G1 Music Theory: Sample Paper (2023-2024)
Grade 1 Music Theory – Multiple Choice Questions
Section A: Note Values and Rhythm
How many beats does a minim have in 4/4 time?
a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4
Which note lasts half as long as a crotchet?
a) Semibreve
b) Minim
c) Quaver
d) Semiquaver
How many quavers make one semibreve?
a) 2
b) 4
c) 8
d) 16
A dotted crotchet is equal to:
a) 1 beat
b) 1½ beats
c) 2 beats
d) 3 beats
Which time signature means three crotchet beats in a bar?
a) 2/4
b) 3/4
c) 4/4
d) 6/8
Section B: Pitch and Clefs
The line notes on the treble clef (from bottom to top) spell:
a) FACE
b) EGBDF
c) GBDFA
d) ACEG
The middle C on the treble clef is written:
a) On the first line
b) Below the stave on a ledger line
c) Above the stave on a ledger line
d) On the third space
The bass clef line notes (from bottom to top) are:
a) FACE
b) EGBDF
c) GBDFA
d) GBDFA
The space notes of the bass clef spell:
a) ACEG
b) FACE
c) BEAD
d) DEGA
The G-clef is another name for:
a) Bass clef
b) Treble clef
c) Alto clef
d) Tenor clef
Section C: Key Signatures and Scales
How many sharps are in the key of G major?
a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) None
The sharp in the key of G major is:
a) F♯
b) C♯
c) G♯
d) D♯
How many flats are in F major?
a) 0
b) 1
c) 2
d) 3
The flat in F major is:
a) B♭
b) E♭
c) A♭
d) D♭
The pattern of tones and semitones in a major scale is:
a) T–T–S–T–T–T–S
b) T–S–T–T–S–T–T
c) S–T–T–S–T–T–T
d) T–T–T–S–T–S–T
Section D: Intervals
The distance between C and E is a:
a) 2nd
b) 3rd
c) 4th
d) 5th
The interval between G and the next D above it is a:
a) 3rd
b) 4th
c) 5th
d) 6th
The interval from F to A is:
a) A 2nd
b) A 3rd
c) A 4th
d) A 5th
Section E: Terms and Signs
The Italian term “piano” (p) means:
a) Loud
b) Very loud
c) Soft
d) Gradually louder
The term “crescendo” (cresc.) means:
a) Gradually softer
b) Gradually louder
c) Suddenly loud
d) Very soft
The symbol 𝄐 (fermata) means:
a) Play faster
b) Hold the note longer
c) Repeat the bar
d) End the piece
The word “legato” means:
a) Play detached
b) Play smoothly and connected
c) Play loudly
d) Play softly
Forte (f) means:
a) Loud
b) Soft
c) Very soft
d) Very loud
Section F: Miscellaneous
A bar line is used to:
a) Indicate the end of a piece
b) Divide the music into equal groups of beats
c) Mark the beginning of a new clef
d) Show a repeat
A slur connects:
a) Notes of the same pitch
b) Notes of different pitches
c) Notes in separate bars
d) Dynamics
A tie connects:
a) Notes of the same pitch
b) Notes of different pitches
c) Notes in staccato
d) Notes with accents
The natural sign (♮):
a) Raises a note by a semitone
b) Lowers a note by a semitone
c) Cancels a previous sharp or flat
d) Doubles the pitch
