Theory Exams: Grades 1–8 Written Papers
LCM theory grades run from 1 to 8 as written papers. They test literacy: notation, keys, intervals, chords, harmony, melody writing, analysis, and knowledge of instruments and terms. From about Grade 5 the paper becomes a craft test rather than a recognition test - harmonising a melody, completing a passage, writing a short piece in a given style.
What each area demands
- Notation: clefs, ledger lines, correct stem direction, beaming and grouping by beat, properly written rests.
- Keys and scales: signatures, relative and tonic minors, degrees, intervals named by quality and quantity.
- Harmony: primary and secondary triads, cadences, then four-part writing with correct spacing, doubling and voice-leading.
- Analysis: naming form, phrase structure, cadences and modulations with evidence from the score.
- Composition tasks: a melody that fits the given metre and phrase shape and closes with a convincing cadence.
Worked example
A candidate must harmonise a melody ending ^2–^1 in C major. Reasoning: ^1 belongs to chord I and also to vi and IV, but a final ^1 needs a perfect cadence, so V–I. Over V the melody note D (^2) is the fifth of G major - a legitimate fit; the bass moves B–C, giving the leading note resolution that makes the close sound final.
Traps
Stems pointing the wrong way and rests left ungrouped - easy marks lost; naming intervals while ignoring the key signature; parallel fifths and octaves in four-part work; a melody that contradicts the given rhythm; leaving the longest question until the last five minutes.