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Victoria Williams LmusTCL BA(Mus)

Grade 6 Music Theory Trinity

This Grade 6 Music Theory video courses covers the Trinity syllabus in full.

Rhythm, Texture and Form

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Grade 6 Music Theory Trinity

This Grade 6 Music Theory video courses covers the Trinity syllabus in full.

Rhythm, Texture and Form

  • Demisemiquaver triplets (32nd note triplets)

  • Double dotted notes and rests

  • Duplets

  • Hemiola

  • Swung quavers (8th notes) (writing quavers to be played swing)

  • Understand and identify textures (homophonic, polyphonic, imitative, thick or dense, thin or transparent)

  • Understand the terms movement and Prelude

  • Binary form with reference particularly to Baroque sonatas (da camera and da chiesa) and dance suites (Allemande, Bourrée, Italian Corrente, French Courante, Italian Giga, French Gigue, Gavotte, Minuet and Sarabande — definitions for each as defined in the Trinity workbook)

  • Ternary form with reference particularly to Baroque dance suites (Bourrée I and II, Gavotte I and II and Minuet and Trio)

  • Air with variations

  • Chorale

  • Folk ballad

Composers and General Knowledge

The Baroque period.

Composers of particular relevance to this grade are those writing in the Baroque period (approximately 1600–1750), e.g. J S Bach, Corelli, Couperin, Handel, Marcello, Rameau, A and D Scarlatti, Telemann and Vivaldi

Pitch

  • All major keys (for all major keys: scales, key signatures, arpeggios, broken chords, broken chords of the dominant 7th, and tonic triads (root, first or second inversion))

  • All minor keys (for all minor keys: scales — natural (Aeolian mode) and harmonic and melodic minor, key signatures, arpeggios, broken chords, broken chords of the dominant 7th, and tonic triads (root, first or second inversion))

  • 3rd, 6th and 7th degrees of the major/minor scale being known as mediant, submediant and leading note respectively

  • Recognising and writing diminished 7th chords (with an understanding of correct spelling and their enharmonic equivalents)

  • Broken chords of all diminished 7th chords

  • Writing and labelling chords on every degree of the scale (harmonic and melodic minors) in any key as well-balanced 4-part chords for SATB in root, first or second inversions (plus third inversions for dominant 7ths and diminished 7ths), using Roman numerals or chord symbols

  • Recognising and writing figured bass for all major and minor chords for the grade in root, first or second inversion

  • Recognising and writing augmented chords

  • Recognition of all intervals including compound intervals

  • Recognising pedal points on the tonic and dominant degrees of the scale

  • Recognising and writing harmonic sequences and identifying the keys that they travel through

  • Recognising and writing perfect, plagal, imperfect and interrupted cadences

  • Labelling the chords of a phrase of a chorale/hymn in Roman numerals and chord symbols, and completing it with an appropriate two-chord cadence (bass line given)

  • Writing a short extract from close to open score for SATB (chorale/hymn phrase), or vice versa

  • Recognising and writing C, D, F or G pentatonic major scales, A, B, D or E pentatonic minor and A, B, D or E blues scales

  • Concept of modes with reference particularly to Aeolian mode (the natural minor)

  • Identifying music written using the Aeolian mode (natural minor)

  • Writing an 8-bar melody using notes from the major, minor, pentatonic major, pentatonic minor, blues scales or using notes from the Aeolian mode

  • Transposing a melody for any transposing instrument for the grade (transposing interval to be known for descant recorder, clarinet in Bb, alto saxophone in Eb, tenor saxophone in Bb, trumpet in Bb, French horn in F, double bass and classical guitar)

  • Ranges of clarinet in A, treble recorder, saxophones (tenor in Bb and baritone in Eb) as defined in the Trinity Workbook

  • Identifying variation/decoration (harmonic, melodic, dynamic and textural)

  • Musical terms and symbols

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Pass trinity grade 6 music theory with distinction!
  • Build on your knowledge of how music works, and how to pass the trinity exam
  • Further your skills in composition and harmony
  • Practise your skills with the included pdf, exercises and tests!

Syllabus

Introduction
Introduction to Trinity Grade 6 Music Theory
Rhythm
Double Dotted Notes
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Reviews summary

Trinity grade 6 music theory exam prep

According to learners, this course provides comprehensive preparation for the Trinity Grade 6 Music Theory exam. Students highlight that the explanations are clear and help simplify complex topics required by the syllabus. The course is seen as a valuable tool covering all necessary areas like rhythm, harmony, form, and composition, directly aligning with the exam requirements. While Grade 6 theory itself presents challenging material, the course structure and detailed content are designed to support students effectively, making it a solid resource for those aiming for certification.
Grade 6 theory requires significant effort.
"Be aware that Grade 6 is a significant step up and requires dedication."
"Some of the topics, like diminished 7ths and harmonic sequences, were quite challenging to master."
"It's tough material, but the course helps navigate it effectively."
Concepts are explained simply and clearly.
"The instructor explains complex ideas simply, making them easy to grasp."
"I finally understood figured bass and SATB writing thanks to the clear lessons."
"The video explanations were easy to follow step-by-step and digest."
Covers all topics for the exam syllabus.
"Everything needed for the Trinity Grade 6 syllabus is covered thoroughly in this course."
"I felt confident that all required topics were addressed."
"From Baroque forms to complex chords, the syllabus coverage is complete and accurate."
Highly helpful for the Trinity exam.
"This course is a great resource if you are preparing for the Trinity Grade 6 exam."
"Practicing with the examples and tests helped me feel prepared for the actual test format."
"It follows the structure needed to pass the exam effectively."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Trinity Grade 6 Music Theory with these activities:
Review Grade 5 Music Theory Concepts
Reinforce foundational music theory concepts from Grade 5 to ensure a solid understanding before tackling Grade 6 material. This will help with understanding more advanced concepts.
Show steps
  • Review key signatures and scales from Grade 5.
  • Practice identifying intervals and chords.
  • Review basic rhythmic concepts and time signatures.
Explore 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory, 2nd Edition'
Supplement course materials with a comprehensive guide to music theory. This book can provide additional explanations and examples to clarify complex concepts.
Show steps
  • Read chapters related to scales, chords, and harmony.
  • Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.
  • Use the book as a reference when encountering difficult concepts in the course.
Chord Inversion Identification Drills
Sharpen your ability to quickly identify chord inversions, a crucial skill for figured bass and SATB harmony exercises. This will improve your speed and accuracy in completing assignments.
Show steps
  • Use online resources or flashcards to practice identifying chord inversions.
  • Focus on recognizing inversions in different keys and clefs.
  • Time yourself to improve speed and accuracy.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Compose a Short Baroque-Style Piece
Apply your knowledge of Baroque forms and harmony by composing a short piece in the style of Bach or Handel. This will solidify your understanding of the era and its musical characteristics.
Show steps
  • Choose a Baroque form, such as a binary or ternary form.
  • Write a melody using appropriate scales and modes.
  • Harmonize the melody using chords and progressions learned in the course.
  • Incorporate ornamentation and stylistic elements of the Baroque era.
Study 'Counterpoint in Composition' by Salzer and Schachter
Deepen your understanding of counterpoint, a key element of Baroque music, by studying this classic text. This will enhance your ability to analyze and compose in the Baroque style.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on species counterpoint and invertible counterpoint.
  • Analyze examples of counterpoint in Baroque compositions.
  • Practice writing short contrapuntal exercises.
Analyze a Bach Chorale
Apply your knowledge of SATB harmony and chord progressions by analyzing a Bach chorale. This will improve your ability to identify and label chords, cadences, and voice leading techniques.
Show steps
  • Select a Bach chorale from a collection or online resource.
  • Identify the key and time signature.
  • Label all chords with Roman numerals and chord symbols.
  • Analyze the voice leading in each part.
  • Identify cadences and harmonic sequences.

Career center

Learners who complete Trinity Grade 6 Music Theory will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Music Teacher
A music teacher imparts musical knowledge and skills to students of all ages. The Grade 6 Music Theory course helps build a foundation for teaching music by covering essential elements of music theory, including rhythm, harmony, and form. The course delves into various scales, chords, and chord progressions, which are crucial for explaining musical concepts to students. This course may be particularly helpful for those who want to teach music to children or teenagers. A future music teacher can use this course to solidify their music theory knowledge and prepare for teaching music to others.
Private Music Tutor
A private music tutor provides one-on-one instruction to students of all ages, helping them develop their musical skills and knowledge. The Grade 6 Music Theory course may be useful for tutors by reinforcing their own understanding of music theory, scales, chords, and harmony. The course covers a wide range of topics, including figured bass and SATB harmony. This course may be particularly helpful for developing effective teaching strategies and explaining complex concepts to students from first principles.
Accompanist
An accompanist plays piano or another instrument to support singers or instrumentalists during rehearsals and performances. The Grade 6 Music Theory course may be useful for building a strong foundation in understanding harmony, chord progressions, and voice leading, which are essential for providing effective accompaniment. The course covers figured bass, SATB harmony, and cadences, directly applicable to accompanying singers and instrumentalists. This course may be particularly helpful for improving skills in sight-reading and improvising accompaniments.
Church Musician
A church musician provides musical leadership during religious services, often playing the organ or piano, directing the choir, and arranging music. The Grade 6 Music Theory course may be useful in this role by enhancing an understanding of harmony, voice leading, and musical forms, which are essential for playing hymns and accompanying congregational singing. The course covers SATB harmony, cadences, and figured bass, directly applicable to church music settings. This course may be particularly helpful for improving skills in arranging and harmonizing music for worship services.
Choir Director
A choir director leads and trains a group of singers, guiding them in rehearsals and performances. This course may be useful for understanding the complexities of harmony and voice leading, vital for directing a choir. The course covers SATB harmony, voice leading principles, and cadences. The training in identifying and writing chords for SATB arrangements directly translates to creating effective choral arrangements. Choir directors benefit from this course by improving their grasp of music theory and its application in choral settings.
Composer
A composer creates original musical works. The Grade 6 Music Theory course may be useful as it delves into advanced music theory concepts essential for composition, such as chord progressions, figured bass, and SATB harmony. The course also covers various musical forms like ternary form and the Baroque suite, providing valuable insights into structuring compositions. The course may be particularly helpful, because it offers practice in working with a given opening and provides insight into composition marking criteria. This course may build confidence and inspire creativity.
Arranger
An arranger adapts existing musical pieces for different instruments or vocal groups. The arranger must possess a strong understanding of music theory, harmony, and form. The Grade 6 Music Theory course may be useful for improving these skills by covering advanced topics such as diminished 7th chords, figured bass, and harmonic sequences. The course also delves into SATB harmony and voice leading which are essential for arranging music for vocal ensembles. Completing this course may enhance your ability to create compelling and effective arrangements.
Orchestrator
An orchestrator arranges musical compositions for an orchestra, assigning specific instruments to different parts. The Grade 6 Music Theory course may be useful for this career by building a foundation in understanding musical textures, forms, and styles, including the Baroque era. The course covers the ranges of various instruments and techniques for changing the mood through orchestration. This understanding is critical for producing effective and balanced orchestral arrangements. This course may be particularly helpful for the orchestrator, as it provides a solid grounding in music theory and instrumentation.
Music Editor
A music editor prepares musical scores for publication or performance, ensuring accuracy and consistency. The editor must have a strong understanding of music theory and notation. The Grade 6 Music Theory course may be useful as it covers advanced music theory concepts, including scales, chords, and figured bass. The course also covers SATB harmony and voice leading, which are crucial for editing choral arrangements. A music editor can improve their skills and accuracy in preparing musical scores.
Music Director
A music director oversees the musical aspects of a theatrical production, film, or television show. This role requires a deep understanding of music theory, harmony, and orchestration. The Grade 6 Music Theory course may be useful for those who want to enhance their understanding of musical forms, textures, and styles. The course covers the Baroque era, ternary form, and orchestration techniques. By taking this course, a music director may enhance their ability to lead and coordinate musical performances effectively.
Session Musician
A session musician is a freelance musician hired to play on recordings or live performances. The Grade 6 Music Theory course may be useful as it builds a foundation in understanding music theory concepts such as scales, chords, and chord progressions. Session musicians often need to sight-read and improvise, so a solid grasp of music theory is essential. This course may be particularly helpful for developing a deeper understanding of harmony and form, which is useful for playing in various musical styles and genres.
Music Copyist
A music copyist transcribes musical scores, creating clean and accurate copies for musicians to use. The ability to accurately transcribe music is paramount for this role. The Trinity Grade 6 Music Theory course may be useful as it covers essential music theory concepts such as scales, key signatures, and chord progressions. The course also covers figured bass and SATB harmony, which are often encountered in musical scores. With this course, a copyist may improve their accuracy and efficiency in transcribing music.
Musical Theatre Performer
A musical theatre performer sings, acts, and dances in musical productions. While performance skills are paramount, a solid understanding of music theory is also beneficial. This Grade 6 Music Theory course may be useful as it covers essential music theory concepts such as scales, key signatures, and chord progressions. This knowledge may enhance a performer's ability to learn and interpret musical scores, as well as to collaborate effectively with musical directors and other musicians. This course may be particularly helpful for understanding the musical aspects of a performance.
Music Critic
A music critic evaluates and reviews musical performances and recordings, offering insightful commentary on various aspects of the music. The Grade 6 Music Theory course may be useful as it builds a foundation in understanding music theory concepts such as harmony, form, and orchestration. The course also covers various musical styles and periods, including the Baroque era. With this course, a music critic may develop a more informed and nuanced perspective on the music they review.
Music Therapist
A music therapist uses music to address clients' emotional, physical, and psychological needs. While musical skills are important, a strong understanding of music theory is also helpful. The Grade 6 Music Theory course may be useful as it covers essential music theory concepts such as scales, chords, and harmony. This knowledge may enhance a therapist's ability to improvise and create music that is tailored to the specific needs of their clients. A master's degree in music therapy is often required for this role.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Trinity Grade 6 Music Theory.
Classic text on counterpoint, a fundamental element of Baroque music. It provides in-depth explanations and examples of contrapuntal techniques. While advanced, it offers valuable insights into the structure and harmony of Baroque compositions, enhancing understanding of the course material. This book is commonly used in academic settings.
Provides a comprehensive overview of music theory concepts, including scales, chords, and harmony. It's a useful resource for students who need a refresher on basic theory or want to delve deeper into specific topics. While not specifically tailored to the Trinity syllabus, it offers a broad understanding that complements the course material.

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