What Was The Question?

A Guide to the Theory Requirements

of the Graded Music Exams

Stewart Thompson

 Copyright 2011Victoria College of Music and London Music Press

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copying, hiring or lending is prohibited.
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Published by;
Victoria College of Music, London
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Introduction
As a result of requests from teachers as to exactly what examiners
are looking for in Grade exams, this booklet will hopefully be able to
explain what is needed to answer the theory question from Grade A upto
Grade 8. While each examiner is as different as each candidate and will
ask questions in their own way, we are all looking for the same basic
things to help us give you as many marks as possible.
The questions are where you get to show us just what you know
about both the dots on the page and the wider context of the pieces you
are performing and examiners look forward to this part of the exam a lot.
Especially at the higher grades we enjoy this being a two way
conversation where you can talk about your own ideas and why you think
something.
The arts are not an exact subject, they are elemental and transient,
gone in a blink of an eye, but the concepts are still there and this is what
we are trying to see you understand. Your answer might be different to
anyone elses but if you can explain what you mean then you will do
well. If you know what we are looking for then you can be fully prepared.
Best wishes and see you in the exam room one day!

Stewart Thompson
Senior Examiner in Music

What are we looking for?

There are a number of elements that we look for in all exams and these do
not change regardless of level. They are the basic building blocks of
musical theory and are a language we are always developing and
expanding even after years of performing. These are:
Identify, locate and explain any symbol or term used within the
examination.
Translate any term in another language into English and explain it's
meaning.
Describe the construction of a major scale used in tones and semi-tones
Explain, demonstrate and discuss any technique used in an
examination. For example, a brass player could describe how they flutter
tongued, an organist how they use a swell pedal, a keyboard player how
they programme registration changes and then demonstrate how if asked.
Discuss information about the composer, the period the piece is from,
what it is part of etc.
What you are demonstrating is that you;
Recognise the symbols
Understand what things mean and the context they are part of
Can do what the words or symbols mean
Explain how you do it with your instrument
Can decide how you have got it right
At the introductory and lower grades examiners will mainly ask simple,
directed questions to test your ability to recall information but as the
grades progress examiners will expect you to be able to articulate in more
technical language and at the higher grades to expand on their questions
without prompting.
From Grade 3 you should be able to;
Recognise, locate, play and describe the construction of any
diminished or augmented interval used within the examination.
Remember and describe the interval construction of the harmonic
minor scale in both tones and semi-tones as well as intervals.
Recognise and describe intervals as a second, third, fourth, sixth,
seventh

From Grade 4 you should be able to;

locate, recognise, explain and demonstrate any ornament used within
the examination
Remember and describe the interval construction of the melodic minor
scale in both tones and semi-tones as well as intervals.
From Grade 5 you should be able to;
Locate, name and play any note of the scales used when described by
the examiner by it's degree name.
Recognise, locate, play and describe the construction of any
diminished or augmented interval used within the examination.
From Grade 6 upwards you should be able to:
Explain the construction of any kind of triad and name the notes in it
Know, describe, locate and explain the construction and function of
any type of cadence. Keyboard instrument players may be asked to
demonstrate this and single line players to perform the bass line in any
given key set for their scales.
At all grades your teacher will help you learn how to answer these
questions but you may find it helpful to do some reading about music
theory and do some exercises. London Music Press publish theory
workbooks aimed at VCM's theory exams and for details of these see
www.whitepublishing.co.uk. You can find lots of free games and
exercises on the internet and BBC Bitesize has a music section that is
aimed at GCSE Music which you will find helpful with using the
knowledge you have learned. Theory is the building blocks of music and
the more you understand it the better a performer you will be.

How we mark theory

Theory questions are not marked as individual questions but you recieve
a mark based on your overall performance. Examiners work to set
guidelines that are similar to all other music examining bodies. The mark
scheme for Grades C-8 is set out below. Grades A and B use the same
criteria and percentages but are marked out of 10 not 8.
Distinction 7-8 marks
A secure and confident knowledge of all terms encountered in
the exam
Clear communication of responses
Supports answers with information from the score
Merit 6 marks
A secure knowledge of most terms encountered in the exam
Responses are clear if slightly hesitant
Some ability to support answers with information from the score
Pass 5 marks
Some understanding of terms encountered in the exam
Responses are generally clear but hesitant and may need
some prompting
Can use some information from score to explain answers
Below Pass 3-4 marks
A number of errors in explaining the terms encountered
Responses are not always clear, need prompting and are hesitant
throughout
Generally unable to explain answers
Lower Below Pass 0-2 marks
Very few correct answers and may not answer all questions
Responses lack clarity, are very hesitant and much prompting
required throughout
Answers are unsupported

Exemptions
If you have taken any VCM Theory of Music exams you may be eligible
for an exemption from theory question in certain grades. These are as
follows;
Grade I Theory exempts up to & including Preliminary Practical
Grade IA Theory exempts up to & including Preparatory Practical
Grade II Theory exempts up to & including Grade 3 Practical
Grade III Theory exempts up to & including Grade 5 Practical
Grade IV Theory exempts up to & including Grade 7 Practical
Grade IV Theory is required to pass Grade 8 Practical but does not
provide an exemption from the question section.
In all such cases the theory result or certificate must be produced for the
Examiner at the beginning of the practical examination.
We also recognise prior learning so if you hold GCSE, O-Level or BTEC
First Diploma in Music, Music Technology or Performing Arts you will
be eligible for an exemption certificate at certain grades. If you hold an
A-Level, BTEC HND or higher you will be eligible for exemptions from
the theory requirements for higher grades and diplomas. However we do
not accept the theory examinations of other exam boards due to our
papers being of a more demanding nature
To obtain an exemption certificate you should contact the College for
more details and provide copies of your certificates.