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Are you preparing for the ABRSM Grade 6 Music Theory exam? This level marks a significant step up from Grade 5, with more than half of the exam now requiring you to write music by hand. If you haven’t spent much time practising handwritten notation, it’s essential to start early to ensure neat and accurate work. Below I will outline what you can do to succeed in Grade 6 music theory and offer some practical advice.
Key Topics Covered in ABRSM Grade 6 Music Theory
1. Harmony and Voice Leading
- Practice chord inversions, with a focus on 5/3, 6/3, and 6/4 chords.
- Develop strong voice leading skills to smoothly connect chords.
- Learn how to construct and recognise chords such as the dominant 7th, submediant, and leading note chords.
2. Figured Bass and Realisation
- Understand figured bass notation and practice adding figures to a given bassline.
- You’ll also need to realise figured bass into harmonies, which requires attention to voice spacing and avoiding common errors like parallel fifths and octaves.
3. Composition and Modulation
- Develop skills in writing melodies for specific instruments using a given opening phrase.
- Practice modulating to related keys such as the dominant, subdominant, or relative minor/major.
- Familiarise yourself with motifs, sequences, and imitation techniques to create cohesive compositions.
4. Ornaments and Melodic Decoration
- Gain confidence in recognising and writing out ornaments such as appoggiaturas, passing notes, and suspension.
- These melodic decorations are essential for understanding musical style and structure.
5. Style, Form, and Orchestration
- Study the characteristics of the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern eras.
- Familiarise yourself with orchestral instruments, including their ranges and transpositions, to tackle exam questions related to orchestration.
Tips for Success
1. Practice Handwritten Notation
More than half of the exam involves writing music by hand. Make sure your notation is clear and legible—messy work can lead to lost marks.
2. Develop Aural Skills
Work on hearing music in your head as you read it. This “inner hearing” will help when analysing harmony and writing music. A few minutes of ear training exercises daily can make a big difference.
3. Study Past Papers
Get familiar with the exam format by using past papers available from ABRSM’s website or other music shops. These will help you understand how questions are framed and identify common challenges.
4. Understand the Marking Scheme
Knowing how marks are distributed for different questions can help you allocate your time wisely during the exam. Pay special attention to questions on harmony, figured bass, and composition, as these carry more weight.
Final Thoughts
The Grade 6 Music Theory exam is both challenging and rewarding. It goes beyond hard memorisation, encouraging students to think critically, connect theory with practice, and explore music in depth. With regular practice, effective use of resources, and a clear understanding of the syllabus, you’ll be well-prepared for success.
Like your instrument practice, Grade 6 Music Theory is a subject that requires a regular practice and feedback. If you’re looking for personalised guidance to help you master the material, I offer lessons tailored to your individual needs, so feel free to just reach out at any time.
