Lesson 16: Grade Five Theory Practice Exam (Updated for the 2018 Syllabus) (Paper Exam style)

This practice test was developed by MyMusicTheory and is not a copy of an ABRSM past exam paper.

If you will be taking the new-style online theory exam, please go to the next page for an online style test!

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.

Click here to print some blank manuscript paper.

A printable version of this practice exam, including the answers, is available as part of the PDF download. In pdf format, the files include every exercise from the online grade five course, with blank staves for your answers and an answer key at the end, plus lots of extra exercises not available online.

Instructions: Move your mouse slowly over the stave or the light bulb icon (tap on mobile devices)  to reveal the answers.

Question 1

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 B: ..........

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

(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)

Question 2

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

Intervals:

A.................

B.................

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

D.................

E.................

Question 3

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)

Question 4

4. Look at this extract from a song, Mit dem Groenen Lautenbande, by Franz Schubert and then answer the questions that follow.

(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)

(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)

Question 5

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)

Question 6

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

a) This piece is in A major. Which other key 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)

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 

Question 7

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.

FIRST CADENCE:

Chord A ___________

Chord B ___________

SECOND CADENCE:

Chord C ___________

Chord D ___________

Chord E ___________