Music Knowledge

The examiner will ask candidates five questions in their exam to test their understanding of the pieces played. They will ask some questions from one piece chosen by the candidate and one chosen by the examiner. The examiner will point to to parts of the music when asking the questions.
Here is what you need to know:
Initial
  • Note Names
  • Note durations i.e. 2 beats
  • Clefs, stave, barlines
  • Time and Key signature
  • Musical expression signs
Grade 1 
  • Note names plus ledger lines
  • Note value name i.e. crotchet
  • Explain time and key signature
  • Musical expression signs and words
Grade 2 - all previous plus:
  • Metrenome marks and ornaments
  • Intervals 
  • Basic posture
Grade 3 - all previous plus
  • Relative major or minor of the key.
  • Identify scale or arpeggio patterns.
  • Intervals, plus major and minor
  • Suitable warm-up for the piece
Grade 4 - all previous plus
  • Any keys used during the piece
  • Identify tonic and dominant notes and their triads
  • Intervals, plus major and minor
  • Technical challenges

REVISION

Flashcards

Here is a link to a flash card site which tests you on some basic terms and signs: basic music signs  These are good for Initial, Grades 1, 2 and 3. Click on test at the top and you can customise a test. Try the game scatter or space race, or print off the cards. For a harder set try more music signs. 

Games and Quizzes

To help you with your note recognition try: name that note.  Beginner level is for Initial. Grade 1 and above should try the intermediate level.
There are also plenty of apps available on iPad and android to play and enjoy! 

The following links to quizzes will also help test your knowledge. 
Bass Clef Notes 1 - all grades
Bass Clef Notes 2 -  all grade
Treble Clef Notes 1 - all grades
Treble Clef Notes 2 - all grades
Ledger Lines 1 - Grade 1 and above
Ledger Lines 2 - Grade 1 and above
Notes Values - Grade 1 and above
Rest Values - Grade 1 and above
These all come from the education quizzes website which has several more you can use. 

Youtube videos

If you need to refresh your memory on music theory, these videos are informative and very importantly use British terms.