HI everyone,

can anybody help me with the following?

Grade 2 Theory. In the question where you are given a scale and asked to add in any necessary accidentals without using the key signature - should you use the natural sign in brackets?

For example, if you are given Eminor descending (melodic) form should you put a natural in brackets immediately before the 6th © and 7th (D) to show the examiner you understand that you are flattening them because they were sharpened in the ascending form? Hope this makes sense.


In the 4-bar rhythm question is it ok to include a rest when composing the rhythm or just stick to all notes? Also, is it preferable to give a speed direction eg: andante, allegro, etc.

Any advice anyone can give is much appreciated.

No.



You can use a rest if it makes sense but I'd wouldn't consider anything longer than a crotchet rest.
No speed direction needed.

If you are writing out the descending E minor scale you aren't technically flattening the C and D - you are leaving them as they are. As sbhoa says, it's not necessary. You would lose marks if you did I think. I'm interested that you know about the melodic form at Grade two. I never do that in detail with my pupils until Grade three.

It's really important to use a triplet in the 4 bar rhythm question. It would have been studied in the Gr 2 MTIP book, so it's expected to be included.

Melodic and Harmonic forms are both covered in Grade 2- candidates are given the option of which one they do in the examination, hence why they would know about Melodic.

I think its a bit wrong to say that you HAVE to use triplets in 4bar rhythms, as long as the rhythm functions as a question/answer and is well balanced with all the necessities you have no reason why you shouldnt score top marks. They are however good to include of course.

Thank-you everybody who responded for your advice. I see what you mean that it is incorrect to say you are flattening the C and D. When I think about it you are indeed just leaving them as they are.