Music theory documents

Generally, click on the document title to view/download the PDF. I recommend printing ‘actual size’ - this may cut off some header information but will be more true to the original.

Concept explainers

Key signatures - keys, key signatures, circle of fifths.
Intervals - Major, minor, diminished, Augmented. Taught in the semitone chart method.
Time signatures - time signatures, rhythm, ‘fill in the note’.
Cadences - authentic, plagal, half, deceptive.
Whole tone scale triads - finding the two triads for a whole tone scale.
Scales and modes - Major and minor scales, plus: whole tone, chromatic, modes.
Triads - Major, minor, diminished, Augmented triads and their inversions. Taught by interval composition.
Dominant 7ths and associated chords - Dominant, diminished, augmented 7th chords and inversions.
Secondary dominants - Solving CM secondary dominants problems, then more advanced secondary dominants exercises.

Concept worksheets

Modes worksheet 1 and worksheet 2 - identifying and writing modes. [Answer key 1 and key 2]
Scale degrees - identifying scale degree names and qualities in major and minor keys. [Answer key]
Inversions/figured bass - identifying and constructing inversions, recognising synonymous labels. [Answer key]
Passage-based chord identification worksheet 1 and worksheet 2 - identifying quality, scale degree, and inversions of chords within a passage. [Answer key 1 and key 2]
Time signatures and rhythm practice worksheet 1 and worksheet 2 - writing in notes to finish measures, writing note equivalents, determining key signature. [Answer key 1 and key 2]
Fugue subject identification practice - excerpt based on musescore upload by ClassicMan. Identifying subjects and countersubjects in a 4-voice, 2-episode excerpt. [Answer key]
Primary and secondary triads - write primary and secondary triads using key signatures and accidentals. Scale degree names and qualities. [Answer key]
Whole tone scale triads - construct triads for whole tone scales. [Answer key]
Rhythm practice 3 - add the barlines according to the time signature given. [Answer key]

Level worksheets

These are specifically multi-concept worksheets, a little bit like a practice test but more geared toward testing concepts rather than mimicking the CM test. If you would like a more realistic practice test, The Music Makers have an excellent set of practice tests on their website.

Level 8 - chapters 1-8. Last update: 24 Jan. 2020 [Answer key]

Pre-tests

Pre-test 1 - A limited number of problems selected to be indicative of the level of understanding of music theory as tested in CM levels 6-8. See the answer key to decide which questions are applicable for you. [Answer key]

Ear training and vocabulary

Links go to pages, not to individual documents

Ear training intervals - Major, minor, diminished, Augmented, Perfect. Interval pairs. Broken, blocked, and mixed broken/blocked. Audio, multiple choice, sheet music, and answer sheets
Vocabulary worksheets - “Connect the term with its definition” worksheets for level 9 vocabulary, plus tools to build your own. Spreadsheet of Julie McIntosh Johnson & CM syllabus definitions

Worksheet construction resources

Master modes list - A reference chart for the accidentals in modes excluding Ionian, starting on every note including enharmonics (two pages).

Last update 3 Feb. 2021