The Music Stem / Music theory practice tests / RIAM Grade II Music Theory
Exam practice
RIAM Grade II music theory practice test
Timed practice for RIAM Grade II Music Theory, set out in the board's own sections. Every answer comes with an explanation.
About the exam
Theory and Harmony Grade II is a written theory exam from the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM).
This practice test covers Grade II: note values, grouping, the stave, accidentals, scales and keys and a short piece to read.
Listening on this test
Fifty questions with one answer each, as in the onscreen exam.
The sections
- Section 1 · Note and rest valuesThis section has 9 questions.
- Section 2 · GroupingThis section has 7 questions.
- Section 3 · StaveThis section has 8 questions.
- Section 4 · Sharps, flats and naturalsThis section has 2 questions.
- Section 5 · Scales and keysThis section has 12 questions.
- Section 6 · ObservationThis section has 9 questions.
Timing
Exam mode runs a clock of 1 hour 30 minutes for the whole practice test.
The full practice test holds 47 questions.
Study mode has no clock. It checks each answer as you go.
Sample questions
Sample 1
Which single note lasts as long as a dotted quaver tied to a dotted quaver?
- dotted minim
- dotted crotchet
- minim
- crotchet
The answer is B, dotted crotchet.
A dotted crotchet is worth six semiquavers, and so is the combined value of the notes given.
Sample 2
What does the sign C mean when it is used as a time signature?
- Each bar has four crotchet beats
- Each bar begins on the note C
- Each bar has two crotchet beats
- Each bar has three crotchet beats
The answer is A, Each bar has four crotchet beats.
The C sign stands for common time, which is 4/4. It tells the player nothing about the key or about any particular note.
Sample 3
Where is a key signature written?
- At the start of every stave
- Beside each note it changes
- At the start of the first stave only
- After the time signature
The answer is A, At the start of every stave.
A key signature follows the clef at the start of each stave, before the time signature. Signs beside single notes are accidentals, a different thing.
Questions and answers
How long is the RIAM Grade II Music Theory practice test?
Exam mode gives 1 hour 30 minutes for the whole practice test. It holds 47 questions. Study mode has no clock.
What sections does the RIAM Grade II Music Theory practice test cover?
It follows the board's order in six sections, from Note and rest values to Observation.
Are the answers explained?
Yes. Each answer comes with an explanation of why it is correct.
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