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Exam practice
RIAM Grade V music theory practice test
Timed practice for RIAM Grade V Music Theory, set out in the board's own sections. Every answer comes with an explanation.
About the exam
Theory and Harmony Grade V is a written theory exam from the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM).
This practice test covers Grade V: note values, time signatures, clefs, keys, intervals and transposition, instruments 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 6 questions.
- Section 2 · Time signaturesThis section has 6 questions.
- Section 3 · ClefsThis section has 6 questions.
- Section 4 · KeysThis section has 10 questions.
- Section 5 · Intervals and transpositionThis section has 10 questions.
- Section 6 · Instruments of the orchestraThis section has 6 questions.
- Section 7 · ObservationThis section has 3 questions.
Timing
Exam mode runs a clock of 2 hours 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 quaver tied to a quaver?
- dotted crotchet
- dotted quaver
- crotchet
- minim
The answer is C, crotchet.
The tied notes last as long as two quavers. A crotchet lasts exactly that long.
Sample 2
In 12/8, which quavers go under one beam?
- Each group of three
- Each group of four
- Each pair
- All twelve together
The answer is A, Each group of three.
In 12/8 there are four beats, and each beat equals a dotted crotchet. Grouping the quavers in threes shows every beat.
Sample 3
Which orchestral instrument belongs to the woodwind family, though it is usually made of metal?
- Flute
- Trumpet
- Tuba
- Trombone
The answer is A, Flute.
The family depends on how the sound is made. The flute player blows across an open hole. That is a woodwind method whatever the material.
Questions and answers
How long is the RIAM Grade V Music Theory practice test?
Exam mode gives 2 hours for the whole practice test. It holds 47 questions. Study mode has no clock.
What sections does the RIAM Grade V Music Theory practice test cover?
It follows the board's order in seven 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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