Grade 2

Candidates are expected to have a good knowledge of the notes that make up scales - this is essential if the scales learnt in theory are to be used in a practical context.

• Some answers can be expressed by naming the notes in letter names (e.g. A natural minor = A B C D E F G A), although candidates who are also able to write out scales using notation (in a clef of their choosing) have the possibility of gaining higher marks.
• Candidates should have an understanding of scale spellings (e.g. pentatonic major scale = 1 2 3 5 6 8).
• Candidates should be able to identify or write out key signatures.

All scales and key signatures are fully illustrated and explained in the grade handbooks - which also contain sample questions and answers. Find out more

Candidates are expected to have a good knowledge of chord symbols and the notes that make up chords - this is essential if the chords learnt in theory are to be used in a practical context.

• Some answers can be expressed by naming the notes in letter names (e.g. A minor = A C E), although candidates who are also able to write out chords using notation (in a clef of their choosing) have the possibility of gaining higher marks.
• Candidates should have an understanding of chord spellings (e.g. C major = 1 3 5).

All chords are fully illustrated and explained in the grade handbooks - which also contain sample questions and answers. Find out more

Candidates should have a practical understanding of time signatures, as well as note and rest values (including correct grouping).

Illustrations and explanations of all relevant aspects of rhythm notation are shown in the grade handbooks - which also contain sample questions and answers. Find out more

Candidates will be asked questions in the following area:

• History of Popular Music: influential popular music groups, vocalists and instrumentalists from 1950 to the present day; at higher grades candidates should be aware of the styles, history and development of popular music.

Further information on all aspects of this section of the examination is given in the grade handbooks - which also contain sample questions and answers. Find out more

Questions in this section largely focus on the candidate's ability to relate the knowledge of scales and chords, from Sections 1 and 2, to practical music-making situations - such as improvisation and composition of chord progressions.

Further information on all aspects of this section of the examination is given in the grade handbooks - which also contain sample questions and answers. Find out more