Grade 1 Music Theory Syllabus
The following syllabus can be found on the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music's website, www.abrsm.org:
1) Note values of semibreve, minim, crotchet, quaver and semiquaver, and their equivalent rests (candidates may use the terms ‘whole note’, ‘half note’, etc.). Tied notes. Single-dotted notes and rests.
2) Simple time signatures, bar-lines and the grouping of the notes listed above.Composition of a two-bar rhythm in answer to a given rhythm starting on the first beat of a bar.
3 The stave. Treble (G) and bass (F) clefs. Names of notes on the stave, including middle C in both clefs. Sharp, flat and natural signs, and their cancellation.
4 ) Construction of the major scale, including the position of the tones and semitones. Scales and key signatures of the major keys of C, G, D and F in both clefs, with their tonic triads (root position), degrees (number only), and intervals above the tonic (by number only).
5) Some frequently used terms and signs concerning tempo, dynamics, performance directions and articulation marks. Simple questions will be asked about a melody written in either treble or bass clef.
1) Note values of semibreve, minim, crotchet, quaver and semiquaver, and their equivalent rests (candidates may use the terms ‘whole note’, ‘half note’, etc.). Tied notes. Single-dotted notes and rests.
2) Simple time signatures, bar-lines and the grouping of the notes listed above.Composition of a two-bar rhythm in answer to a given rhythm starting on the first beat of a bar.
3 The stave. Treble (G) and bass (F) clefs. Names of notes on the stave, including middle C in both clefs. Sharp, flat and natural signs, and their cancellation.
4 ) Construction of the major scale, including the position of the tones and semitones. Scales and key signatures of the major keys of C, G, D and F in both clefs, with their tonic triads (root position), degrees (number only), and intervals above the tonic (by number only).
5) Some frequently used terms and signs concerning tempo, dynamics, performance directions and articulation marks. Simple questions will be asked about a melody written in either treble or bass clef.
When I myself was learning music theory, I used the 'Music Theory in Practice Books' by Eric Taylor. Click below for the Grade 1 book which covers all the topics in the syllabus above: