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AMEB · Grade 1 · Syllabus & study guide

AMEB Grade 1 Music Theory — Complete Syllabus & Study Guide

14 topics27 questions60 min41 marks

The AMEB Grade 1 music theory exam tests how confidently you read, write and understand notation at this level. A typical paper runs about 27 questions in 60 minutes for 41 marks, mixing identification, writing and matching tasks — the same shape as the real exam.

This guide lists every one of the 14 syllabus topics for Grade 1, each with a one-line summary and a suggested practice dose, plus the exact paper structure, a free full-length mock test, and a step-by-step study plan. Everything linked here is free to use.

What's in the exam

Our free mock paper mirrors the question-type distribution of a real AMEB Grade 1 paper. Section by section:

  1. Note identification — 8 × 1 mark (8 marks)
  2. Rhythm tapping — 3 × 2 marks (6 marks)
  3. Key signatures — 3 × 2 marks (6 marks)
  4. Intervals — 5 × 2 marks (10 marks)
  5. Matching pairs — 3 × 2 marks (6 marks)
  6. Flashcards — 5 × 1 mark (5 marks)
41 marks total, 60 minutes. See the full mock paper →

Syllabus topics

Work through these in order — each topic builds on the one before it. The count in brackets is the practice dose we recommend per sitting.

  1. 1
    Getting started
    Staff lines and spaces, treble and bass clefs — the basic vocabulary. (~10 practice questions)
  2. 2
    Note values
    Semibreve, minim, crotchet, quaver, semiquaver — durations and beams. (~10 practice questions)
  3. 3
    Note naming
    Naming notes on lines and spaces, treble and bass clefs. (~15 practice questions)
  4. 4
    Sharp, flat and natural
    Reading and writing sharps, flats and naturals. (~12 practice questions)
  5. 5
    The C major scale
    Writing the C major scale; tones and semitones in the pattern. (~10 practice questions)
  6. 6
    The G major scale
    G major scale; the F♯ key signature. (~10 practice questions)
  7. 7
    The F major scale
    F major scale; the B♭ key signature. (~10 practice questions)
  8. 8
    Time signatures
    Reading 2/4, 3/4, 4/4. Counting beats and adding bar lines. (~12 practice questions)
  9. 9
    Intervals
    2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8ve — major-key diatonic. (~15 practice questions)
  10. 10
    Chords
    Tonic, subdominant and dominant triads in C, G and F major. (~12 practice questions)
  11. 11
    Rests and anacrusis
    Matching rests to notes; anacrusis (pickup) at the start of a phrase. (~10 practice questions)
  12. 12
    Scale degrees in melodies
    Identifying scale-degree numbers (1-8) within a major-key melody. (~10 practice questions)
  13. 13
    Transposition
    Rewriting a short melody up or down by an octave. (~8 practice questions)
  14. 14
    Terminology
    Tempo, dynamics and articulation marks introduced at Grade 1. (~12 practice questions)

How to prepare

  1. Work through the topics in order — start at topic 1 and move down the list above in order. Pair each topic with the free reference pages on intervals, key signatures, scales and triads.
  2. Learn the vocabulary — Italian terms and signs are the easiest marks to lose. Keep the music theory glossary open and review a handful of terms a day until they all stick.
  3. Sit the free mock under timed conditions — once you have covered the topics, sit the free AMEB Grade 1 mock test under timed conditions — 27 questions, 60 minutes, instant scoring, no signup.
  4. Review mistakes and re-sit — go back to the topics you dropped marks on, drill them, then re-sit from the AMEB Grade 1 mock paper page. Aim for a stable 80%+ before exam day.

Frequently asked questions

What is in the AMEB Grade 1 music theory exam?
The AMEB Grade 1 theory paper covers 14 syllabus topics: Getting started, Note values, Note naming, Sharp, flat and natural and 10 more topics. A typical paper has around 27 questions and lasts 60 minutes.
How many questions is the AMEB Grade 1 theory paper?
Around 27 questions, mixing identification, writing and matching tasks across the syllabus topics.
How long is the AMEB Grade 1 theory exam?
60 minutes.
Is AMEB Grade 1 music theory hard?
It is designed as a first step: 14 topics covering the fundamentals of notation, rhythm and pitch. Short, regular practice is enough for most students.
Where can I take a free AMEB Grade 1 theory mock test?
Theory Practice hosts a free AMEB Grade 1 mock paper with instant scoring at https://theorypractice.app/mocks/AMEB/1 — no signup required.

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