rockschool” MUSIC THEORY WorkbookDebut ‘Popular Music Theory Acknowledgements Published by Rockschool L1d. © 2015 Catalogue Number RSKO11503 ISBN: 978-1-908920-69-0 Publishing Written, compiled and edited by Simon Troup, Jennie Troup and Stuart Slater. Internal design and layout by Simon and Jennie ‘Troup, Digital Music Art Cover designed by Philip Millard, Philip Millard Design. Additional proofing by Chris Bird, Owen Bailey, Nik Preston, Mike Stylianou, Joanna Taman and Mary Keene. Syllabus Consultants Rachael Meech, Mike Stylianou, Joanna Taman and Anna Cook. Contributors Prof. Joe Bennett, Simon Niblock, Jonathan Preiss, Stefan Redtenbacher, Philip Henderson and Martin Hibbert Images & Illustrations pp. 24 & 48 | © iStock. com/craftvision p. 25 | © iStock.com/yngvars p.25| © iStock com/trekandshoot p.25 | @ iStock.com/S8shadows p.27 & 50 | © gemarc / Shutterstock.com Dp. 27 & 50 | © mitay20 / Shutterstock.com p-49 | © GrashAlex / Shutterstock.com Printing Printed and bound in the United Kingdom by Caligeaving Ltd Distribution Exclusive Distributors: Music Sales Ltd. Contacting Rockschool www.rockschool.co.uk ‘Telephone; +44 (0)845 460 4747 Email: info@rockschool.co.uk-_—DUmrmrt—~—~™r—C.C..__C_CsCOCizCiCND Table of Contents Introductions & Information Page 2 Acknowledgements 3 Table of Contents 4 Welcome to Rockschool Popular Music Theory ~ Debut 5. Prelims ‘Theory Exam Sections | Page 9 Section 1 ~ Music Notation 17. Section 2 Popular Music Harmony 23 Section 3 - Band Knowledge 33. Section 4~ Band Analysis Sample Paper Page 41 Rockschool Debut Theory Exam ~ Sample Paper Additional Information Page 59 Syllabus Content Overview & Popular Music Theory - DebutSS Popular Music Theory ~ Debut Welcome to Rockschool Popular Music Theory - Debut Rockschool publish two sets of books to help candidates prepare for theory examinations ~ the Rockschool Popular Music ‘Theory Guidebooks and Rockschool Popular Music Theory Workbooks. The guidebooks are a teaching resource for candidates to work through the material required for the Rockschool theory syllabus with the support oftheir teacher. ‘To complement the guidebooks, a set of workbooks provide a series of exercises and sample papers in which to practise the skills introduced in the guidebooks. Entering Rockschool Examinations Its now easier than ever to enter a Rockschool examination, Simply go to wirwrockschool.cauk/enteronline to book your «exam online today Syllabus Content Overview An overview of the syllabus content covered at this grade can be found at the back of this book. As this is a cumulative syllabus, you can download overviews forall grades from the Rockschool website at wwn:rockschool.co.uk/theory along with other theory syllabus related resources. Exam Format TThe exam has four sections. These are + Music Notation (20%) In this section, all questions relate to music notation, += Popular Music Harmony (25%) In this section, all questions relate to music harmony. += Band Knowledge (25%) This section isin two parts, with each part covering a range of instruments ~ Part: Identification ~ Part 2: Notation and Techniques + Band Analysis (30%) In this section, the questions will include the identification of music notation, harmony and the stylistic characteristics of drums, guitar, bass, keys and vocals in a multi-instrumental context.PRELIMS Overview ‘This section of the book introduces you to the sometimes tricky business of writing music notation, Some symbols, such as the treble clef, take a litle perseverance to master, Work through each exercise, continuing on music manuscript paper if you run out of space in the book, until you can draw the symbols from memory. You should strive to write music as neatly as you possibly can, not justin this section, but throughout the entire book. This will eventually make it easier not only for the examiner, but also for anyone who reads your music - whether its your band trying out a song you've written, or if youte trying to recall ideas and riffs from your own notebooks. W._Popular Music Theory - Debut© Popular Music Theory - Debut Prelims | Essential Skills Drawing musical symbols | Treble clef 1. Draw a treble clef on each empty stave. Experiment with starting from the tight inner circle and also starting from the tail to see which you prefer ~ with practic, you'll be able to draw a perfect clef whichever way you choos 2. ‘This is the same exercise as the one above, but ita little more challenging as the stave is smaller: 3. This time the stave is even smaller again, so this will require a realy steady hand and precise curves! Drawing musical symbols | Bass clef 1, Draw a bass clef on each empty stave. Start with the dot in the centre of the curve then draw around and down as shown, by the arrow. Complete the clef by adding the two dots ~ these need to be more than just a pencil dot to be clearly visible: om 2. This is the same exercise as the one above, but ita little more challenging as the stave is smaller: 3. This time the stave is even smaller again, so this will require a really steady hand and a precise curve! 2 == =|Essential Skills | Prelims Drawing musical symbols | Notes 1. Copy the whole notes on the left into the empty staves on the right: Note: the gap you create when drawing a ledger line should be the same size as the gap between the stave lines. e e 3. Copy the quarter eid 4, Copy the eighth notes on the left into the empty staves on the right: kh Git o 5. Copy the beamed eighth notes on the left into the empty staves on the right: 6. Copy the beamed eighth notes and quarter notes on the left into the empty staves on the right: é — “1. Popular Music Theory ~ Debut2° Popular Music Theory ~ Debut Prelims | Essential Skills Drawing musical symbols | Writing accidentals 1, Copy the note and accidental from the staves on the left into the empty staves on the right: bt e [Drie 2. Copy the note and accidental from the staves on the left into the empty staves on the right: ye pa Drawing musical symbols | Barlines and repeat marks 1. Copy the musical passages in the staves on the left into the empty staves on the right. Identify the type of barline that | cach example ends with (single or double) by writing its name below: | 6 2. Copy the musical passage inthe stave on the left into the empty stave on the right: $ PEE Drawing musical symbols | Writing time signatures 1. Puta circle around the time signature ofthe bar on the left, then copy the whole phrase into the stave on the right G major C major ,_=—= 2. Puta circle around the time signature ofthe bar on the lef, then copy the whole phrase into the stave on the right: [PASECTION 1 | Music NoraTION SUMMARY SECTION (Current section highlighted) MARKS > Music Notation 20 [20%] Popular Music Harmony 25 [25%] Band Knowledge 25 [25%] Band Analysis 30 [30%] The Music Notation section of Rockschool Theory Examinations covers the following: #11 Pitch #12. Note length/thythm #13 Dynamics, articulations and phrasing You will be presented with a variety of exercises to hone your understanding and skills in these areas within the content specified for this grade. Content Overview An overview of the syllabus content covered at this grade can be found at the back of this book. As this is a cumulative syllabus, you can download overviews forall grades from the Rockschool website at www.rockschool co.uk. © Popular Music’Theory - DebutS_ Popular Music Theory - Debut Section 1 | Music Notation ‘Note lengths | Adding barlines 1. Add barlines tothe following stave, ensuring that there are the correct number of beats in each bat 3. Add barlines to the following stave, ensuring that there are the correct number of beats in each bar: = 2 2 ? @ ——- fe = | Note lengths | Adding time signatures 1. Ad the correct time signature tothe start of the following stave:Music Notation | Section 1 Note lengths | Add the missing notes 1, Add a note of the correct length above each question mark so that each bar matches the time signature: p+ 2 2 2. Add a note of the correct length above each question mark so that each bar matches the time signature: EPL py syd ny 4 J iL 3. Add a note ofthe correct length above each question mark so that each bar matches the time signatace: Jf12 dJ yt 2 Ah Note lengths | Beaming notes 1. Rewrite the music in bars 1 & 2 into bars 3 & 4, connecting the notes with beams where appropriate: Popular Music Theory ~ DebutPopular Music Theory ~ Debut 8 Section 1 | Music Notation Note lengths | Adding together note values 1. Add together the value of the notes on the left, then write a single note of the same total value on the right: 6 Pe 2, Add together the value of the notes on the left, then write a single note ofthe same total value on the right: 3. Add together the value of the notes on the left, then write single note of the same total value on the right: ID: Ly Note lengths | Equivalent notes and rests 1. For every note there isa rest of the same length. Complete the following pairs by drawing the equivalent note or rest in the empty bars on the right: — 2. For every note there isa rest ofthe same length. Complete the following pairs by drawing the equivalent note or rest in the empty bars on the right: oe rest ofthe same length, Complete the following pairs by drawing the equivalent note or rest in 3. For every note there i 6a} pS] 2Music Notation | Section 1 Note names | Note naming 1. Write the correct note name below each of the notes: be 6—| pes oe 2. Write the correct note name below each of the notes: 3. Write the correct note name below each of the notes: Note names | Identifying accidentals 1. Drawa circle around the highest pitch in each bar: 2, Drawa circle around the lowest pitch in each bar: [9 ode 3. Draw a circle around the highest pitch in each bar: Popular Music Theory ~ Debut 3Berlrrrrr———r mh rh lL © St r$Frr—c“c“i®m™m—mhmc rmcrmhc re Section 1 | Music Notation Note names | Add the correct clef 1. Add the correct clef to the beginning of the stave below so that the scale name and the notes beneath make sense: C major 2, Add the correct clef to the beginning of the stave below so that the scale name and the notes beneath make sense: major . : SSS 43. Add the correct cle to the beginning of the stave below so that the scale name and the notes beneath make sense: major 7 —e 2 a Note names | Identifying chords 1 in the example below contains three consecutive notes that form a G major chord. Put a circle around 2, One of the bats in the example below contains three consecutive notes that form a C major chord. Put a circle around these three notes: 3. One of the bars in the example below contains three consecutive notes that form a G major chord. Put a circle around these three notes: SE _ Popular Music Theory ~ DebutMusic Notation | Section 1 Intervals | Identifying melodic intervals 1 Write the interval name in its basic form (eg, 5th) below each stave 2. Write the interval name in its basic form (e.g. th) below each stave: 4. = o 3. Write the interval name in its basic form (eg, Sth) below each stave: (3 oss gS o = Intervals | Writing harmonic intervals 1, Add a note above each of the following to create the interval written below each stave: o | 6 oe oe 4th 6th octave 2. Add a note above each of the following to create the interval written below each stave: é = ret et = 2nd 7th 4th 3. Add a note above each of the following to create the interval written below each stave: SS _ Popular Music Theory - Debut aPopular Music Theory ~ Debut a Section 1 | Music Notation ‘Tempo | Understanding tempo markings ‘The following two questions relate fo the musical example below: 4-110 SS 1. Which rhythmic value is referenced in the tempo marking? (Tick one box) Whole note Half note Quarter note 2. Explain the tempo marking in a brief sentence: Your answer: ‘The following two questions relate o the musical example below: 110 BPM = 1. What does BPM stand for? Your answer: 2. How do we know which rhythmic value (e.g, quarter notes, eighth notes) is being referred to in a tempo marking? (Tick one box) ‘The first note ofthe bar is always used as the rhythmic value, Itis based on the lower number in the time signature, ‘You can choose your own rhythmic value.SECTION 2 | PopULAR Music HARMONY SUMMARY SECTION (Current section highlighted) MARKS. Music Notation 20 [20%] > Popular Music Harmony 25 [25%] Band Knowledge 25 [25%] Band Analysis 30 [30%] ‘The Popular Music Harmony section of Rockschool Theory Examinations covers the following: 2.1 Scales and related intervals "2.2 Simple triadic chords You will be presented with a variety of exercises to hone your understanding and skills in these areas within the content specified for this grade. Content Overview ‘An overview of the syllabus content covered at this grade can be found at the back of this book. As this is a cumulative syllabus, you can download overviews for all grades from the Rockschool website at wwvw.rockschool.co.uk. Popular Music Theory ~ Debut o= Popular Music Theory ~ Debut Section 2 | Popular Music Harmony Scales | Identifying scale intervals 1. Write “T’in boxes between notes that are Tone apart, and write ‘Sin boxes between notes that are a Sernitone apart oo Se OS 2. Write T’ in boxes between notes that area Tone apart, and writes” in boxes between notes that are a Semitone apart: 2 os eo 3. Write ‘T” in boxes between notes that are a Tone apart, and write 'S? in boxes between notes that are a Semitone apart: Scales | Writing scales with accidentals 1, Using whole notes, write a one-octave ascending scale of G major. Do not use a key signature; instead, add accidentals if they are needed: 2. Using whole notes, write a one-octave descending scale of G major. Do not use a key signature; instead, add accidentals if they are needed: 3. Using whole notes, write a one-octave ascending scale of C major. Do not use a key signature; instead, add accidentals if they are needed:, Popular Music Harmony | Section 2 Scales | Writing scales with key signatures 1. Using the key signature shown below, write a one-octave ascending major scale using whole notes: ¢—— eo 2. Using the key signature shown below, write a one-octave descending major scale using whole notes » 3. Using the key signature shown below, write a one-octave descending major scale using whole notes: [See 4, Using whole notes, write a one-octave descending scale of G major. Add a key signature ifneeded: 5, Using whole notes, write a one-octave ascending scale of € major. Add a key signature if needed 6. Using whole notes, write a one-octave ascending scale of G major. Add a key signature if needed J. Popular Music Theory ~ DebutPopular Music Theory ~ Debut 2 8 Section 2 | Popular Music Harmony Scales | Applying scale knowledge 1, Put circles around any notes that are not in the G major scale: G A B CG DEE F G 2. Put circles around any notes that are not in the C major scale: C0 kW Ga nc 3. Write out the letter names (with their accidentals if appropriate) of the C major scale: Your answer: 4, One or more accidentals are missing from this G major scale. Underline any incorrect notes and add their acidentals: G A B C DE F G 5, Circle the note that needs tobe changed to make the following sequence of notes a C major scale: GA BC DE F G 7. Write out the leter names (with their accidentals if appropriate) of the G major scale: Your answer:EE Popular Music Harmony | Section 2 Arpeggios | Identifying arpeggios 1. Thisis an ascending G major arpeggio. Add the correct clef and, if appropriate, a key signature: 3. Using whole notes, complete the stave below by adding the notes of a one-octave descending G major arpeggio: 4, Using whole notes, complete the stave below by adding the notes of a one-octave ascending C major arpeggio: oe 5. Using whole notes, complete the stave below by adding the notes of a one-octave descending G major arpeggtor Popular Music Theory - Debut x8Popular Music Theory ~ Debut 8 Section 2 | Popular Music Harmony Chords | Basic chord knowledge 1. How many notes are needed to create a basic major chord? (Tick one box) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 2. Circle the notes ofthe C major chord: 3. Write out the letter names of the notes in a G major chord: Your answer: 4, Circle the major chord that shares its name with the key indicated by the key signature and clef. Finally, add the chord ‘name on the line below the stave: 5, Add the notes of a G major chord to the left stave, and the notes of a C major chord to the right stave. Pay careful attention to the clefin each case. Finally, below each stave, write down the names ofthe notes used in each chord: ——————= —SECTION 3 | BAND KNOWLEDGE SUMMARY SECTION (Current section highlighted) MARKS. ‘Music Notation 20 [20%] Popular Music Harmony 25 [25%] > Band Knowledge 25 [25%] Band Analysis 30 [30%] ‘The Band Knowledge section of Rockschool Theory Examinations covers the following: "3.1 Identify instrument parts and function +32 Identify instrument-specific notation You will be presented with a variety of exercises to hone your understanding and skills in these areas within the content specified for this grade. Content Overview ‘An overview of the syllabus content covered at this grade can be found at the back of this book. As this is a cumulative syllabus, you can download overviews for all grades from the Rockschool website at www. rockschoolco.uk. Popular Music Theory ~ Debut 8Popular Music Theory ~ Debut 2 Section 3 | Band Knowledge Part 1 | Identification | Drums The following three questions refer to the labelled image of a drum Kit on the right: 1. Which letter corresponds to the hi-hat? Your answer: 2. Which letter corresponds tothe snare drum? Your answer: 3. Which letter corresponds to the bass drum? Your answer: ‘The following four statements below form the options forthe three questions that follow A) Itis the largest drum ina standard drum kit B) It consists of two cymbals mounted on a stand, controlled by a foot pedal. ©) Ina standard kit it is always positioned between the drummer's knees. D) This is a large floor-mounted drum positioned to the drummer’ side, 4, Which of the statements above best describes the snare drum? (Tick one box) A B c D 5. Which of the statements above best describes the bass drum? (Tick one box) A B c D | 6. Which of the statements above best describes the hi-hat? (Tick one box) A B c D ‘True or false: 7. ‘The bass drum produces the lowest sound of any drum in the drum kit: True False 8, ‘The snare drum and bass drum are joined together: ‘True False 9, ‘The hi-hat has a pedal atthe bottom of the stand on which it is mounted: ‘True FalseBand Knowledge | Section 3 Part 1 | Identification | Guitar and bass 1, How many strings does a standard electric or acoustic guitar have? (Tick one box) 3strings ([] 4 strings 5 strings 6strings [CT] 7 strings 2. How many strings does a standard bass guitar have? (Tick one box) 3strings [[] 4 strings Sstrings [J 6strings ([] 7 strings 3. Is the instrument in the image on the right a guitar cor bass guitar? (Tick one box) Guitar Bass guitar 12 strings 12 strings 4. Is the instrument in the image on the right a guitar ‘or bass guitar? (Tick one box) Guitar Bass guitar 5, Is the instrument in the image on the right a guitar or bass guitar? (Tick one box) Guitar Bass guitar Popular Music Theory ~ Debut x aPopular Music Theory - Debut y R Section 3 | Band Knowledge Part 1 | Identification | Keys 1. Which are there more of on a piano keyboard? (Tick one bax) White keys: Black keys 2. One set of keys is raised higher than the others. Which keys are raised? (Tick one box) White keys. Black keys 3. In the diagram on the right, isthe key marked with an ‘X’ a white key or a black key on a piano keyboard? (Tick cone box) White key Black key True or false: 4. Cisa white key on a piano keyboard: ‘True False 5. Fis white key on a piano keyboard: True False 6, Bbis a black Key on a piano keyboard: True False 7. Which ofthe following notes are white keys on a piano keyboard? (Tick one or more boxes) A B c+ Op 8. Which ofthe following notes are black key D E # O6 Ft sno keyboard? (Tick one or more boxes) BBand Knowledge | Section 3 Part 1 | Identification | Vocals ‘The following two questions refer to the illustration oon the right: 1, Which letter points to the mouth? (Tick one bax) A B c D 2. Which letter points to the lungs? (Tick one box) A B c D ‘True or false: 3. Singing needs control of airflow through the lungs: True False 4, By changing the shape of the mouth, singers can change the sound they produce: ‘True False 5. ‘The main function ofthe lungs isto allow helium to enter the body: ‘True False 6. Which term is used to describe air being drawn into the lungs? (Tick one box) Inhalation Exhalation 7. Which term is used to describe air being forced out of the lungs? (Tick one box) Inhalation Exhalation, Popular Music Theory - Debut 8 8BB opular Music Theory ~ Debut Section 3 | Band Knowledge Part 2 | Notation & Techniques | Drums ‘The following five questions relate fo the one-bar extract of drum notation on the right: 1, Which part ofthe drum kitis notated with an ‘x’ shaped notehead? (Tick one box) Hichat Bass drum Snare drum. 2. On which beat does the snare drum play? (Tick one box) j i j Beat! [[] Beat2 [J] Beat3 [J Bears = 3. On which beat isthe first bass drum played? (Tick one box) Beat 1 ([] Beat2 [J] Beat Beat 4 4, Inwhich direction do the hi-hat stems go? (Tick one bax) Up Down (CJ Both up and down 5. How many times is the hi-hat played? (Tick one box) 1 2 3 4 “The following three statements relate to the one-bar extract of drum notation om the right: ‘True or false: 6, ‘The hi-hat does not play on beat 3: ‘True False 7. ‘The bass drum does not play on beat 3; ‘True False 8. The snare drum plays on beats 2 and 4: ‘True FalseBand Knowledge | Section 3 Part 2 | Notation & Techniques | Guitar and bass 1. Identify the correct statement below: (Tick one box) AA) In guitar notation, the notes are written atthe pitch they sound, B) Guitar notation is written one octave higher than it sounds. C) Notes played on a guitar sound one octave higher than they are written. A B c ‘The following two questions relate to the one-bar extract of guitar notation on the right: 2. In the first half of the bar (labelled ‘A’, is the guitar playinga melody or is it playing chords? (Tick one box) Melody Chords 3. In the second half of the bar (labelled ‘B), is the guitar playing a melody or is it playing chords? (Tick one box) Melody Chords The following question relates to the one-bar extract of bbass-guitar notation on the right: 4. Which of the following statements most accurately describes the musical extract? (Tick one bos) A) The bass guitar is strumming chords. B) The bass guitar stats playing a melody on beat 2. C) The bass guitar is playing single notes throughout. A B c 48 Popular Music Theory - DebutSection 3 | Band Knowledge Part 2 | Notation & Techniques | Keyboards The following four questions relate to the one-bar extract of piano/keyboard notation on the right 1, Which hand plays the notes on the upper stave labelled ‘A? (Tick one box) Left Right, [Both 2. Which hand plays the notes on the lower stave labelled ‘B'? (Tick one box) Left Right [J Both 3. Which hand is playing the melody? (Tick one box) Left Right [[] Both 4, Which hand is playing the accompaniment? (Tick one bo) Left Right Both The following four statements relate to the two-bar extract of iano/keyboard notation on the right True or false: 5. The right hand plays single notes throughout: ‘True False 6. The left hand pl lays single notes throughout: ‘True False 7. The left hand plays chords: Cline Ly rate 8. The right hand plays the melody: ‘True FalseBand Knowledge | Section 3 Part 2 | Notation & Techniques | Vocals ‘The following two questions relate to the two-bar extract of ‘vocal notation on the right: 4, Isthis music written for a female or male voice? (Tick one box) Female Male 2. For how many beats should the final note sound? (Tick one box) 1 2 3 4 Light up the stage for me, ‘The following three statements relate to the two-bar extract of ‘vocal notation on the right: True or false: 3, ‘The clef used is a treble clef: True False 4, ‘The first note is a half note and held for two beats: True False 5, The last note is shorter than the first note: ‘True False Sky filled dreams and foot steps lowest (1) to highest (4) by writing the appropriate number in each box: Alto. Tenor Soprano Bass Allto, tenor, soprano and bass are the four main vocal groups. Put these vocal groups order of pitch range from Popular Music Theory ~ Debut 2Popular Music Theory - Debut 8 Section 3 | Band Knowledge ‘True or false: 7. Sopranos and tenors are usually female singers: True False 8, Bass and tenors are usually male singers: ‘True False 9. Sopranos and altos are usually female singers: True Falseoe SECTION 4 | BAND ANALYSIS SUMMARY SECTION (Current section highlighted) MARKS Music Notation 20 [20%] Popular Music Harmony 25 [25% Band Knowledge 25 [25%] > Band Analysis 30 [30%] ‘The Band Analysis section of Rockschool Theory Examinations covers the following: 4,1 Identify general music features #42 Accurately complete a score You will be presented with a variety of exercises to hone your understanding and skills in these ateas within the content specified for this grade Content Overview ‘An overview of the syllabus content covered at this grade can be found at the back of this book. As this is a cumulative syllabus, you can download overviews for all grades from the Rockschool website at www.rockschool.co.uk; Popular Music Theory - Debut 2 8SB Popular Music Theory - Debut Section 4 | Band Analysis Band Analysis | Example 1 The following 15 questions relate to the four-bar score below. Note that the final bar has blank areas to be filled in as part of the tasks below: 42100 Vocals that we shared, Piano 1 Whats the tempo ofthis piece? Your answer: 2. What time signature is used inthis piece? Your answer: 3. What type of clefis being used for the left hand of the piano part? Your answer: 4, What key is this piece in? Your answer: 5. What the pitch of the highest-sounding note inthe vocal part? Your answer:Band Analysis | Section 4 6. What is the pitch ofthe lowest-sounding note played Your answer: by the left hand in the piano part? 7. Inbar 4 of the vocal part, how many beats does the rest last for® (Tick one box) i 2 3 4 8, What isthe shortest note length played by the left hand of the piano part? Your answer: 9, Name the three notes that make up the chord in the 1 Your answer: 10. In bar 2 of the score, which part includes a note that ht hand of the piano part in bar 1, and name the chord: isnot found in a G major chord? (Tick one bax) Vocals Piano (right hand) Piano (left hand) 11, Inbar 3 ofthe score, name the note in the vocal part that isnot found in a C major chord: (Tick one box) c D E F G A B 12, In which bar of the score do two parts perform the: same thythm for the fll four beats? (Tick one box) Bart Bar 2 Bar3 Bar4 13, Which melodic interval is created between the first tovo notes of bar 1 in the left hand of the piano part? (Tick one box) 2nd 3rd 4th sth 14, Which melodic interval is created between the two ‘notes in bar 4 in the left hand of the piano part? (Tick one bor) 2nd 3rd 4th sth 15, Add G major chords and a rest to the final bar ofthe right hand of the piano part in the following rhythm: quarter note + quarter note + half-note rest &% Popular Music Theory ~ DebutPopular Music Theory ~ Debut & Section 4 | Band Analysis Band Analysis | Example 2 ‘The following 15 questions relate to the four-bar score below. Note that the final bar has blank areas tobe filled in as part of the tasks below: 4-96 om (GU pi racme EIS 1, What isthe tempo of this piece? Your answer: 2. What time signature is used in this piece? Your answer: 3. What key is this piece in? Your answer: 4, What type of clefis being used for the guitar part? Your answer: 5, Inbar | of the gui part, how many beats does the rest last for? (Tick one box) 1 2 3 4 6. What is the pitch ofthe highest-sounding note in the bass-guitar part? Your answer:Band Analysis | Section 4 7. What is the pitch of the lowest-sounding note in bar 3 of the bass-guitar part? Your answer: '8, Which is the longest note length in the bass-guitar part? (Tick one box) Wholenote [7] Half note Quarter note [] kighth note 9. Name the chord in the guitar part in bar 2: Your answer: 10. Name the three notes that make up the chord in the guitar part in bar 3: Your answer: LL. Inbar 3 of the score, name the note not found in a C major chord: (Tick one box) ic D E F G A B 12. In which bars does the bass guitar play the same rhythm? (Tick one box) Bars 1&2 Bars 2&3 Bars 1&3 Bars 2 &4 13, What is the melodic interval created between the two notes of bar 3 ofthe bass-guitar part? (Tick one bax) 2nd ard ath sth 14, On which beat of the bar does the guitar play in bar 3? (Tick one bos) Beat 1 Beat 2 Beat 3 Beat 4 15. Add G major chords and a rest to the final bar of the right hand of the piano part in the following rhythm: quarter note + quarter-note rest + half note Popular Music Theory ~ Debut & g® Popular Music Theory ~ Debut Section 4 | Band Analysis Band Analysis | Example 3 ‘The following 15 questions relate to the four-bar score below. Note thatthe fnal bar kas blank areas to be fled in as part of the tasks below: 85 BPM Bass Guitar Drum Kit 1, Inbar 1, what does ‘85 BPM’ mean? Your answer: 2. What time signatut used in this piece? Your answer: 3. Explain the meaning of both the upper and the lower numbers in the time signature inthis score: Upper number of time signature: Lower number of time signature: 4. What key is this piece in? Your answer:Band Analysis | Section 4 n. What type of clefis being used for the bass-guitar part? yp 8h Your answers ‘What is the length of the rest in bar 1 of the drum part? Your answer: ‘What is the pitch of the highest-sounding note in the bass-guitar part? Your answer: .. How many times does the drummer play the snare drum in bars 1-3 of the drum part? Your answer: Which drum voice or voices play on beat 3 of bar 1 of the drum part? (Tick one box) Hichat Snare Bass drum Hi-hat & snare Snare & bass drum Hi-hat & bass drum. [In which bars does the drummer play the same thythm? (Tick one box) Bars 1&2 Bars 2&3 Bars 1&3 Bars2 & 4 In which bar does the bass guitar play the same rhythm as the bass drum and snare from the drum part? (Tick one box) Bar Bar 2 Bar 3 Popular Music Theory ~ Debut 2 3Popular Music Theory - Debut Section 4 | Band Analysis 12, What is the melodic interval created between the first two notes of bar 3 of the bass-guitar part? (Tick one box) 2nd 3rd ath sth 13, Bar of the bass-guitar partis incomplete. Adda rest of the carrect value to complete the bar. 14, In the score, circle an eighth note played by the snare drum. 15, Add three quarter notes to bar 4 of the drum part. Use the following voices: Beat I: Beat 2: Beat 3: Bass drum Snare drum. Bass drumSAMPLE PAPER ‘The following pages contain examples of the types of questions you will find in a Debut Grade exam paper. They give an indication of the content, format, layout and level at this grade. You wil see the exam paper has been split into the same four sections that have been presented earlier in this workbook = Music Notation » Popular Music Harmony + Band Knowledge » Band Analysis Content Overview » Marking: ~ The exam is marked out of a total of 100, and the total available marks for each section are clearly stated at the start of each section. There is also a blank markbox where your total examination score can be noted. ~ The total marks available for each question are displayed on the right, and include a space for your teacher to mark your answers. += General advice: ~ Ifa question requires a written answer, dont feel compelled to use every line. Answering the question correctly is ‘much more important than using all the available space. ~ Aim to answer all the questions set. If you get stuck on one particular question, move on and come back to it later = Neatness: ~ Your answers should be neat, accurate and legible as marks cannot be given if your response is ambiguous. ~ Avoid unnecessary corrections by thinking your responses through before committing them to paper. ~ Use a pencil that is sharp enough to write precisely but soft enough to rub out and make corrections. ~ To avoid confusion, tick boxes (checkboxes) should be marked with a clear tick symbol rather than a cross. Please note that some answers require more than one box to be ticked, so read the questions carefull. Please visit www.rockschoolco.uk for detailed information on all Rockschool examinations, including syllabus guides, marking schemes and examination entry information, © Popular Music Theory ~ DebutPopular Music Theory ~ Debut = S Debut Sample Paper Section 1 | Music Notation Q1.01 | Name the pitch: (Tick one bax) A c F “otal marks for this section: [20 1.02| Name the pitch (Tk one box) F D E 1.03 | Name the pitch: (Tick one bax) B D G Q.1.04| Name the pitch: (Tick one box) GSample Paper | Debut Q1.05 | Identify the correct time signature: (Tick one box) (A) i a 4 € eh sonst tine signature (kone bn) om i i 1 d d € 1.05 Which st has these eas the wt nett Tone bas) oy x o- Q1.09| Name the correct accidental: (Tick one box) Sharp Natural - Popular Music Theory ~ Debut 5Popular Music Theory - Debut Debut | Sample Paper Q1.10 | Name the correct accidental: (Tick one box) Sharp Cre Natural Q1.11 | Is the second note higher, lower or the same pitch as the first? (Tick one box) a mae Q1.12 | Is the second note higher, lower or the same pitch as the first? (Tick one box) D Higher Ciower Same Q1.13 | Identify the harmonic interval (Tick one box) 7th Unison ath OsnSample Paper | Debut Q1.14 Identify the harmonic interval: (Tick one box) CE) Om octave 6 sth 6th 1.15 | Identify the harmonic interval: (Tick one box) 1 7th sth 4th 6th Q1.16| Add the missing barlines: bby co Q1.17| Add the missing time signature: Popular Music Theory ~ Debut S aPopular Music Theory - Debut e & p y Debut | Sample Paper Section 2 | Popular Music Harmony ‘Total marks for this section: | 25 } Q2.01 | Using whole notes, write a one-octave ascending scale of G major. Add a key signature ifneeded: 2 7 (2.02 | Using whole notes, write a one-octave ascending C major arpeggio on the stave below. Add a key signature if needed: 2.03 | Find the G major chord and circle it: 1 ES) ru Q2.04 | Find the C major chord and circle it: 1 (Q2.05 | Find the G major chord and circ aSample Paper | Debut 2.06 | Write “T’in boxes between notes that are a Tone apart, and write’S? in boxes between notes that are aSemitone apart: Popular Music Theory ~ Debut = gDebut | Sample Paper Section 3 | Band Knowledge | Part 1 - Identification ‘The following three questions reer to the labelled image of a drum kit on the right: Q3.01 | Which letter corresponds to the bass drum? Your answer: Q3.02|| Which letter corresponds to the snare drum? Your answer: Q3.03| Which letter corresponds to the hi-hat? Your answer: 3.08 How many strings does a standard electric guitar have? Your answer: 3.05 | How many strings does a standard bass guitar have? Your answer: % Popular Music Theory - Debut ‘Total marks for this section: | 2: ‘Mark: Llmple Paper Debut 3.06] Which instrument is shown in the image below? Your answer: 3.07 | Which instrument is shown in the image below? Your answer: Q3.08 | Which of the following notes correspond to black keys on a piano keyboard? (Tick two boxes) Ft BP Dt Q3.09 | Ona piano keyboard, what colour is the set of keys that are raised slightly above the others? Your answer: Debut Popular Music Theory & SPopular Music Theory ~ Debut Debut | Sample Paper ‘The following two questions refer to the labelled image on the right: Q3:10| Which letter points to the lungs? (Tick one box) 3.11 | Which letter points to the mout! A B c D th? (Tick one box) A B ic D 3.12 What is the main function of the lungs? (Tick one bos) ‘To allow oxygen to enter the body. To allow helium to enter the body. ‘To allow carbon dioxide to enter the body. _Sample Paper | Debut Section 3 | Band Knowledge | Part lotation and Techniques ‘The following three questions relate to the one-bar extract of drum notation below: x 3.13 | Which instrument plays with the hi-hat on the second beat of the bar? Your answer: 3.14 | Which two instruments play on the third beat of the bar? (Tick one box) Ci Hi-hat and bass drum Hi-hat and snare Bass drum and snare 3.15 | How many times is the hi-hat played? (‘ick one box) 1 2 3 4 3.16 | Which clef is used for bass-guitar notation? O 1 Your answer: Q3.17| Which clef is used for guitar notation? (a Your answer: Popular Music Theory ~ Debut s4 Popular Music Theory ~ Debut Debut | Sample Paper ‘The following two questions relate to the one-bar extract of labelled guitar notation below: Orig ITT Q3.18| Which of the following statements is true? (Tick one box) ‘This bar features quarter-note chords and a melody in eighth notes. “There are four chords inthis bar, all of which ae eighth notes [D7 this bar features half-note chords and a melody in quarter notes. None of the statements above are true ‘The following three questions relate to the one-bar extract of labelled piano/keyboard notation below: 93:19] Which hand or hands play the melody? (Tick one or more boxes) ‘| Lett Right Both hands Q3.20| Which hand or hands play an accompaniment? (Tick one or more boxes) (ela) Left Right Both hands 93.21 | Which hand or hands play on beat three? (Tick one or more boxes) Cy) Left Right Both handsSample Paper | Debut 61522 | Which vo vocal groups ae sl eal singe (Tk ne bo) Cm Soprano and bass Soprano and alto Alto and tenor 04323 | Which of heehee vo group asthe highs change (Tk on bx) om Bass Soprano Tenor Q3.24| Which ofthese three vocal groups has the lowest pitch range? (Tick one box) Alto Bass Soprano Popular Music Theory ~ Debut 3Popular Music Theory ~ Debut g “4 £ - - _— 7 Debut | Sample Paper Section 4 | Band Analysis ‘Total marks for this section: 30} ‘The following questions relate to the four-bar extract of guitar and drum notation below. Note that the final bar contains blank areas that you will be asked to complete ~ Ca SSS = on Oo, vow Se te Te TNC a Q4.01 | What isthe tempo of this piece? n ts Your answer 4.02 | What is the time signature of this piece? El Your answer: Q4.03 | What isthe key ofthis piece? EH Your answer; 4.04 | What is the pitch of the highest-sounding note in the guitar part? El Your answer: 4.05 | Name the three notes that make up the guitar chord in bar 1: Your answer:Sample Paper | Debut {0.4.07 | Which two drum voices play eighth notes in bar 4? (Tick two boxes) Bass drum Snare drum Hichat Crash eymbal 408 | In which bar do the guitar and drums play the same rhythm? Your answer: 409 | Which is the correct statement? (Tick one box) ‘The guitar plays a melody throughout. ‘The guitar plays chords in the first two bars only. ‘The guitar does not play a melody in bars 1 to 3. Q4.10 | In which bar does the drummer not play a bass drum? Your answer: Q4.11 [In bar 3 of the guitar part, how many beats does the rest lat for? Your answer: Q4.12 | In which bar do neither ofthe instruments play an eighth note? Your answer: Q4.13 | In bar 2, which chord is played by the guitar? Your answer: ‘The guitar plays a melody in the first two bars and chords in bar 3. Ca) Popular Music Theory - Debut we aPopular Music Theory ~ Debut g & Debut | Sample Paper Q4.14 | In bar 3, which chord is played by the guitar? Your answer: 4.15 | This question requires you to add notation to the musical example at the top of page 54. ‘Add C chords to the final bar of the guitar part inthe following rhythm: halfnote + quarter note + quarter note Q4.16 | This question requires you to add notation to the musical example at the top of page 54 Add a quarter-note hi-hat followed by a quarter-note snare to the final bar ofthe drum stave to complete the bar.angeq - Azoayy, 2asnyy semndog fFangacl~ haoayy,21smyy reINdogImportant; This able presents content that is new at this grade, The content of Rockschool Theory Examinations is cumulative, so Gras 108 Include all conten fom previous grades inthe syllabus. A fll version ofthis able is avalale online at wir rocschook co.uk and Includes detail of content at every grade. 1: Music Notation (20%) LuPiteh 1.2: Note lengthiehythim 1.3: Dynamics articulations, phrasing 2 Popular Muse Harmony 25%) 21: Major scales and related intervals Simple triadic chords ‘3: Band Knowledge (25%) 3 ‘enti instrument parts and function |3.2: Identify instrument specife notation “4 Band Analysis (308) 4.4 dent general music Features listed within eeteria 1,2 and 3 within a score 42: Accurately complete a score fiveline stave, one-line percussion stave treble clef, bas let note range ass cle (E2-CA), treble clef (CA-AS) Intervals: tones, semitones accidental sharp, at, natural symbols note lengths: whole, alf, quate, eighth notes, equivalent rests beaming and grouping notes and ress time signatures $4 barns sng, double final btline structure repet marking tempo: BPM, J= mars frmula major sales CG snaor arpeggios: C, eat ass dram, nar drum guitar and bass gut String bass guitar ys: white keys, lack keys sixstring guitar, four vocal: ung, mouth drum notation: hi-hat, bass drum, sare drum ‘gitar and bass guitar notation: single notes, strumming chords ‘keys notation: left-hand, right-hand parts, melody line, chords accompaniment ‘vocal notation: SATB, soprano, alto, tenor, bass entity and show understanding ofthe applied ‘musical elements listed within the fist three sections (above) within the context ofa sore instrument range: drums (hi-hat, snare drum, bass drum), guitar, ass guitar, keyboard, vocals umber of pats: 2 piece length 4 bars 1 ba, within any part: rhythm, pitch, chor ‘names, articulations, dynamics, tempo & Popular Music Theory - Debuta x = - rockschool’ ENTER ONLINE Ready to take your z ’ Rockschool Theory Exam? ae Now it’s easier than ever... 1.0 TO WWW.ROCKSCHOOL.CO.UK/ENTER-ONLINE 2 CREATE AN ACCOUNT ERA AUC ea en PCS a ee ... and you're ready to go. Book your exam today — go to www.rockschool.co.uk/enter-online, or email info@rockschool.co.uk for more information.