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Victoria Williams LmusTCL BA(Mus)

Grade 7 Music Theory Trinity

This Grade 7 Music Theory video courses covers the Trinity syllabus in full.

Rhythm and Form

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Grade 7 Music Theory Trinity

This Grade 7 Music Theory video courses covers the Trinity syllabus in full.

Rhythm and Form

  • Irregular rhythmic groupings (e.g. quintuplets, 5:4)

  • Unusual time signatures — 9/4, 12/4, 2/8, 4/8, 6/16, 9/16, 12/16 and 16/32

  • Notational shorthand

  • Rondo and sonata rondo forms

  • Coda

  • Scherzo and trio

  • Sonata form

  • Sonatina

  • The number and type of movements likely to be found in Classical sonatas, string quartets and symphonies — definitions for each as defined in the workbook

  • 12-bar blues

Composers and General Knowledge

Classical period as defined in the workbookLayout of Classical scores (for orchestra and string quartet) as defined in the workbookBlues style as defined in the workbook

Composers of particular relevance to this grade are those writing in the Classical period (approximately 1750–1830), e.g. the early works of Beethoven, and works by J Haydn and W A Mozart

Pitch

  • Transferring a short extract from close to open score for string quartet, or vice versa

  • Recognising and writing all pentatonic major, pentatonic minor, and blues scales

  • Recognising and writing Dorian mode scales starting on C, D, F or G

  • Identifying an extract written using Dorian mode

  • Recognising and writing whole-tone scales

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

  • Identifying modulation turning points through pivot notes, pivot chords and diminished 7th or dominant 7th chords

  • Recognising and writing secondary 7ths

  • Recognising and writing pre-cadential chord progressions

  • Recognising and writing suspensions in a harmonic sequence

  • Labelling the chords of a phrase of a chorale/hymn in Roman numerals and chord symbols, and completing it with an appropriate 3-chord progression (bass line given)

  • Recognising and writing Tierce de Picardie and inverted cadences – including ivb–V (Phrygian cadence)

  • Transposing a simple 12-bar blues chord progression (I I I I IV IV I I V IV I V) and writing an accompaniment using it in piano style (block chords or vamping)

  • Recognising Alberti bass and other features in Classical piano/string composition

  • Inversion of pedal points and melodies

  • Transposing a melody for any transposing instrument for the grade (transposing intervals to be known include those for Grade 6 and also treble recorder, clarinet in A, soprano saxophone in Bb, baritone saxophone in Eb, tenor horn in Eb), also understanding the way Baroque/Classical composers notated music for brass/timpani in orchestral scores

  • Ranges of timpani, tenor horn in Eb, trombone (tenor and bass), as defined in the workbook

  • Musical terms and symbols

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Pass trinity grade 7 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 7 Music Theory
Rhythm and Time Signatures
Irregular Tuplets
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Reviews summary

Comprehensive trinity grade 7 exam preparation

According to learners, this course offers comprehensive preparation for the Trinity Grade 7 Music Theory exam. Students highlight its thorough syllabus coverage and the instructor's ability to explain complex topics clearly, such as sonata form and modulation. The included practice tests and exercises are frequently mentioned as invaluable for solidifying understanding. Although a minority noted the pace could be fast or felt it assumed prior knowledge beyond Grade 6, the course is widely considered excellent for passing the exam and a highly effective resource.
Included practice tests and exercises are helpful.
"The practice tests were invaluable."
"The PDF exercises helped solidify understanding."
"The practice materials are key."
Instructor explains complex topics clearly.
"The instructor explains complex topics like sonata form and 12-bar blues clearly."
"Explanations are mostly clear"
"I found the explanations easy to follow on most topics."
Highly effective for passing the Grade 7 exam.
"Fantastic preparation for the Grade 7 theory exam."
"This course was my primary study material. Passed my Grade 7 with distinction!"
"It's definitely geared towards the exam, which is exactly what I needed."
"Passed my exam partly thanks to this course."
Course thoroughly covers Trinity Grade 7 syllabus.
"This course was absolutely brilliant for preparing me for the Trinity Grade 7 exam. The coverage of topics... was spot on."
"Very comprehensive course covering the entire Grade 7 syllabus."
"Every topic in the syllabus is covered in depth."
"Highly recommend this course... It follows the syllabus perfectly."
Pace can be fast; assumes prior knowledge.
"Sometimes the pace felt a bit fast, and I had to rewatch videos"
"I struggled with the pace. Some concepts felt rushed"
"It assumes a certain level of prior knowledge beyond Grade 6 that wasn't always explicitly stated."

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 7 Music Theory with these activities:
Review Grade 6 Music Theory
Solidify foundational music theory concepts from the previous grade to ensure a smooth transition into Grade 7 material.
Show steps
  • Review key signatures and scales from Grade 6.
  • Practice identifying intervals and chords.
  • Complete practice exercises on rhythm and time signatures.
Read 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory, 2nd Edition'
Reinforce fundamental music theory concepts with a comprehensive guide.
Show steps
  • Read chapters related to scales, chords, and rhythm.
  • Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.
  • Take notes on key concepts and definitions.
Practice Transposition Exercises
Sharpen transposition skills by completing regular exercises, focusing on instruments relevant to the Grade 7 syllabus.
Show steps
  • Find transposition exercises online or in workbooks.
  • Transpose melodies for different instruments.
  • Check answers and identify areas for improvement.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Compose a Short Piece in Sonata Form
Apply knowledge of sonata form by composing a short piece, solidifying understanding of its structure and elements.
Show steps
  • Outline the exposition, development, and recapitulation.
  • Compose melodies and harmonies for each section.
  • Refine the piece and ensure it adheres to sonata form principles.
Study 'Harmony' by Walter Piston
Deepen understanding of harmony with a classic text on harmonic principles.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read chapters related to chord progressions and voice leading.
  • Analyze musical examples from the book.
  • Apply the principles learned to your own compositions.
Analyze Classical Scores
Improve understanding of Classical period orchestration and score layout by analyzing scores from composers like Haydn and Mozart.
Show steps
  • Select scores from Classical composers.
  • Identify instruments and their ranges.
  • Analyze the score layout and orchestration techniques.
  • Write a short report summarizing your findings.
Participate in a Study Group
Collaborate with peers to review course material, practice exercises, and discuss challenging concepts.
Show steps
  • Form a study group with other students.
  • Schedule regular meetings to review course material.
  • Practice exercises and discuss challenging concepts together.

Career center

Learners who complete Trinity Grade 7 Music Theory will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Music Producer
A music producer oversees the recording and production of musical tracks. This Trinity Grade 7 Music Theory course helps understand harmony, rhythm, and arrangement which are useful skills for a music producer. Knowledge of scales, chords, and chord progressions help guide musicians towards their creative goals. The study of song forms and orchestration can also help one work successfully as a music producer.
Music Teacher
A music teacher imparts musical knowledge and skills to students of all ages. This Trinity Grade 7 Music Theory course helps build a foundation for teaching music theory concepts, including rhythm, form, scales, chords, and harmony. Knowing about prevailing keys, direct modulation, and chord progressions further enhances one's ability to explain these concepts to students. Learning about sonata form, rondo form, the symphony, and the string quartet also adds to the knowledge required by a music teacher.
Music Director
A music director oversees all musical aspects of a performance or production. The study of complex musical concepts such as prevailing keys, direct modulation, and chord progressions, as taught in the Trinity Grade 7 Music Theory course, may be useful to a music director. A music director must understand musical structure and form. For this reason, the course helps in this role.
Composer
A composer creates original musical works. This Trinity Grade 7 Music Theory course may be useful for a composer because it covers essential elements of music theory, such as rhythm, scales, and chords. The course hones skills in harmony and composition, and the syllabus includes the study of complex forms like sonata and rondo. Familiarity with instrument transposition, orchestration, and keyboard accompaniment styles, as taught in this course, also adds to the creative capabilities of a composer.
Arranger
An arranger adapts existing musical works for different instruments or ensembles. This Trinity Grade 7 Music Theory course provides the theoretical knowledge needed to create effective arrangements. The course covers instrument transposition, orchestration, and analyzing harmony, all crucial skills for an arranger. The course also explores various musical forms and styles, expanding the arranger's understanding of musical structures and possibilities. Knowing about prevailing keys, direct modulation, and chord progressions helps in arranging musical pieces.
Sound Designer
A sound designer creates and manipulates audio for various media, such as film, television, and video games. This Trinity Grade 7 Music Theory course builds a foundation in music theory which may be helpful in understanding the structure and emotional impact of music. This course may allow a sound designer to create more nuanced and effective soundscapes. Knowledge of scales, transposition, and chords is invaluable.
Orchestrator
An orchestrator assigns musical parts to different instruments within an orchestra. This Trinity Grade 7 Music Theory course covers orchestration techniques and instrument ranges, which are essential for an orchestrator. The skills learned in the course will enhance one's ability to create compelling orchestral arrangements. It may be useful to improve knowledge of woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. The transcibing of a string quartet also helps one understand how each instrument interacts with the others.
Music Editor
A music editor prepares musical scores for publication or performance. A Trinity Grade 7 Music Theory course builds a strong foundation in music theory, including rhythm, scales, chords, and harmony, all of which are essential for a music editor. Knowing about prevailing keys, direct modulation, and chord progressions helps the editor understand the relationships between notes. This understanding supports the music editor's ability to identify and correct errors, ensuring the accuracy and clarity of musical scores.
Music Journalist
A music journalist writes about music, musicians, and the music industry. This Trinity Grade 7 Music Theory course expands one's understanding of music theory concepts and musical forms, such as sonata and rondo. Such knowledge can improve the depth and accuracy of a music journalist's writing. This course may enrich a music journalist's ability to discuss musical structure, harmony, and instrumentation in their articles and reviews.
Music Librarian
A music librarian manages and organizes music collections in libraries or archives. This Trinity Grade 7 Music Theory course enhances understanding of musical scores, forms, and terminology, aiding in the cataloging and preservation of musical materials. The course helps in identifying musical styles and composers, which is crucial for organizing music collections effectively. Knowing about prevailing keys, direct modulation, and chord progressions can also improve one's ability to organize musical material.
Choir Director
A choir director leads and conducts a choir or vocal ensemble. This Trinity Grade 7 Music Theory course may be useful because it covers essential music theory concepts such as rhythm, scales, chords, and harmony, all of which are important for a choir director to understand. Learning about voice leading and chord progressions enhances the ability to rehearse a choir effectively. Knowledge of musical forms, such as the sonata and rondo, may also allow one to make informed musical choices.
Musical Instrument Technician
A musical instrument technician repairs and maintains musical instruments. While this Trinity Grade 7 Music Theory course focuses on theoretical aspects of music, familiarity with musical scales, chords, and instrument ranges may be useful in understanding the construction and function of various instruments. This knowledge may help a technician diagnose and address instrument-related issues more effectively, especially those related to tuning and intonation.
Acoustic Engineer
An acoustic engineer works with sound and vibration, often in the context of architectural design or audio equipment development. While this Trinity Grade 7 Music Theory course focuses on musical concepts, understanding harmony, scales, and instrument ranges may provide some insights into the physics of sound and its perception. This may be useful in designing spaces with optimal acoustics or developing audio equipment that accurately reproduces sound.
Multimedia Artist
A multimedia artist combines various art forms, including music, to create interactive or engaging experiences. This Trinity Grade 7 Music Theory course may be useful for a multimedia artist who wants to incorporate music into their projects. Understanding musical structure, harmony, and rhythm can enhance the artist's ability to create effective soundscapes and integrate music seamlessly into their multimedia creations.
DJ
A DJ selects and plays music for an audience. While a DJ does not require advanced knowledge of music theory, this Trinity Grade 7 Music Theory course may be useful in understanding musical keys, chord progressions, and song structure, which can inform track selection and mixing decisions. Learning about phrasing, arrangement, and harmony may also help a DJ create seamless and engaging sets.

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 7 Music Theory.
Walter Piston's 'Harmony' classic text that provides an in-depth exploration of harmonic principles. While advanced, it offers valuable insights into chord progressions, voice leading, and harmonic analysis. is particularly useful for understanding the underlying principles behind the chord progressions and harmonic sequences covered in the Grade 7 syllabus. It serves as an excellent reference for students seeking a deeper understanding of harmony.
Provides a comprehensive overview of music theory concepts, making it a useful reference for students of all levels. It covers topics such as scales, chords, rhythm, and form in a clear and accessible manner. While not specifically tailored to the Trinity syllabus, it offers valuable background knowledge and reinforces fundamental principles. It is especially helpful for students who need a refresher on basic concepts.

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