Grade Five Theory Practice Exam (Updated for the 2018 Syllabus)

This practice test is based on ABRSM Syllabus.

Exam Time limit - 2 hours

This exam paper contains SEVEN questions; answer all of them.

Answers must be written clearly and neatly - otherwise marks may be lost.

1. (a) The following extract, which begins on the first beat of the bar, requires a different time

signature for each bar. Put in the three correct time signatures. (6 points)

(b) (i) Describe the chords marked A, B and C in the extract below as I, II, IV or V. Also

indicate whether the lowest note of the chord is the root (a), 3rd (b) or 5th (c).

The key is C minor. (6 points)

Chord A: .......... Chord C: ..........

Chord B: ..........

Grade 5 Music Theory Exam based on ABRSM 1

Grade Five Theory Practice Exam (Updated for the 2018 Syllabus)
(ii) Rewrite the left-hand part of bar 2 (marked X) so that it sounds the same, but using the

tenor C clef. Remember to put in the key signature. (3 points)

2. Describe fully each of the numbered melodic intervals (e.g. major 2nd). (10 points)

Intervals:

A................. D.................

B................. E.................

C.................

3. The following melody is written for clarinet in A. Transpose it down a minor 3rd, as it will

sound at concert pitch. Remember to put in the new key signature and add any necessary

accidentals. (10 points)

Grade 5 Music Theory Exam based on ABRSM 2

Grade Five Theory Practice Exam (Updated for the 2018 Syllabus)
4. Look at this extract from a song, Mit dem Groenen Lautenbande, by Franz Schubert and then

answer the questions that follow.

Grade 5 Music Theory Exam based on ABRSM 3

Grade Five Theory Practice Exam (Updated for the 2018 Syllabus)
(a)

i. Select the correct meaning of Massig. (2 points)

1. At a moderate speed □
2. Smoothly □
3. With movement □
4. Stately □

ii. Explain this symbol: (2 points)

iii. (bar 2) (2 points)

iv. (bar 1) (2 points)

v. (bar 10 Left hand piano) (2 points)

(b)

(i) Describe the time signature as:

Simple or compound: (1 point)

Duple, triple or quadruple: (1 point)

(ii) Add the correct rests to the left-hand piano part to complete bar 2. (2 points)

Grade 5 Music Theory Exam based on ABRSM 4

Grade Five Theory Practice Exam (Updated for the 2018 Syllabus)

(iii) Give the technical name (e.g. tonic, dominant) of the voice note in bar 5 marked X.

Remember that the key is B flat major. (2 points)

(iv) Describe fully (e.g. major 2nd) the bracketed harmonic interval marked Y in the right-hand

piano part of bar 7. (2 points)

(v) The dotted F in the left-hand piano part of bar 10 (marked Z) is worth demisemiquavers

(thirty-second notes) in total. (2 points)

(c)

(i) This extract is from a song written for a tenor. Write the voices below in the correct order

from lowest to highest. The first answer is given. (4 points)

Mezzo soprano - Bass - Alto - Baritone - Tenor - Soprano

Bass __________________

(ii) Name a standard orchestral instrument that normally uses the treble clef and state the family

to which it belongs. (4 points)

Instrument __________ Family __________

(iii) Now name the highest-sounding member of a different family of orchestral instruments.

______________ (2 points)

Grade 5 Music Theory Exam based on ABRSM 5

Grade Five Theory Practice Exam (Updated for the 2018 Syllabus)
5. (a) Using semibreves (whole notes), write one octave ascending of the melodic minor scale

that has this key signature. Begin on the tonic and remember to include any additional sharp,

flat or natural signs. (5 points)

(b) Using semibreves (whole notes), write one octave descending of the major scale that begins

on the given note. Do not use a key signature but put in all necessary sharp or flat signs.(5

points)

6. Look at the following score which is from a piano sonata by Haydn, and answer the

questions.

Grade 5 Music Theory Exam based on ABRSM 6

Grade Five Theory Practice Exam (Updated for the 2018 Syllabus)

a) This piece is in A major. Name another key that uses the same key signature. (2 points)

b) Name the harmonic interval in bar 11 box A. (2 points)

c) Give the letter name of the highest sounding note in this extract. (1 point)

d) Explain the symbol marked B in bar 3. (2 points)

e) In which bar can you find a complete one octave descending major scale, starting and ending

on the tonic note? (2 points)

Grade 5 Music Theory Exam based on ABRSM 7

Grade Five Theory Practice Exam (Updated for the 2018 Syllabus)
f) Name the ornament marked C in bar 16. (2 points)

g) Give the Roman numeral chord name and inversion (e.g. IVb) of the two chords marked D

and E in bar 15. (2 points) (a=root position, b=1st inversion, c=2nd inversion).

h) Choose the correct meaning of cantabile. (2 points)

1. With feeling. □
2. In a singing style. □
3. Sadly. □
4. Slowly □
7. Suggest suitable progressions for two cadences in the following melody by indicating ONLY

ONE chord (I, II, IV or V) at each of the places marked A-E. You do not have to indicate the

position of the chords, or to state which note is in the bass. (10 points)

Show the chords:

EITHER (a) by writing I, II, etc. or any other recognized symbols on the dotted lines below;

(b) by writing notes on the staves.

Grade 5 Music Theory Exam based on ABRSM 8

Grade Five Theory Practice Exam (Updated for the 2018 Syllabus)

FIRST CADENCE:

Chord A ___________

Chord B ___________

SECOND CADENCE:

Chord C ___________

Chord D ___________

Chord E ___________

Grade 5 Music Theory Exam based on ABRSM 9