Theory Overview

Here is a list of what you need to know for the music theory tests. For the terminology you need to know, please visit the terms page.

Term 1 Outline

Level 1

  • 10 marks – Terms
  • 10 marks – Unclassified intervals (to the 10th)
  • 15 marks – Naming the notes in treble and bass clef with accidentals and key signatures
    • For strings: 5 questions on alto clef as well as treble and bass
  • 10 marks – Semitone identification
  • 5 marks – Major key signature identification to 3 sharps and 3 flats

Level 2

  • 10 marks – Terms
  • 15 marks – Interval identification to the 10th (majors, minors, augmented, diminished, perfect)
  • 15 marks – Major/minor key signature identification
  • 10 marks – Semitones, whole tones, enharmonics

Level 3

  • 10 marks – Terms
  • 15 marks – Interval identification to the 10th (majors, minors, augmented, diminished, perfect)
  • 15 marks – Triad chords and 7th chords
  • 10 marks – Key signatures

Term 2 Outline

Level 1

  • 10 marks – Terms
  • 5 marks – Unclassified intervals (to the 10th)
  • 10 marks – Major key signatures
  • 10 marks – Name notes with accidentals and key signatures
  • 10 marks – Semitones, whole tones, enharmonics
  • 5 marks – Rhythm

Level 2

  • 10 marks – Terms
  • 10 marks – Interval identification to the 10th (majors, minors, augmented, diminished, perfect)
  • 15 marks – Major/minor key signatures
  • 10 marks – Triad chords
  • 5 marks – Rhythms

Level 3

  • 10 marks – Terms
  • 10 marks – Interval identification to the 10th (majors, minors, augmented, diminished, perfect)
  • 15 marks – Triad chords and 7th chords
  • 10 marks – Key signatures
  • 5 marks – Rhythms

Term 3 Outline

Level 1

  • 10 marks – Terms
  • 15 marks – Major/minor key signatures
  • 10 marks – Interval identification (majors and perfect)
  • 10 marks – Semitones, whole tones, enharmonics
  • 5 marks – Rhythms

Level 2

  • 10 marks – Terms
  • 10 marks – Interval identification to the 10th (majors, minors, augmented, diminished, perfect)
  • 15 marks – Triad chords and 7th chords
  • 10 marks – Key signatures
  • 5 marks – Rhythms

Level 3

  • 10 marks – Terms
  • 10 marks – Interval identification to the 10th (majors, minors, augmented, diminished, perfect)
  • 15 marks – Triad chords and 7th chords
  • 10 marks – Key signatures
  • 5 marks – Rhythms