Grade 1 Music Theory Test (ABRSM)
Test your skills and knowledge of Grade One Music Theory with this free online practice test! Or download a free ABRSM grade 1 practice test in PDF format here …
Step 1: Dissonances (Trio Sonatas)
Step 1. Dissonances When we tackle a grade 8 Trio Sonata question, we should begin with the dissonances because the treatment of dissonance in the Baroque era was strict, which …
Trio Sonatas – Introduction (ABRSM Grade 8)
Next lesson → Step 1. Dissonances in Trio Sonatas What is a Trio Sonata? The first question in the ABRSM Grade 8 Music Theory exam is based on a Baroque …
Harmonic Analysis
Harmonic Analysis with Decoration When we analyse chromatic music, we need to begin by separating the layers of music (bass, melody and any middle parts), to work out a functional …
Harmonic Rhythm
Harmonic Rhythm Harmonic rhythm is the rhythm created by each chord change. The harmony might change with each bar, twice a bar, with each beat, or perhaps every two bars …
Inverted Cadences
Inverted Cadences Standard cadences use root position chords, but sometimes cadences with first inversion chords can be used. These are known as inverted cadences. Inverted cadences are unlikely to appear …
Voice Leading in Minor Keys
Dissonant Melodic Intervals Augmented and diminished melodic intervals are uncommon but do sometimes occur. Dissonances should resolve by step: move from the dissonance to the nearest possible note. In most …
3-Part Voice Leading
3-Part Texture Most of the harmony rules we have learned up to now have been based on 4-part, SATB harmony. Music can, of course, be written for any number of …
False (Cross) Relations
False (Cross) Relations A false (or cross) relation occurs when a note is placed in close time proximity to a chromatically altered version of itself, in another part. For example, …
Figured Decoration
From time-to-time unfamiliar figures can appear in figured bass. Most of the time they occur because of decorative notes which are essential to include. Sometimes the figure will include a …