Congratulations to all of our grade 8 music theory students who scored distinction for their grade 8 music theory exams. Below are 5 tips on how did our students score distinction for their exam.
For trio sonata question 1, we teach our students to work out the modulation and realize the chords from figured bass, we pay attention to rules of doubling for each chord. Next we observe the musical style in first two bars followed by constructing the coherent melodic idea and style throughout the entire piece, taking care of cadences is another important part because examiner would observe the effclectiveness of 3 part notes resolution.
For completing the piano works in question 2, we would advice the students to work out modulations followed by labelling the chords and resolving cadences according to the given phrase structures. Secondly we fill in the missing melody with coherent melodic ideas from the given opening bars, with added melodic decorations and following the same rhythimic pattern in left hand’s accompaniment consistently, higher marks will be rewarded as the music looks more complete with coherent style right from the beginning.
For melody writing in question 3, we have a template that proven to be effectively used in past year exams to score almost full marks for many years. The melody writing template is in ABA ternary from, the opening section A showcase the main theme to be developed by using ‘imitation’ technique that is used by many classical composers in the past. It ends with cadential 6/4 cadence. And in section B we develop a new melodic idea in dominant key, the new melodic idea is developed with 2 group of sequences until it reaches the climax in section B and conclude with an imperfect cadence. When the section A returns at the end of this ternary form, the opening main theme will be restated again and the key will resume back to tonic key, by leading this melody to perfect cadence, the entire music’s tonality will end with satisfaction and fulfilment. And our students are taught how to smoothen the melodic directions with decorative elements such as passing notes and auxiliary notes.
In question 4, we offer comprehensive methods in our special made guide book to work out the analytical elements such as comparing two phrases and name the similarities and differences, naming of chord symbols, building up the chromatic chords, finding chromatic unison, written out ornaments, unusual chords and etc.
In question 5, our theory guide book provides very comprehensive yet easy to understand methods to work out the transposition of orchestra instruments and intervals between the notes on different staves.
Following the methods closely from our in house music theory guide book can guarantee a distinction for your Grade 8 music theory exam, just like what you see in this blog post. This book cannot be found anywhere else in the book shops. Contact teacher Jenny via WhatsApp 9825 6286 to find out more about the lessons timing.
