Music for Grade 5
1 **Musicianship**
1-1 Sight-reading
1-2 Aural tests
1-3 General musicianship
2 **InstrumentalVocal Technique**
2-1 Scales and arpeggios
2-2 Technical exercises
2-3 Tone production
2-4 Fingerhand position
2-5 Breath control (for wind and vocal)
3 **Repertoire**
3-1 Solo pieces
3-1 1 Baroque period
3-1 2 Classical period
3-1 3 Romantic period
3-1 4-20th21st century
3-2 Ensemble pieces
3-2 1 Duets
3-2 2 Small ensembles
4 **Theory of Music**
4-1 Harmony
4-1 1 Chords
4-1 2 Progressions
4-2 Melody
4-2 1 Construction
4-2 2 Analysis
4-3 Rhythm
4-3 1 Time signatures
4-3 2 Metre
4-4 Notation
4-4 1 Clefs
4-4 2 Key signatures
4-4 3 Dynamics and articulation
5 **History of Music**
5-1 Baroque period
5-1 1 Key composers
5-1 2 Characteristics
5-2 Classical period
5-2 1 Key composers
5-2 2 Characteristics
5-3 Romantic period
5-3 1 Key composers
5-3 2 Characteristics
5-4 20th21st century
5-4 1 Key composers
5-4 2 Characteristics
6 **Performance Practice**
6-1 Interpretation
6-1 1 Dynamics
6-1 2 Tempo
6-1 3 Articulation
6-2 Stage presence
6-2 1 Posture
6-2 2 Communication with audience
6-3 Preparation
6-3 1 Rehearsal techniques
6-3 2 Memorization
7 **Listening Skills**
7-1 Identifying genres
7-2 Recognizing key works
7-3 Analyzing musical elements
8 **Composition**
8-1 Basic composition techniques
8-2 Writing for different instrumentsvoices
8-3 Form and structure
9 **Collaborative Skills**
9-1 Ensemble playing
9-2 Accompaniment
9-3 Improvisation
10 **Exam Preparation**
10-1 Mock exams
10-2 Time management
10-3 Stress management
4-1-1 Chords Explained

4-1-1 Chords Explained

Key Concepts

4-1-1 Chords refer to specific types of chords that are foundational in music theory. These chords are essential for understanding harmonic progressions and building musical structures. Key concepts include:

Major Chord (4-1-1)

A major chord consists of three notes: the root, the major third, and the perfect fifth. The major third is four half steps above the root, and the perfect fifth is seven half steps above the root. Major chords are associated with a bright, happy sound.

Example

The C major chord (C-E-G) is built on the first degree of the C major scale. The interval between C and E is a major third, and the interval between C and G is a perfect fifth.

Minor Chord (4-1-1)

A minor chord also consists of three notes: the root, the minor third, and the perfect fifth. The minor third is three half steps above the root, and the perfect fifth is seven half steps above the root. Minor chords are associated with a softer, more somber sound.

Example

The A minor chord (A-C-E) is built on the first degree of the A minor scale. The interval between A and C is a minor third, and the interval between A and E is a perfect fifth.

Diminished Chord (4-1-1)

A diminished chord consists of three notes: the root, the minor third, and the diminished fifth. The minor third is three half steps above the root, and the diminished fifth is six half steps above the root. Diminished chords are associated with a tense, unstable sound.

Example

The B diminished chord (B-D-F) is built on the first degree of the B diminished scale. The interval between B and D is a minor third, and the interval between B and F is a diminished fifth.

Analogies

Think of major chords as the primary colors in a painting, providing a bright and vibrant foundation. Minor chords are like secondary colors, adding depth and nuance to the palette. Diminished chords are akin to shadows, creating contrast and tension in the composition.

Another analogy is cooking: major chords are like sweet ingredients that enhance the overall flavor, minor chords are like savory elements that add complexity, and diminished chords are like spices that add excitement and intrigue.

By understanding and utilizing these chord types, you can create a rich and diverse harmonic palette that enhances your musical compositions.