Grade 5 Theory Exam

For piano students of Tony O’Brien Home. Exam Structure. Learning Pathway. Exam Topics.

1

Remember the tenor clef is for lower singers than altos, so the middle ‘C’ line will be higher on the staff.  You know the clefs are either on the 4th or 3rd line up, so write the clef on the higher 4th line.


2

Now write the key signature. Knowing the 4 sharps are F-C-G-D in that order, you have to place the sharp signs on corresponding lines or spaces in this clef. Either referencing the middle C line OR knowing notes are written in the next space or line above where they would be written in the treble clef, you could either write the  F sharp in the space above the top line or on the second line (where you would write a G in the treble clef.  We pick the second line, because it will be easier to place the other sharps with this choice.


3

To  write the chord notes, either reference the notes from the middle C line OR remember that notes are written in the next space or line above where they would be written in the treble clef( but sound an octave lower!).  The upper note of middle C is easy to place anyway - on the 4th line as indicated by the clef. The lower note (F#)  is written like a G in the treble clef, but is also easy to place given F# is the first sharp in the key signature.