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Exam practice
ABRSM Grade 3 music theory practice test
Timed practice for ABRSM Grade 3 Music Theory, set out in the board's own sections. Every answer comes with an explanation.
About the exam
Music Theory Grade 3 is a written theory exam from ABRSM, the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.
This practice test covers Grade 3: rhythm, pitch, keys and scales, intervals, and terms and signs.
The sections
- Section 1 · RhythmNote values, time signatures and grouping.This section has 24 questions.
- Section 2 · Pitch and NotationClefs, ledger lines and accidentals.This section has 17 questions.
- Section 3 · Keys and ScalesKey signatures, scales and tonic triads.This section has 26 questions.
- Section 4 · IntervalsIdentifying intervals by number and quality.This section has 22 questions.
- Section 5 · Terms and SignsItalian terms and performance signs.This section has 11 questions.
Timing
Exam mode runs a clock of 1 hour 30 minutes for the whole practice test.
The full practice test holds 100 questions.
Sample questions
Sample 1
What is the relative minor of A-flat major?
- C minor
- F minor
- A-flat minor
- E-flat minor
The answer is B, F minor.
A-flat major and F minor share the four-flat key signature. The relative minor begins on the sixth note of the major scale.
Sample 2
What does “espressivo” ask of a performer?
- Play with expression
- Play with a mute
- Play at twice the speed
- Repeat the previous bar
The answer is A, Play with expression.
Espressivo indicates expressive shaping or character. It does not require a fixed tempo or specific instrumental device.
Sample 3
Which note is raised in A harmonic minor compared with A natural minor?
- F becomes F-sharp
- C becomes C-sharp
- G becomes G-sharp
- B becomes B-flat
The answer is C, G becomes G-sharp.
A natural minor is A B C D E F G A. Harmonic minor sharpens the seventh degree G to G-sharp while leaving F natural.
Questions and answers
How long is the ABRSM Grade 3 Music Theory practice test?
Exam mode gives 1 hour 30 minutes for the whole practice test. It holds 100 questions.
What sections does the ABRSM Grade 3 Music Theory practice test cover?
It follows the board's order: Rhythm, Pitch and Notation, Keys and Scales, Intervals and Terms and Signs.
Are the answers explained?
Yes. Each answer comes with an explanation of why it is correct.
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