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Exam practice
RCM Level 7 music theory practice test
Timed practice for RCM Level 7 Music Theory, set out in the board's own sections. Every answer comes with an explanation.
About the exam
Theory Level 7 is a written theory exam from The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM).
This practice test covers Level 7: transposition, tuplets, modes and octatonic scales, sevenths and inversions, history and terms.
The sections
- Section 1 · Pitch and notationTransposing instruments and transposition.This section has 10 questions.
- Section 2 · Rhythm and meterDotted values, compound meter and tuplets.This section has 7 questions.
- Section 3 · Scales and key signaturesMinor, whole-tone, octatonic, pentatonic and blues scales.This section has 10 questions.
- Section 4 · IntervalsIdentifying and inverting intervals.This section has 9 questions.
- Section 5 · Chords and harmonyTriads, sevenths, inversions and cadences.This section has 14 questions.
- Section 6 · Melody writing, form and analysisNon-chord tones, cadences and periods.This section has 8 questions.
- Section 7 · Music historyComposers and works.This section has 8 questions.
- Section 8 · Terms and signsItalian terms and signs.This section has 5 questions.
- Section 9 · AnalysisHarmony and motion in short passages.This section has 4 questions.
Timing
Exam mode runs a clock of 1 hour 15 minutes for the whole practice test.
The full practice test holds 75 questions.
Study mode has no clock. It checks each answer as you go.
Sample questions
Sample 1
Which collection is the C whole-tone scale?
- C D-flat E-flat F G-flat A-flat
- C D E-flat F G A-flat
- C D E F-sharp G-sharp A-sharp
- C D E F G A B
The answer is C, C D E F-sharp G-sharp A-sharp.
A whole-tone scale progresses by whole steps: C–D–E–F-sharp–G-sharp–A-sharp.
Sample 2
Which pitches spell a root-position leading-tone fully diminished seventh chord in A minor?
- G-sharp B D F
- G-sharp B D F-sharp
- G-sharp C D F
- G B D F
The answer is A, G-sharp B D F.
Harmonic A minor supplies G-sharp, B, D, and F for vii°7.
Sample 3
An unaccented tone approached and left by step in the same direction between chord tones is a:
- Pedal tone
- Passing tone
- Neighbor tone
- Suspension
The answer is B, Passing tone.
A passing tone fills the space between chord tones by stepwise motion in one direction.
Questions and answers
How long is the RCM Level 7 Music Theory practice test?
Exam mode gives 1 hour 15 minutes for the whole practice test. It holds 75 questions. Study mode has no clock.
What sections does the RCM Level 7 Music Theory practice test cover?
It follows the board's order in nine sections, from Pitch and notation to Analysis.
Are the answers explained?
Yes. Each answer comes with an explanation of why it is correct.
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