Grade 7

Section 1 - Scales and Keys

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.

  • All answers must be given in standard notation.
  • 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

 

Scales for Grade 7 Exam:

Scales in all keys:

  • Major, pentatonic major, natural minor, pentatonic minor, blues and harmonic minor,
  • Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian and Mixolydian modal scales.
  • Chromatic and whole tone.

Section 2 - Chords

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.

  • All answers must be given in standard notation.
  • 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

 

Chords for Grade 7 Exam:

As for the previous grades, but extended to all keys, plus:

  • Minor and dominant 11ths.
  • Major, minor and dominant 13ths.
  • Dominant 7th and minor 7th chords with # or b5ths.
  • 1st, 2nd and 3rd inversions of major 7th, minor 7th and dominant 7th chords.

Section 3 - Rhythm Notation

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

 

Rhythm Notation for Grade 7 Exam:

As for previous grades, but of greater complexity, plus:

  • 5/4 time signature.

Section 4 - Knowledge of Popular Music

Candidates will be asked questions in three areas:

  • 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.
  • Instrumentation: instruments commonly used in popular music, including (at higher grades) a knowledge of their ranges and associated technology.
  • Language of Popular Music: musical signs and terminology.

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

 

Knowledge of Popular Music for Grade 7 Exam:

  • As for the previous grade, but in greater depth, plus a wider knowledge of the history and development of popular music dating back before 1950, where necessary, and including the influence of technological developments.

Section 5 - Harmony

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

 

Harmony for Grade 7 Exam:

  • As for previous grades, but in greater depth and to the full range of keys, plus:
  • the composition and identification of chord progressions using Phrygian harmony;
  • the composition and identification of chord progressions involving key changes to near and related keys;
  • using chord symbols to harmonise a melody in any key;
  • the application of scales and modal scales from Section 1 in improvisation, including recognition of key changes to near and related keys

Section 6 - Transposition

In this section candidates will be asked to transpose, or identify transposed, chord progressions and melodies.

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

 

Transposition for Grade 7 Exam:

  • Transposing chords, presented in chord symbols, into any key.
  • Transposing melodies into near or related keys.
  • Transposing between the treble and bass clef.

Download Grade 7 Exam Past Papers

Practising with past exam papers can provide ideal preparation for your exam. Past papers also provide you with a clear example of the type and format of questions that may appear in the exam.

Click here to purchase Grade 7 Exam Papers.

Grade 7 Popular Music Theory Handbook

The seventh book the highly regarded 7 part series of Popular Music Theory handbooks and contains grades 6-8. This book is perfect for advanced students of popular music theory and will help you to gain deeper insight, improving your musicianship whether or not you intend to take the LCM examination.

All topics are for the exam are covered in a way that is directly applies to the music you play, making music theory both relevant and practical.

You’ll further develop your knowledge of keys, chords, scales, rhythms, harmony and improvisation as well as expanding your musical knowledge (including instrumentation, musical terms and the history of popular music).

Click here for more information or to purchase these books.

 
 

Website produced and maintained by Take Note Publishing Ltd.