Section 1 · Trio SonataFigures, suspensions, cadences and part-writing for two treble parts above a basso continuo.This section has 15 questions.
Section 2 · Keyboard CompletionAugmented sixths and other chromatic chords, dominant ninths to thirteenths, and keyboard figuration such as the Alberti bass.This section has 15 questions.
Section 3 · Melody WritingShape, keys, instruments and performance directions for a melody of twelve bars or more.This section has 15 questions.
Section 4 · Score ReadingChords, intervals, counterpoint, texture and terms in an extract of up to five staves.This section has 15 questions.
Section 5 · Orchestral ScoreBass clarinet, double bassoon, pitched percussion, horn techniques and terms in a full score.This section has 15 questions.
Timing
Exam mode runs a clock of 3 hours for the whole practice test.
The full practice test holds 75 questions.
Study mode has no clock. It checks each answer as you go.
Grade bands as a guide
The board's paper has 100 marks. ABRSM sets Pass at 66 (66%), Merit at 80 (80%) and Distinction at 90 (90%).
Your practice score is a guide to these bands only.
Source: ABRSM Music Theory Grades Qualification Specification, version 1.2 (April 2023), checked October 18, 2026.
Sample questions
Sample 1
A Baroque trio sonata has two treble parts and a basso continuo. Which players usually perform it?
Violins I and II with cello alone
Violins I and II with harpsichord alone
Violins I and II, cello and harpsichord
Violin, viola, cello and harpsichord
The answer is C, Violins I and II, cello and harpsichord.
The word trio refers to the three written parts. The continuo part usually takes two players. A cello or bassoon sustains the bass, and a harpsichord or organ adds chords from the figures.
Sample 2
In G major, which note is the ninth of chord V9?
The answer is E.
Chord V9 grows from D: D, F♯, A, C and E. The E sits a ninth above that root. When chord I follows, the E normally sinks to D.
Sample 3
The Grade 8 melody continues a given opening. What length does ABRSM's current specification require?
A twelve-bar minimum
An eight-bar minimum
A sixteen-bar minimum
A ten-bar minimum
The answer is A, A twelve-bar minimum.
The Grade 8 melody must run to at least twelve bars, four more than the Grade 7 minimum. The longer span calls for a plan of phrases and a high point.
Questions and answers
How long is the ABRSM Grade 8 Music Theory practice test?
Exam mode gives 3 hours for the whole practice test. It holds 75 questions. Study mode has no clock.
What sections does the ABRSM Grade 8 Music Theory practice test cover?
It follows the board's order: Trio Sonata, Keyboard Completion, Melody Writing, Score Reading and Orchestral Score.
Are the answers explained?
Yes. Each answer comes with an explanation of why it is correct.