The writing tasks are a melody, a harmonic sequence, chords for SATB and a chorale cadence. Each is practiced through questions with one answer. Each also appears once in full as a written task that comes with a model answer to check your work against.
The sections
Section 1 · GeneralOn the board's paper this section has ten questions worth ten marks.This section has 7 questions.
Section 2 · Scales, arpeggios and transpositionOn the board's paper this section is worth fifteen marks.This section has 11 questions.
Section 3 · Writing a melodyOn the board's paper this section is worth fifteen marks.This section has 11 questions.
Section 4 · Harmonic sequenceOn the board's paper this section is worth fifteen marks.This section has 10 questions.
Section 5 · Chords for SATB and open scoreOn the board's paper this section is worth ten marks.This section has 7 questions.
Section 6 · Labeling a chorale phraseOn the board's paper this section is worth fifteen marks.This section has 10 questions.
Section 7 · AnalysisOn the board's paper this section has ten questions worth twenty marks.This section has 14 questions.
Timing
Exam mode runs a clock of 3 hours for the whole practice test.
The full practice test holds 70 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. Trinity College London sets Pass at 60 (60%), Merit at 75 (75%) and Distinction at 87 (87%).
A practice score is a guide to these bands only.
Source: Trinity College London Theory of Music Syllabus, Grades 1–8, p. 4.
Sample questions
Sample 1
In E♭ major, which note is the submediant?
D
G
A♭
C
The answer is D, C.
Submediant means degree 6. The scale runs E♭, F, G, A♭, B♭, C, so the sixth note is C.
Sample 2
A melody uses the blues scale on D. Which note gives it the lowered 5th that the pentatonic minor on D lacks?
A♭
E
F♯
B♭
The answer is A, A♭.
D pentatonic minor holds D, F, G, A and C. Its blues form inserts A♭ between G and A as a flat fifth.
Sample 3
A root-position V7 resolves to root-position I in four parts. Which note of the V7 is most often left out?
The 7th
The root
The 5th
The 3rd
The answer is C, The 5th.
Leaving out the 5th lets the root be doubled, so each part can move smoothly to a complete tonic chord. The 3rd and 7th give the chord its pull.
Questions and answers
How long is the Trinity Grade 6 Music Theory practice test?
Exam mode gives 3 hours for the whole practice test. It holds 70 questions. Study mode has no clock.
What sections does the Trinity Grade 6 Music Theory practice test cover?
It follows the board's order in seven sections, from General to Analysis.
Are the answers explained?
Yes. Each answer comes with an explanation of why it is correct.