
All Students preparing for Grade exams are recommended to use the Hofnotes on-line training pages to practise for the aural tests. 
At higher grades you must be able to discuss with the examiner musical features such as texture, form, style, and period of a piece of music. My own web pages to help with these parts of the test at Grade 5+ and at GCSE are available here! 
| | Grade VAt this Grade you will be asked only about: - simple binary form
- simple ternary form
"To identify certain features of a piece played by the examiner...confined to...general perception of texture, rhythm, form, style and period" - ABRSM syllabus Link to the BBC's revision set for musical appreciation

Grade VIAt this Grade you will be expected to spot changes in tonality (at a general level; you would not be expected to identify specific keys). You will need to be able to find ways to describe themes - talking about different elements - in order to state where changes happened or identify repeating patterns. "To answer questions on the features of a piece played by the examiner, including the general perception of texture, form (including phrase structure), style and period" - ABRSM syllabus Link to the BBC's revision set for musical appreciation

Grade VIIAn earlier section of the test asks about cadences and modulations, but you should notice and give reasons for a change of key at the end of the section of music that is played. You will need a detailed knowledge of dance forms including the differences between the French and Italian forms, and be able to relate forms such as the Elizabethan Air and Variations to the instruments of the time. Your language for discussing elements of themes should be articulate and specific. "To answer questions on the features of a piece played by the examiner, including the general perception of texture, form (including phrase structure), style and period" - ABRSM syllabus 
Grade VIIIAn earlier section of the test asks about cadences and modulations, but you should notice and give reasons for a change of key at the end of the section of music that is played. You should be able to discuss different uses of similar forms (such as the minuet) at the level of specific composers. You should be prepared to identify and discuss all the elements of form covered in these pages. "To discuss matters relating to any of the musical features of a piece played by the examiner" - ABRSM syllabus |