jules@operaeducation.co.

uk 18 Jan 2017

GRADE 5 MUSIC THEORY PRACTICE TEST

Exam time limit - 2 hours

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

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

QUESTION 1
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)

QUESTION 2
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: ___________

QUESTION 3
Rewrite the left-hand part of bar 2 (question 2) (marked X) so that
it sounds the same, but using the tenor clef. Remember to put in
the key signature. (3 points)

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QUESTION 4
Describe fully each of the numbered melodic intervals (e.g. major 2nd). (10 points)

Intervals:

A ______________ B ______________ C ______________ D ______________ E _____________

QUESTION 5
This 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 6
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)

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QUESTION 7
Look at this extract from a song, Mit dem Grnen Lautenbande, by Franz Schubert and then answer
the questions that follow.

Give the meaning of:

a. Mssig (2 points) ___________________________________

b. (2 points) ____________________________________

c. (bar 2) (2 points) _____________________________

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d. (bar 1) (2 points) _______________________________

e. (bar 10 left hand piano) (2 points) ___________________________

f. Describe the time signature as: Simple or compound? Duple, triple or quadruple? (2 points)

______________________________________________

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

h. 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)

i. Describe fully (e.g. major 2nd) the bracketed harmonic interval marked Y in the right-hand
piano part of bar 7.

___________________________ (2 points)

j. The dotted F in the left-hand piano part of bar 10 (marked Z) is worth __________
demisemiquavers (thirty-second notes) in total. (2 points)

k. This extract is from a song written for a tenor voice. 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 _______________________________________________________________

l. Name a standard orchestral instrument that normally uses the treble clef and state the
family to which it belongs. (4 points)

Instrument _______________________ Family ________________________

m. Now name the highest-sounding member of a different family of orchestral instruments. (2

points)

________________________________

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QUESTION 8
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 lines below;

(b) by writing notes on the staves.

FIRST CADENCE: SECOND CADENCE:

Chord A ___________ Chord C ___________

Chord B ___________ Chord D ___________

Chord E ___________

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QUESTION 9
EITHER

(a) Compose a complete melody for unaccompanied violin or oboe, using the given opening.
Indicate the tempo and other performance directions, including any that might be particularly
required for the instrument chosen. The complete melody should be eight bars long. (15 points)

Instrument for which the melody is written: __________________

OR

Compose a melody to the following words for a solo voice. Write each syllable under the note or
notes to which it is to be sung. Also indicate the tempo and other performance directions as
appropriate. (15 points)

Back comes the wind full strength,

With a blow like an angel's wing.

(Kipling)

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PRACTICE TEST ANSWERS

The test is marked out of 100. A score of 66% is a pass, 80-89% is a merit, and 90%+ is a distinction.

QUESTION 1

QUESTION 2
A: Va B: IVb C: Ic

QUESTION 3

QUESTION 4
A: diminished 5th D: augmented 2nd

B: minor 2nd E: augmented 6th

C: minor 10th or compound minor 3rd

QUESTION 5

QUESTION 6
a.

b.

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QUESTION 7
a. At a moderate tempo h. Mediant
b. Pause i. Minor 6th
c. Repeat the following section j. 7
d. Triplet: play three notes in the time of k. (Bass) Baritone Tenor Alto
two Mezzo soprano Soprano
e. Tie l. Flute, oboe or clarinet (Woodwind)
f. Simple duple OR trumpet or French horn (Brass) OR
g. violin (strings)
m. See (l)

QUESTION 8

QUESTION 9
Answers will vary. A complete answer will earn a minimum of 5 points. The following example
compositions would receive full marks.

Oboe

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Voice

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