Last Updated on 25 July 2024 by Victoria Williams
What ABRSM/Trinity Music Theory Grade are You?
This is a quiz designed to work out what grade you are at in music theory, based on the ABRSM’s and Trinity’s syllabuses.
- There are 8 grades (followed by diplomas from Trinity but not ABRSM).
- Grade 1 is elementary level and starts with basic notation, major keys with 1 sharp/flat in the key signature, three different time signatures, and the treble and bass clefs.
- Each subsequent grade is slightly more complex with added keys, foreign terms, time signatures, musical symbols, chords and intervals.
- Grade 5 is the required level for anyone who wants to take an ABRSM practical exam at grade 6 or higher (some alternative exams are allowed – see the ABRSM website for details). Grade 5 Trinity is also accepted by the ABRSM as a pre-requisite.
- Grades 6-8 take an in depth look at harmony, figured bass (ABRSM only) and compositional techniques. A pass or higher at these grades gives you credit in the form of UCAS points. Grade 8 is roughly the same level as A level.
This quiz can only give a very general indication of your level – I can’t test your skills at figured bass or composition in this quiz! (Please seek advice from your teacher or email me at [email protected] for advice about taking an music theory exam.)
Instructions: Click on “Submit” to submit your answers, “Next” to skip a question and “Finish” to give up completely. Leave answers blank instead of guessing, for a more accurate result!
This test raises my self-confidence. It says I am around grade 4 level, and I plan to prepare for Grade 5 ABRSM. The first questions scared me a bit with the chord names on SATB scores.
Thank you for this and the website in general. Returning to music after nearly 30 years and taking Grade 5 theory in a few days. I last looked at music theory in secondary school in the early 70s. I’ve used your site extensively to prepare for the Grade 5 exam. This test suggests I’m ready. Now to get better at playing music!
Thanks very much for this. I scored 15/24; though it should been16 but for a useless mistake. It said I am around ABRSM Grade 5, and suggest I start learning at Grade 6. It is a morale booster because I am preparing for Music Society of Nigeria Grade 4 exam.
I need assistance on how to write tune for given words.
Hi!
The first step for setting words to a tune is to think of a rhythm. Please see https://mymusictheory.com/composition/setting-words-to-a-rhythm/.
Hi
Can you tell me if there’s any way of sharing your quiz results with someone else, please?
Thank you!
Hi Gary, The results have a share to Facebook or Twitter/X button. If you want to share by email there isn’t a function for this but you can just do a screenshot.
Thank you for the test. I found my theory level.