Theory of Music Exam

Practice Paper 1

Mark Scheme

Grade 1

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1 (a) (i)

1 mark for the correct time signature (accept 2/2 or the common-time symbol “C”)

1 marks for each correct bar line (excluding the first and last bar lines, which were given).

(ii) 2 marks for each:

‘Forte’ means ‘loud’

‘Allegro’ means ‘quickly/fast’

‘tr’ is a trill, rapid iterations between the current note and the one above.

‘legato’ means ‘smoothly’

(iii) 1 mark for circling: C major. /12

(b) 1 mark for each:

True

Untrue

True

/3

Qu 1: / 15

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2 Award a mark out of 5 for the 2 bar rhythm based on the following criteria:

0-2 marks: A rhythm that does not relate to the given material and is the wrong length (or is a

direct copy of the given material). The written rhythm may be notated incorrectly (with

incorrect beams) or not feel complete (ending on a short note value such as a semiquaver).

3-4 marks: A rhythm that bears some resemblance the given material and is the correct

length. It should feel mostly complete and be notated correctly.

5 marks: A rhythm that relates to the given material and is the correct length. It feels complete

and is notated correctly.

Possibility:

Qu 2: /5

3 Award 5 marks for each correct scale. Take away 2 marks for each incorrect or missing

accidental (no negative marks).

/5

/5

/5

Qu 3: /15

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4(a) 3 marks for each:

‘Pizz’ (Pizzicato) means ‘plucked’.

(Cut Common Time) indicates a time signature of 2/2. /6

(b) 2 marks for each the correct rest:

(bar 2)

(bar 4)

/4

(c) 1 mark for each correct semitone indicated.

-1 for incorrect semitones (no negative mark)

/3

(d) 2 marks for the correct tonic triad (accept octave lower/higher).

/2

Qu 4: /20

Suggested Pass Mark:33 (66%)

Merit Mark: 40 (80%)

Distinction Mark: 45 (90%)

Total marks: /50