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Music Theory exams
(/) Music Theory exams
As instrumental skills progress, development in music theory and musicianship becomes increasingly important in helping students to perform with sensitivity, understanding and confidence. ABRSM’s Music Theory exams aim to give students a thorough understanding of the building blocks of music, starting with the basics of rhythm and notes, and going on to cover harmony and counterpoint, composition, and a broad knowledge of western music, including composers and their works, structure, style and period. Each Music Theory paper is marked out of a total of 100, with 66 marks required for a Pass, 80 for a Merit and 90 for a Distinction.
Our benchmark A longstanding ABRSM benchmark is that a pass at Grade 5 or above in Music Theory must be obtained before candidates can enter for Grades 6, 7 or 8 Practical exams. We believe that a thorough understanding of the elements of music is essential for a full and satisfying performance at these higher grades. (Grade 5 or above in Practical Musicianship (en/our-exams/otherassessments/practical-musicianship/practical-musicianship-grade-5/) or any solo Jazz (en/our-exams/jazz-exams/) subject also fulfils this prerequisite.)
Download the complete syllabus for Grades 1 to 8: Music Theory 2017 (PDF) (https://gb.abrsm.org/fileadmin/user_upload/syllabuses/theoryComplete10.pdf) Music Theory from 2018 (PDF) (https://gb.abrsm.org/fileadmin/user_upload/PDFs/Theory_Syll_Master_2018.pdf)
2018 improvements to Music Theory exams We are making some small changes to our Music Theory papers at Grades 1 to 5. These will come into effect in all countries from 1 January 2018. Our aim is to create a better exam experience for candidates with more focus on the essential knowledge and understanding needed at this level. Find out more (http://gb.abrsm.org/theory2018)
2016 improvements to Music Theory exams The 2016 Music Theory papers will include some small changes to the layout and wording for three questions as follows:
For this question based on a given melody, the blank stave for the candidate to write on has been moved from the bottom of the page to just under the given melody.
We have changed the order of the two options – writing a rhythm to given words and completing a four-bar rhythm using a given opening – so that the completing a rhythm option appears first.
We have changed the wording for the melody writing question to make it clear that it’s not compulsory to include bowing or breathing marks. The wording has changed from: Old wording
Indicate the tempo and other performance directions, including any that might be particularly required for the instrument chosen. New wording
Put in the tempo, dynamics and other performance directions as appropriate.
(http://shop.abrsm.org/shop/prod/Taylor-Eric-First-Steps-in-Music-Theory/610730) First Steps in Music Theory (http://shop.abrsm.org/shop/prod/Taylor-Eric-First-Steps-in-Music-Theory/610730)
A step-by-step presentation of the basic facts of music theory.
(http://shop.abrsm.org/shop/ucat/Music-Theory-in-Practice/1164) Music Theory in Practice (http://shop.abrsm.org/shop/ucat/Music-Theory-in-Practice/1164)
A valuable resource for students preparing for ABRSM Theory exams.
(http://shop.abrsm.org/shop/prod/Taylor-Eric-The-AB-Guide-to-Music-Theory-Part-I/598230) The AB Guide to Music Theory (http://shop.abrsm.org/shop/prod/Taylor-Eric-The-AB-Guide-to-Music-Theory-Part-I/598230)
Provides an introduction to the building blocks of music theory.
(http://shop.abrsm.org/shop/prod/ABRSM-Music-Theory-Past-Papers-2015-ABRSM-Grade-1/2235474) Music Theory Past Papers 2015 (http://shop.abrsm.org/shop/prod/ABRSM-Music-Theory-Past-Papers-2015-ABRSM-Grade-1/2235474)
(http://shop.abrsm.org/shop/prod/ABRSM-Music-Theory-Past-Papers-2015-Model-Answers-ABRSM-Grade-1/2235466) Music Theory Model Answers 2015 (http://shop.abrsm.org/shop/prod/ABRSM-Music-Theory-Past-Papers-2015-Model-Answers-ABRSM-Grade-1/2235466)
Supporting applications Translations for this page are available in: English (en/our-exams/music-theory-exams/) , (zh/our-exams/music-theory-exams/)
What do we offer? Grades: Piano (en/our-exams/#piano) Grades: Music Theory (en/our-exams/#piano) Grades: Bowed Strings (en/our-exams/#strings) Grades: Woodwind (en/our-exams/#woodwind) Grades: Brass (en/our-exams/#brass) Grades: Other instruments (en/our-exams/#other) Advanced exams: Diplomas (en/our-exams/#diplomas) Grades: Jazz (en/our-exams/#jazz) Grades: Practical Musicianship (en/our-exams/#practical) Group assessments (en/our-exams/#practical)
Quick links Exam information and regulations (en/our-exams/information-and-regulations/) Syllabus updates (https://gb.abrsm.org/en/our-exams/information-and-regulations/syllabus-updates/) Syllabus FAQ (en/our-exams/syllabus-faq/) Book an exam (https://gb.abrsm.org/en/exam-booking/)
Latest news
Two new books in our Piano Star series 1 week ago (en/about-abrsm/news-articles-and-comment/latest-news/article/two-new-books-in-our-piano-star-series/914/)
New Music Theory practice papers – out now 4 weeks ago (en/about-abrsm/news-articles-and-comment/latest-news/article/new-music-theory-practice-papers-out-now/909/) View more articles (en/about-abrsm/news-articles-and-comment/latest-news/)
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