Music Theory Syllabus
Section 3 - Rhythm notation
Candidates should have a practical understanding of time signatures, as
well as note and rest values (including correct grouping).
Illustrations and explanations of all relevant aspects of rhythm notation
are shown in the grade handbooks - which also contain sample questions and
answers.
Preliminary Grade
- Whole notes (semibreves)
- Half notes (minims)
- Quarter notes (crotchets)
- Equivalent rests
- 4/4 time signature
Grade One
As for the previous grade plus:
- Eighth notes (quavers) and rests.
Grade Two
As for the previous grades plus:
- 16th notes (semiquavers) and rests.
- Dotted notes and rests.
- 3/4 time signature.
Grade Three
As for the previous grades plus:
- 2/4 and 6/8 time signatures.
Grade Four
As for the previous grades plus:
- Tied notes.
Grade Five
As for the previous grades plus:
- Triplets
- 9/8 and 12/8 time signatures.
Grade Six
As for the previous grades plus:
- Syncopated rhythms.
- 32nd notes (demisemiquavers) and rests.
- 64th notes (hemidemisemiquavers) and rests.
Grade Seven
As for previous grades, but of greater complexity, plus:
- 5/4 time signature.
Grade Eight
As for previous grades, but of greater complexity, plus:
- 2/2 3/2 6/4 7/4 3/8 and 7/8 time signatures.