MyMusicTheory.com Grade Five Music Theory Practice Test (ABRSM Syllabus) BY VICTORIA WILLIAMS BA MUSIC AMUSTCL www.mymusictheory.com Published: 7th February 2017 1
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GRADE 5 MUSIC THEORY TEST PAGE 1 QUESTION 1 The following piece of music needs a different time signature in each bar. Write the three time signatures. [6] QUESTION 2 Describe the chords (A, B and C) as I, II, IV or V, and say whether the lowest note of the chord is the root (a), third (b) or fifth (c). The key is Eb major. [6] QUESTION 3 Rewrite the last note of the right hand piano part (circled) so that it sounds the same, but using the tenor clef. Include the correct key signature. [3] QUESTION 4 The following melody was written for cor Anglais. Transpose it down a perfect 5th, as it will sound at concert pitch. Remember to put in the new key signature. [10] 3
GRADE 5 MUSIC THEORY TEST PAGE 2 QUESTION 5 This passage is for SATB choir. Rewrite it in open score. [10] QUESTION 6 Suggest chords for the two cadences in this melody by indicating one chord (I, II, IV or V) at the places marked A-E. (You do not need to indicate the inversion of the chord.) Either write I, II, V and V, or write notes on the staves. [10] CADENCE 1: Chord A: Chord B: CADENCE 2: Chord C: Chord D: Chord E: 4
GRADE 5 MUSIC THEORY TEST PAGE 3 QUESTION 7 a. Using semibreves (whole notes) write one octave of the ascending melodic minor scale which uses this key signature. [5] b. Put accidentals on to the notes which need them in order to create the scale of B major. Do not use a key signature. [5] QUESTION 8 Look at the score, which is adapted from a piece called Aubade by d Ambrosio for violin and piano, and answer the questions on the next page. [30] 5
GRADE 5 MUSIC THEORY TEST PAGE 4 (QUESTION 8 CONTINUED) a. Give the meaning of Allegretto moderato. [2] b. Give the meaning of arco. (bar 3) [2] c. Give the time name (e.g. crotchet/quarter note) of the fastest note value used. [2] d. How many times does this rhythm occur? [2] e. Give the meaning of the short line below this note (bars 3, 4 and 7). [2] f. The key is G major. Give the technical name (e.g. tonic) of the highest note. [2] g. Give the meaning of the symbol above this note (bar 1, violin part). [2] h. Describe the intervals marked A and B in the score by number and quality (e.g. perfect 5th) Interval A (bar 7, violin part): [2] Interval B (bar 7, left hand piano part): [2] i. Write as a breve (double whole note) an enharmonic equivalent of the note marked in box C. [2] j. Describe the time signature as simple or compound [1]: k. Describe the time signature as duple, triple, quadruple or irregular: [1] l. Which orchestral family does the violin belong to? [1] m. Name the lowest sounding standard orchestral instrument from the same family. [1] n. Name a standard orchestral instrument which normally uses the same clef as the violin and which could play from a violin part without any change in pitch. [2] o. Which two bars are exact copies? [2] p. Give the letter name (e.g. C#) of the lowest sounding note in the piece. [2] 6
GRADE 5 MUSIC THEORY TEST PAGE 5 QUESTION 9: CHOOSE EITHER (A) OR (A) OR (B) A. Continue this opening to make an eight-bar composition. Add performance directions to the whole piece. Write your melody for a flute or violin and state which you have chosen. [15] B: Write a voice melody to suit these words. Include performance directions and write the words under the notes they are sung to. [15] They ambled out into to snow, And there they found the sleeping crow 7