 in E, 1st movement and 2nd movement, W. A. Mozart. An analysis in New Listening Guides by Dando and Sell ISBN 0582542308 is available from Pearson Education NZ. email : customer.service@pearsoned.co.nz Allocation of marks from a total of 100 Four Part Harmony 20 Two Part Writing 20 Composition 12 Form 14 Set Work 20 Instruments 14 Grade Six NZMEB THEORY SYLLABUS ed 18.11
10 Terminology for Grade One Tempo adagio slowly allegro cheerful and fast andante at an easy walking pace presto very fast moderato at a moderate speed Modifications of Tempo accelerando (accel.) gradually becoming faster ritenuto (riten.) (rit.) held back rallentando (rall.) gradually becoming slower a tempo return to former speed ritardando (rit.) gradually becoming slower Dynamics crescendo (cres.) (cresc.) gradually becoming louder forte (f) loud decrescendo (decres.) (decresc.) gradually becoming softer piano (p) soft diminuendo (dim.) gradually becoming softer Other Terms legato staccato smoothly, well connected detached, short Terminology for Grade Two Tempo adagio slowly lento slowly andante at an easy walking pace largo broadly moderato at a moderate speed allegretto moderately fast allegro cheerful and fast vivace lively, fast presto very fast vivo alive, lively Modifications of Tempo accelerando (accel.) gradually becoming faster a tempo return to former speed rallentando (rall.) gradually becoming slower allargando becoming broader ritardando (rit.) gradually becoming slower piu mosso quicker ritenuto (riten.) (rit.) held back meno mosso slower Dynamics crescendo (cres.) (cresc.) gradually becoming louder pianissimo (pp) very soft decrescendo (decres.) (decresc.) fortissimo (ff) very loud diminuendo (dim.) gradually becoming softer mezzo forte (mf) moderately loud forte (f) loud mezzo piano (mp) moderately soft piano (p) soft Other Terms legato smoothly, well connected senza without staccato detached, short cantabile in a singing style maestoso majestic leggiero lightly sostenuto sustained fine the end sempre always dal segno from the sign poco a little da capo al fine from the beginning to the word fine molto very mezzo staccato moderately short and detached
11 Terminology for Grade Three Tempo adagio slowly largamente broadly andante at an easy walking pace larghetto rather broadly moderato at a moderate speed prestissimo extremely fast, or as fast as possible allegro cheerful and fast con moto with movement presto very fast lento slowly largo broadly allegretto moderately fast vivace lively, fast vivo alive, lively Modifications of Tempo accelerando (accel.) rallentando (rall.) ritardando (rit.) ritenuto (riten.) (rit.) a tempo allargando piu mosso meno mosso gradually becoming faster gradually becoming slower gradually becoming slower held back return to former speed becoming broader quicker slower Dynamics crescendo (cres.) (cresc.) gradually becoming louder calando getting softer and slower decrescendo (decres.) (decresc.) gradually becoming softer morendo dying away diminuendo (dim.) gradually becoming softer forte-piano (fp) loud then immediately forte (f) loud sforzando (sf) (sfz) a strong accent piano (p) soft pianissimo (pp) very soft fortissimo (ff) very loud mezzo forte (mf) moderately loud mezzo piano (mp) moderately soft Other Terms legato smoothly, well connected con anima with feeling staccato detached, short con brio with spirit maestoso majestic con grazia with grace sostenuto sustained con forza with force sempre always dolce sweetly poco a little risoluto with resolution molto very ben marcato well marked senza without main droite (m.d.) right hand cantabile in a singing style main gauche (m.g.) left hand leggiero lightly una corda with the soft pedal fine the end tre corde release the soft pedal dal segno from the sign ad libitum at pleasure, quite freely da capo al fine from the beginning to the word fine opus a work or group of works mezzo staccato moderately short and detached loco at normal pitch agitato with agitation (after an 8ve sign) attacca to go on at once animato with animation tranquillo calmly Terminology for Grade Three NZMEB THEORY SYLLABUS ed 18.11
12 Terminology for Grade Four Tempo adagio slowly largamente broadly andante at an easy walking pace larghetto rather broadly moderato at a moderate speed prestissimo extremely fast, or as fast as possible allegro cheerful and fast con moto with movement presto very fast tempo commodo at a comfortable speed lento slowly tempo giusto at a precise speed largo broadly l istesso tempo at the same speed allegretto moderately fast non troppo not too much vivace lively, fast grave very slow and solemn vivo alive, lively Modifications of Tempo accelerando (accel.) gradually becoming faster allargando becoming broader rallentando (rall.) gradually becoming slower piu mosso quicker ritardando (rit.) gradually becoming slower meno mosso slower ritenuto (riten.) (rit.) held back rubato with some freedom in the tempo a tempo return to former speed stringendo pressing on faster Dynamics crescendo (cres.) (cresc.) gradually becoming louder calando getting softer and slower decrescendo (decres.) gradually becoming softer morendo dying away diminuendo (dim.) gradually becoming softer forte-piano (fp) loud then immediately soft forte (f) loud sforzando (sf) (sfz) a strong accent piano (p) soft perdendosi fading away pianissimo (pp) very soft smorzando dying away fortissimo (ff) very loud rinforzando (rfz) reinforcing the tone (rf) mezzo forte (mf) moderately loud pesante heavily mezzo piano (mp) moderately soft Other Terms legato smoothly, well connected con anima with feeling staccato detached, short con brio with spirit maestoso majestic con grazia with grace sostenuto sustained con forza with force sempre always dolce sweetly poco a little risoluto with resolution molto very ben marcato well marked senza without main droite (m.d.) right hand cantabile in a singing style main gauche (m.g.) left hand leggiero lightly una corda with the soft pedal fine the end tre corde release the soft pedal dal segno from the sign ad libitum at pleasure, quite freely da capo al fine from the beginning to the word fine opus a work or group of works mezzo staccato moderately short and detached loco at normal pitch (after an 8ve sign) agitato with agitation cantando in a singing style attacca to go on at once piacevole pleasant, agreeable animato with animation dolente sadly, plaintively tranquillo calmly doloroso sadly, plaintively tenuto (ten) held giocoso gay, merry portamento a smooth gliding from one note to assai much, sufficient another (as in singing or string playing) sotto voce softly, in an undertone scherzando playfully grazioso gracefully quasi as if, as it were subito (sub) suddenly Terms referring to String Playing sul tasto bow on or near the finger board sul ponticello (sul pont) bow on or near the bridge pizzicato (pizz) pluck the string with the finger (instead of bowing it) tremolo bowing very rapidly (usually on one note at a time) to produce a shimmering or wavering effect arco with the bow (used after a pizz. sign)