More Compound Time Signatures
Compound /4 Time Signatures Time signatures with 6, 9 or 12 on top and 4 below are compound time. They work very much like their compound /8 counterparts (6/8, 9/8 …
Double Dotted Notes
Double Dots A single dot to the right of a note head increases the length of the note by 50% (the note plus half of itself). So, a dotted minim …
Breves (Double Whole Notes)
Breves The longest note we have come across in earlier theory grades is the semibreve (whole note)- written as an open note-head without a stem. We’ll now learn about a …
Triads and Chords
We have already learnt about tonic triads – how we can build a simple three-note chord based on the tonic of the key. For example, the tonic triad in the key …
Intervals Between Any Two Notes
So far, we have only learned about intervals between the tonic (lower noter in the interval) and another note in the major or minor scale built on that note. In …
Chromatic Scales
The word “chromatic” actually means “colourful” – the scales are very colourful since they use ALL 12 different notes available in one octave, instead of just 7 of them! The …
Scales and Keys with 5 Sharps/Flats
You should already know the keys with 4 sharps/flats. In this lesson we will learn about the four keys that have five sharps or flats in the key signature. They …
Technical Names of Scale Degrees
Technical names Each note of a scale can be given a number from 1-7. For example, in the key of C major, C=1st, D=2nd and so on. These are called …
Double Sharps/Flats and Enharmonics
Double Sharps The sharp symbol (#) raises the pitch of a note by a semitone (or “half step”). D# is one semitone higher than D, and F# is one semitone …
Grade 2 Music Theory Test (ABRSM)
ABRSM Syllabus (2020+) Trinity Candidates: download practice tests from Trinity here: http://www.trinitycollege.co.uk/site/?id=1256 Answer all questions. You have 1 hour and 30 minutes. Scoring: 50/75=Pass, 60/75=Merit and 65/75=Distinction 1. Add the …