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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.

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