By Rhys Lett

VCE Music Theory Exam Checklist

We break down part A of the VCE Music Theory exam for Group and Solo Performance. In this section you are asked to write in music notation answers to questions either written or aurally. We hope this article helps you develop an understanding of the information required to learn to succeed in this theory exam.

Further information and past exams can be obtained from the VCAA website.

Use this article as a checklist. How much do you know?

SCALES – VCE THEORY EXAM

You are required to understand how to create and hear these scales and modes for the theory exam.

Major scale

Minor Scales – Natural, Harmonic and Melodic (classical and jazz)

Modes – Dorian and Mixolydian

Click the links to read our articles to help you understand these scales.

There are many ways questions about scales can be asked in the theory exam. As teachers, we will best prepare you for what could be on the exam. It is up to you to understand the question and recognise what information is being asked for.

CHORDS – VCE THEORY EXAM

You are required to know how to create and recognise by ear these chords in the theory exam.

Triad chords – three notes
Major
Minor
Augmented
Diminished
Suspended 2
Suspended 4

Jazz chords – four note chords
Major 7
Dominant 7
Minor 7
Minor/Major 7
Dominant 7 suspended 4
Half Diminished
Diminished 7

INTERVALS – VCE THEORY EXAM

Know a song that will help you hear these intervals. You need to be skilled at hearing them going ascending (higher) and descending (lower) for the theory exam.

Minor 2nd
Major 2nd
Minor 3rd
Major 3rd
Perfect 4th
Tritone
Perfect 5th
Minor 6th
Major 6th
Minor 7th
Major 7th
Octave

Intervals may be asked for in a written question needing to notate the interval above or below the provided note. You could be asked to recognise them by ear being played stand alone or as apart of notating a melody.

RHYTHMS – VCE THEORY EXAM

You are required to understand the following rhythms by writing them or by ear.

Semibreve
Minim
Crotchet
Quaver
Semiquaver
Quaver Triplet

You may be asked to write these rhythms to complete unfinished bars, group in bars to fit a provided time signature, dictate them from a musical example.