Musical Terms Grade 6 (ABRSM)
You can expect just about any musical term or symbol to crop up in a grade six music theory exam! Here is a list of terms, organised into groups. However, …
Grade 6 Music Theory Test (ABRSM)
Free ABRSM Grade 6 Music Theory Test PDF Download a free PDF ABRSM Grade 6 test here. Answers are supplied for Q4 and Q5. For Qs1-3 answers will vary.
Chords and Key in a Score
Chords in Orchestral Scores In the ABRSM Grade 6 music theory exam you will be probably be asked to identify one or more chords in a score. For this grade, …
The Percussion
The most commonly found orchestral percussion instrument is the timpani (kettle drums). A kettle drum is tuned to a single note. Often an orchestral score will ask for two or …
Intervals in an Orchestral Score
Intervals in a score When working out intervals in a musical score, you need to check if the notes are in different clefs, or need to be transposed, before you …
Transposition (ABRSM Grade 6)
Transposition in Q4 and Q5 In the grade 6 ABRSM Music Theory exam you will definitely be asked to transpose a few bars of music from an orchestral score. Most …
The Brass
The Orchestral Brass Section In a score, horns are at the top of the brass section, followed by trumpets, trombone and tuba. Trumpets in Bb and horns in F are …
The Woodwind
Standard woodwind section (from Classical era) Extended woodwind section (from Romantic era) More Facts “a2” or “zu” means “both players” “solo” or “I” or “II” (etc.) means one player Stems …
The Strings
Standard Instruments Open String Tunings When a string player plays a note without pressing a finger down anywhere on the string, this is called an “open note”. If the player …
Identifying the Era
Identifying the Era of a Score In your music theory exam you may be asked to identify the era or possible composer of a score you have not seen before. …