A short (one A4 page) step-by-step 'how to' of completing question one in an ABRSM grade 8 theory examination paper. Includes a 'prior knowledge' list with a brief summary of figured bass rules.
6 short worksheets with score excerpts of famous works and around 10-15 short-answer questions per excerpt. Questions deal with identifying keys, chords, textures, harmonic and melodic intervals, and translating terminology. Useful for students of GCSE / A-level music or music theory (especially ABRSM grade 5).
May be used as starters, homework or revision activities.
Excerpts taken from: Vivaldi's 'Spring', Hallelujah Chorus, Moonlight Sonata, New World Symphony (Largo), Tristan und Isolde (the 'Tristan chord') and Prelude a l'apres midi d'un faune (opening flute solo).
An explanation and worked example of transposing between concert and written pitch for transposing instruments. 3 practice questions and solutions (on separate final page) are also provided.
This resource is geared towards the ABRSM grade 5 music theory examination, though may also be useful for GCSE or A-level music students.
Resources to support learning and revision for grade 5 theory (ABRSM) . Includes guides on several major topics (naming intervals, transposition and C clefs) and 7 worksheets for terminology learning.
Worksheet that sets out a performance task based on 'in C' by Terry Riley. Supports learning about 20th century art music, minimalism and aleatoric music.
This is essentially a very simplified version of 'in C', with easier-to-play motifs that are all two bars long. There are 6 'loops' to be performed, though the last two are bracketed as optional (and are more difficult). Full instructions are written on the sheet.
Though the music is written out in notation, there are also written-in note-names and beat numbers, making it quite achievable, with modelling, for students with no experience of notation.
I have used this successfully with year 9 and with an extracurricular group (a small mixed age/ability school band), but it could be used across KS3 and 4. Depending on what background work and extension tasks are added, this may be the basis of anything from one to three lessons, perhaps more.
Worksheets with word search and translation tasks to be used in conjunction with reference resource such as a computer or books (e.g. AB Guide To Music Theory Part I). Covers complete terminology from ABRSM grade 4 theory requirements (students should also be familiar with terms from grades 1 to 3, for which separate resources are uploaded).
As grade 4 theory requires knowledge of French and Italian terms, two separate worksheets are provided, separating terminology thusly.
Answers included as separate documents.
Explanation of C clefs and short practise exercises involving note identification and re-writing into both alto and tenor clefs from treble and bass.
Required knowledge for ABRSM grade 5 theory exams.
Worksheet with word search and translation task to be used in conjunction with reference resource such as a computer or books (e.g. AB Guide To Music Theory Part I). Covers complete terminology from ABRSM grade 3 theory requirements (separate resources are uploaded for grades 1, 2, 4 and 5).
Answers included as separate document.
Two pages of explanation and examples of augmented sixth, neapolitan sixth and diminished seventh chords, followed by 6 chord-identification exercises. The final page gives answers for the exercises. Useful for A-level students, especially those aiming for high grades, with a special interest in composition and/or considering music at university. Also required knowledge for ABRSM grade 8 music theory examinations.
Worksheets, with research tasks and word-searches, covering all of the terminology required for ABRSM theory examinations from grade 1 to 5.
7 worksheets in total. Separate answer sheets also included.
Resources to support learning and revision for grade 8 theory (ABRSM) . Includes 'how to' guides for each question in the exam, three practise score-reading questions, worksheets on advanced harmony (chromatic chords) and false harmonics, and a card-sort to aid memorising of instrument names.
Paired with past papers and model answers available from the exam board, these are all the resources I use to prepare students for ABRSM grade 8 theory.
Print double sided and fold in centre for an A5 booklet. Inner pages contain keyword fill-the-gap exercise and information about the history and structure of a 12-bar-blues. Back cover contains listening-list of pieces in a variety of styles that use a 12-bar-blues structure.
May be used as a start-of-topic activity, revision task or simple and easy-to-administer homework.
Recommended associated listening: 'Crossroad Blues' by Robert Johnson (https://youtu.be/Yd60nI4sa9A).
Worksheets with word search and translation tasks to be used in conjunction with reference resource such as a computer or books (e.g. AB Guide To Music Theory Part I). Covers complete terminology from ABRSM grade 5 theory requirements (students should also be familiar with terms from grades 1 to 4, for which separate resources are uploaded).
As grade 5 theory requires knowledge of German and Italian terms, two separate worksheets are provided, separating terminology thusly.
5 short score-reading worksheets each with 10 simple questions. Topics covered are: naming notes (pitches and simple rhythm) in treble and bass clef, translating basic foreign terms and symbols (tempo and dynamics), simple time signatures, suggesting appropriate instruments based on range.
Most appropriate for beginner music theory students (grade 1-2), key stage 3 classes or new GCSE students with little or no theory background. More advanced (grade 5) questions available here: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/score-excerpts-and-questions-famous-works-11646176
Excerpts: Dissonance Quartet (Mozart, opening), In the Bleak (Holst, opening), Grieg Piano Concerto (piano part, opening), Star Wars theme (melody), Ode to Joy (melody).
Two pages of explanation and examples of harmonic and melodic intervals of all types (perfect, major, minor, augmented, diminished and compound), followed by 3 progressively more difficult worksheets, totalling 42 individual practice questions. Answers to exercises provided on final page.
Useful for GCSE or A-level students. Also required knowledge for ABRSM grade 5 (and upwards) music theory examinations.
A worksheet with an explanation of false harmonics and how they are notated, followed by three short exercises to practise application of theory / check students' understanding. Covers harmonics played a 4th, 5th or 8ve above stopped note.
Second page shows correct answers for exercises.
Useful to A-level or other advanced music theory students (e.g. grade 8 theory entrants) and to advanced string players.
Worksheet with word search and translation task to be used in conjunction with reference resource such as a computer or books (e.g. AB Guide To Music Theory Part I). Covers complete terminology from ABRSM grade 2 theory requirements (in addition to grade 1 terms, for which a separate, free resource is uploaded).
Answers included as separate document.
Worksheet showing lyrics, chords and diagrams for playing relevant chords with keyboard and/or ukulele.
Developed as resource for KS3 classroom teaching.
Worksheet with word search and translation task to be used in conjunction with reference resource such as a computer or books (e.g. AB Guide To Music Theory Part I). Covers complete terminology from ABRSM grade 1 theory requirements. Answers included as separate document.
Required knowledge at GCSE and A-level as well as in ABRSM theory exams.
Worksheets also available for required terms for grades 2 to 5, separately or as a bundle.