Guidance for ABRSM Aural Tests GRADE 8

Syllabus part: Extracted from a computer document auralSyllabusComplete08.pdf

Notes part: Written by Mr. Tsang Lok-Bun
(updated on 24-May-2009)

A1

To sing or play from memory the lowest part of a short three-part phrase played twice by
the examiner. The key-chord and starting note will first be sounded and named, and the pulse
indicated. A second attempt will be allowed if necessary.
Please sing with confidence and maintain the same tempo as the original. If memory slip occurs,
then ignore it and continue to sing without interruption on pulse. Do not retry any note or phrase.
Always keep going with steady pulse. Please sing in tune, at least, in shape of the melodic line.
Notice also any audible change of dynamics, articulation and tempo.

A2

To identify the cadence at the end of a further (following) phrase, played twice by the
examiner, as perfect, imperfect, interrupted or plagal. The key-chord will first be sounded.

Perfect: V I (Stronger ending, you may hear Re-Do or Ti-Do.)

Imperfect: Any V, mostly I V II V IV V VI V
Interrupted: V VI (usually for changing key from major to its relative minor)
Plagal: IV - I (Weaker ending, usually 2 chords share the tonic, you may hear Do-Do.)

I = Do = Tonic
IV = Fa = Subdominant
VI = La = Submediant

II = Re = Supertonic
V = So = Dominant
VII = Ti = Leading Note

III = Me = Mediant

A3

To identify up to four chords in the above cadential progression, played twice by the
examiner, as tonic (root position, first or second inversions), supertonic (root position or first
inversion), subdominant (root position), dominant (root position, first or second inversions),
dominant seventh (root position), or submediant (root position). Candidates may alternatively
use the equivalent roman notation. The key-chord will first be sounded.
Only the following chords (shown in roman notation) will be asked in the examination:
Ia Ib Ic
IIa IIb
IVa
Va Vb Vc V7a
VIa
Bottom note -->

Do

Me

So

Re

Fa

Fa

So

Ti

Re

So

a for root position b for first inversion c for second inversions

The bottom note of a chord indicates one of these positions.

La

To sing a short melody from score, accompanied by a higher part played by the examiner,
in any major or minor key up to four sharps or flats. The key-chord and starting note will first
be sounded and the pulse indicated. Candidates may choose to sing the test from the treble
or bass clef. A second attempt will be allowed if necessary.
You will have 15 seconds to prepare. Please feel free to try out briefly.
Once the music starts, please sing with confidence. Do not retry any note or phrase. Keep going
with steady pulse and synchronizing the piano accompaniment. Please sing in tune, at least, in
shape of the melodic line. Notice also any markings of dynamics, articulation and tempo change.

To identify two modulations, each played once by the examiner, beginning in a major or
minor key. The passages may modulate to the dominant (including dominant minor if in a
minor key), subdominant, relative minor or major, or (from a major key only) to the supertonic
minor. Candidates will also be required to name the new keys. In each instance the key-chord
will first be sounded and the key named.
You just need to compare the given key chord (Tonic)(I) and the ending chord / harmony of an
excerpt.
For Major starts, it may modulate to:
Supertonic minor (II) Re
Subdominant (IV) Fa
Dominant (V) So
Relative minor (VI) La
For Minor starts, it may modulate to:
Relative major (III) Me
Subdominant (IV) Fa
Dominant (V) So
Subdominant or dominant will not be limited to either major or minor quality.

To discuss matters relating to any of the musical features of a piece played by the
examiner.
<Please refer to my Notes for ABRSM Aural Test (Final Part) Grades 6 ~ 8>