Primo Theory

Level 3
How to Use this Book
Although some of the levels in this series have interactive capabilities, each level was designed to serve perfectly well as a stand-alone
text. The interactive web apps are an enhancement, not a requirement for the completion of the exercises. They serve to reinforce
and solidify ear training skills.

The Solo Ear Training Exercises

Many of the ear training exercises are designed for solo practice by the student. However, the teacher should first work with the
student on these exercises until the student becomes familiar with the procedures. Afterward, the teacher should regularly observe
the student perform them to ensure that the student is maintaining correct practice. The student may discontinue any exercise
that can be executed easily and consistently. The exercises should be practiced as the student continues working through different
sections in the book.

The Dictation Exercises

The rhythmic and melodic dictation exercises are designed so that the student can work through them with an interactive
web app or with the teacher playing the dictation melodies. The teacher can fill in the missing measures with materials of his or
her choice, or go to www.primotheory.com to find the complete melodies.

The QR Codes
The QR codes found throughout this series can only be read by using a smart phone or pad which has a QR code reader app
installed. If you don’t have a QR code reader and don’t know where to get one, just follow these directions:

Step 1
With your mobile device, open your App Store (iPhone), Market (Android), Marketplace (Windows Mobile), or App World
(Blackberry).

Step 2
Search for “QR reader” and download and install any one of the apps available. There are free or paid versions. Read the reviews
and star ratings to decide which is best for you. Once installed, it’s ready to go.

Step 3
To scan a QR code, activate the app and center the QR code in the viewfinder as if you are going to take a picture of it. Adjust
the distance if necessary. Some code readers scan the code automatically when it’s in view, and some require you to press a button.

Step 4
The app should load in a few seconds. If you want to bookmark the app in your web browser for later use, follow the instructions
on your particular code reader on how to switch to your web browser.

If, after you read these instructions, you are still unsure what to do, don’t give up! Just go to www.primotheory.com for a video
tutorial or email robert@primopublishing.com

Online Resources
Be sure to visit www.primotheory.com or www.mytheoryapp.com to find links to an ever-growing list of supplemental materials
for each level. Throughout the text you will find directions given as follows:

PrimoTheory.com Resources Level 7 Page 10

This means to go to the website “primotheory.com” where you will be taken to a page containing a “Resources” link. From there
just follow the links—click on “Resources”, which will take you to a menu with all the volume levels; click on “Level 7”, which
will take you to a page listing Level 7 resources by page number; finally, click on “Page 10” to find the desired resource.
Contents

Section 1 Notation page 4

Section 2 The Treble and Bass Clef 8

Section 3 Time Signatures 17

Section 4 Rests 23

Section 5 Intervals 26

Section 6 Half Steps and Whole Steps 28

Section 7 Accidentals 29

Section 8 Ear Training 34

Section 9 Major Scales and Keys 38

Section 10 Musical Symbols and Terms 41

Level 3 Review 44
4
Section 1
Notation
A note is a symbol that represents a pitch, or musical tone.
Notes are placed on a staff as space notes or line notes. 445 445
LINE notes SPACE notes

The five lines and four spaces of a staff

are numbered from bottom to top.

The WHOLE NOTE is shaped like a hollow oval:

44544445
1
2
3
4
5

1
2
3
4

1. Circle S for space note or L for line note.

4446444444444444445
S or L S or L S or L S or L S or L S or L S or L S or L

2.

3.
Write the line and
space numbers.
445444
Write the correct number under each line or space note.
Lines
4446444444444444445
Spaces
4446444444444444445
 5

4. Draw whole notes in the space between the lines.

5. Draw whole notes on the middle lines.

The HALF NOTE consists of a note head and a stem. note head
The note head is not filled in. stem

The QUARTER NOTE consists of a solid note head

and stem.

Stem Placement: UP Stems

When the stem goes up, it is placed on the right side of the note head.
A note with an up stem
resembles the letter “d.”
correct wrong

6. Trace the note heads.

Add UP stems to each note head.
When drawing a note head with a stem,
shape it like a tilted oval.
7. Draw half notes with up stems.
6

Stem Placement: DOWN Stems

When the stem goes down, it is placed on the left side of the note head.
A note with a down stem
resembles the letter “p.”
correct wrong

8. Trace the note heads.

Add DOWN stems to each note head.
9. Draw half notes with down stems.

MEMORY AID:
Replace the lowercase “d” and “p” in “doctor pepper” with half notes: octor epper

Stem Direction
Notes below the middle line Notes above the middle
(line 3) have up stems: line have down stems:
h h h h
4444 h h h h 4444
middle line

Stems of notes on the 3rd line can go up or down. 46 64

h or h
10. Add stems to each note head.

4444444444444454
44564444564445556644566
 7

Stem Length
The stem should extend three more The length of the stem should equal
lines or spaces from the note head. the length of three more note heads.

4555664 h h
11. Add an up stem to each note head. Make sure the stem length is correct.

455566444444444445
455566444444444445
12. Add a down stem to each note head.

.
The DOTTED HALF NOTE consists of a hollow note head, dot
stem, and a dot placed always to the right of the note head.
Placement of Dots
h .
For SPACE notes, place the dot
on the same space as the note. 6444h.
h .
For LINE notes, place the dot on
the next space above the note,
regardless of stem direction. 6444h.
13. Add stems and dots to each note head.

4444444444444454
444444444444454566
8
Section 2
The Treble and Bass Clef

The Treble Clef

The treble clef, also called the G clef, line 2 Treble G
marks the G line on the staff.

w
The names of the line and space notes of the treble staff:

w w w w
w w
Line Notes Space Notes

`444444 `444466
w
E
w
G B D F F A C E

w w w w
1. Name the line notes.
w w
`44444444444444554446 w w w

w w w
2.
w
Name the space notes.
w
`4444444444444444446 w w w w

w w w
3. Name the line and space notes.
w w w
`44444444444444554446 w w w

w w w
`44444444444444554446w
w w w w w

w w
`44444444444444554446
w
w w w w w
w
 9
4. Draw whole notes on the lines and spaces indicated.

`466-46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -

line G space F line F space C line D space A line E
5. Draw half notes on the lines and spaces indicated.

`466-46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -

line B space E line G space A line F space C line E

The Bass Clef

line 4 bass F
The bass clef, also called the F clef,
marks the F line on the staff.

w
The names of the line and space notes of the bass clef:

w w w w
w w
Space Notes

1444444 144446
w
Line Notes
w
G B D F A A C E G
6. Name the line notes.
w w w
144444444444444554446
w w
w w w
w

7. Name the space notes.

w w
14444444444444444446
w
w w w w
w w

8. Name the line and space notes.

w w w
144444444444444554446 w
w w w w
w
 w w w w
w
10

144444444444444554446 w w w w

w w w w
w w w
144444444444444554446
w w

9. Draw dotted half notes on the lines and spaces indicated.

1466-46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -

line G space C line F space A line D space G line A

10. Draw quarter notes on the lines and spaces indicated.

1466-46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -

line B space E line D space A line G space C line A

11. On the staves below, draw whole notes as named. Use lines or spaces of your choice.
Note the clef signs.

`466-46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -

G F B C D A E

`466-46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -

B E G A F C D

1466-46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -

E C F G D G A

1466-46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -

F A D B G C E
 11

The Grand Staff

The treble and bass staves are joined by a brace to form the grand staff.
bar lines

`44544444444
brace
144544444444 double bar line

4444
The bar lines extend through The double bar line has a

4444
both staves of the grand staff thin line and a thick line.

Middle C is written on a ledger line between the bass and treble staves.

`445 ledger line

1445
Middle C will be placed closer to the treble or bass staff.

`44 `44
144
Treble clef middle C
144
Bass clef middle C
12

Drawing Middle C
When drawing middle C on the treble clef, the distance between the ledger line and
line 1 should be the same as the distance between the other lines of the staff.

`45 w The spaces between

the lines are equal.

12. Draw an X across the middle C’s which are not placed correctly.

`45 `45 `45 `45 `45

13. Practice drawing middle C’s on this staff. Place the ledger line along the dotted line.

`4444444444444
14. Practice drawing middle C’s on this staff.
Place them the correct distance from the first line.

`4444444444444
15. Draw a middle C on the treble staff.
`44
144
 13

w
When drawing middle C on the bass clef, the distance between the ledger line and
line 5 should be the same as the distance between the other lines of the staff.

145 The spaces between

the lines are equal.

16. Draw an X across the middle C’s which are not placed correctly.

145 145 145 145 145

17. Practice drawing middle C’s on this staff. Place the ledger line along the dotted line.

14444444444444
18. Practice drawing middle C’s on this staff.
Place them the correct distance from the fifth line.

14444444444444
19. Draw a middle C on the bass staff.
`44
144
14

The D Above Middle C

There is only room for one note between
middle C and the first line of the treble staff. `4444
C
w
D E

20. Name the notes.

`4444444444444444445-
w w w w w w w w w w

`4444444444444444445-
w w w w w w w w w w

The B Below Middle C w

The note between middle C and the
fifth line of the bass staff is B. 14444
C B A

w w w w
21.
w w w
Name the notes.
w w w
14444444444444444445-
w w w w w w w w w w
14444444444444444445-
 15

REVIEW: Section 2

w w
1. Name the notes.
w
Notice the clef signs.
w w
`44444444444444554445- w w w

w w w w
14444444444444444445-
w w w
w

w w
w w
`4444444444444444445-
w
w w w

w w
144444444444444554445-
w w w w
w w

2. Draw dotted half notes on the lines and spaces indicated. Notice the clef signs.

`466-46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -

line E space F line B space E line G space C line F

1466-46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -

line B space A Middle C space G line A space E line F

`466-46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -

Middle C space A line D space D line G space C line E
16

1466-46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -

line G space B Middle C space C line D space G line B

3. Label the parts of the grand staff.

`44544444
144544444
4. Name the notes.
q q
`445664444444444444446 h
q
w
h
w
1445664444444444444446 q

h w w
`445664444444444444446
q
h
q
1445664444444444444446 h h
 17
Section 3
Time Signatures
Bar lines are used to separate measures.
A double bar line is used mark the end of a piece or section.

`5444-444-444-=
measure
bar line
measure
bar line
measure
double bar line

44
A time signature is placed at the beginning of a piece of music,
`54
4
to the right of the clef sign.

4 The top number shows how many beats in each measure.

The bottom number shows the note value that gets one beat.

44
Examples:

`55 There are four beats per measure.

The quarter note ( q ) gets one beat.

34
`55 There are three beats per measure.
The quarter note ( q ) gets one beat.

1. Circle the correct symbol for each term.

Treble Clef 43 Bar Line 43
6-46 6-45-6
4
Double
Bar Line 64-= 6-454 Bass Clef

4
Time Signature 4 Measure 64-= 6-45-6
 4
18

4
2. Fill in the blanks.
There are four beats in each ________________________________ .
The note gets one beat.
___________________
(draw the note)

3. Write the number of beats per measure according to each time signature.
44 43 45 46 42
Beats per measure:

Here are the note values for time signatures with 4as the bottom number:
Whole Note Dotted Half Note Half Note Quarter Note

4 beats 3 beats 2 beats 1 beat

4. Write the correct number of beats each note or group of notes gets.
= beat(s). = beat(s).
= beat(s). = beat(s).
= beat(s). = beat(s).
= beat(s). = beat(s).

5. Write the correct number that completes each statement.

One note equals notes. One note equals notes.
One note equals notes. One note equals notes.
 19

The Counts of the Measure in $4Time

44 h h q q q q
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

44 h q q h q q q h
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Rhythm Drills in $4Time

6. Clap the rhythms as you count aloud.
Repeat each exercise until you can clap and count at a steady pace.

4
4
A)
144455-44455-44455-44456-=
4
4
B)
144455-44455-44455-44456-=
4
4
C)
144455-44455-44455-44456-=
4
4
D)
144455-44455-44455-44456-=
4
4 .
E)
144455-44455-44455-44456-= .

4
4 .
F)
144455-44455-44455-44456-= .
20

The Counts of the Measure in #4and @4Time

43 h h q q q q
1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3

2
4 h q q
1 2 1 2

Rhythm Drills in #4Time

7. Clap the rhythms as you count aloud.
Repeat each exercise until you can clap and count at a steady pace.
3
4
A)
144455-44455-44455-44456-=
3
4
B)
144455-44455-44455-44456-=
3
4
C)
144455-44455-44455-44456-=
Rhythm Drills in @4Time
8. Clap the rhythms as you count aloud.

2
4
A)
144455-44455-44455-44456-=
2
4
B)
144455-44455-44455-44456-=
2
4
C)
144455-44455-44455-44456-=
 21

44
9. Write the counts of the measure below the notes.

154444-4444-4444-4444-= h h q q q q q q h
44
154444-4444-4444-4444-=
h q q h. q q h q q h.
34
154444-4444-4444-4444-=
h. q q q h q q h

43 h
154444-4444-4444-4444-=
q h q q q q h.

4
10. Add bar lines where they are needed. Check the time signatures.
4
144444444444444544-=
4
4
144444444444444445-=
3
4
144444444444444445-=
3
4
144444444444444445-=
11. Write the top number of the time signature in each measure.
4h 4 h. q
`4445-=44665-=4444-=545446-=
h 4q h 4 h. q q

4q q 4 h.
`444-=444-=445-=44444566 -= 4 4q q h q q
22

Ear Training: Rhythmic Dictation

The act of writing on the staff the notes of a rhythm that is performed is called rhythmic dictation.
As you complete these or any rhythmic dictation drills, always keep in mind the following tips:
At first, just relax and listen carefully to the entire rhythm. Do not begin to write immediately.
Try to quickly memorize what you hear.
Keep track of the beat.
12. Your teacher will play two examples in each exercise.
Each example has two measures.
The first measure of each example is given.
Write the rhythm for the second measure of each example.
4 3
4 4
1. 2.

A
`5444-455555-= `54456-45564-=
4 3
4 4
1. 2.

B
`5444-455555-= `54456-45564-=
4 3
4 4
1. 2.

C
`5444-455555-= `54456-45564-=
4 3
4 4
1. 2.

D
`5444-455555-= `54456-45564-=
4 3
4 4
1. 2.

E
`5444-455555-= `54456-45564-=
The student/teacher exercises should be repeated regularly until they are easily done.
You can find more practice sheets at the following website:
PrimoTheory.com Resources Level 3 Page 22
 23
Section 4
Rests
A rest is a symbol used to indicate silence for a certain length of time.
The Whole Rest
The whole rest is a solid rectangle which
hangs from line 4 of the staff.

1. Draw a whole rest in each measure

line 4
3
2
1 44
145-45-45-45-45-45-45-45-=
A whole rest indicates a full measure of silence.

When illustrated outside the staff, a line The whole rest looks like
is added to the top of the rectangle. a (w)hole in the ground.

The Half Rest

The half rest sits on line 3 of the staff.

2. Draw a half rest in each measure.

line 3
2
1 4566
Half
Rest

145-45-45-45-45-45-45-45-=
In time signatures with 4as the bottom number,
the half rest gets two beats.

When illustrated outside the staff, a line The half rest - think of
is added to the bottom of the rectangle. two eyes under a hat.
 Q
24

Q
The Quarter Rest To draw a quarter rest, follow these steps.

454444546
In time signatures with 4as the bottom
number, the quarter rest gets one beat.
Start with a
Z shape,
then add a
little curve.
finished

3. Draw a quarter rest in each measure.

145-45-45-45-45-45-45-45-=
In time signatures with 4as the bottom number, each rest receives the
following beats:

Q
Whole Rest Half Rest Quarter Rest

4 beats 2 beats 1 beat

34 24
A whole rest is used to indicate silence
for a full measure, regardless of the time
signature (with few exceptions). `455- 1455-
4. Write the correct number of beats each rest or group of rests gets in $4time.
= beat(s). Q Q= beat(s).

Q = beat(s). Q Q = beat(s).
= beat(s). Q= beat(s).

5. Draw the rest named in each measure.

145-45-45-45-45-45-45-45-=
Half
rest
Quarter
rest
Whole
rest
Quarter
rest
Half
rest
Whole
rest
Quarter
rest
Whole
rest
 25

REVIEW: Sections 3 and 4

44
1.

2.
`54 This is called a _____________________________________________________________

The top number of a time signature shows how many

.
in each measure.
____________________

3. If the bottom number is , the __________________________________________ note gets one beat.

4. Write the correct number of beats the notes and rests get in time signatures with 4as
the bottom number.
= beat(s). = beat(s).
= beat(s). = beat(s).
= beat(s). = beat(s).
5. Write the top number of the time signature in each measure.
4 h.
`4445-=4446-=444455-=564464-=4 q 4 q q 4 h

4 q 4 h
`445-=4445656-=4446-=4464446-= q 4 h 4 h. q

44
6. Write the counts of the measure under the notes and rests.

`544446-44446-44446-44446-=
w q q h h. h

43 h .
`444546-44446-44446-44446-= q q h
7. Draw the rest named in each measure.

145-45-45-45-45-45-45-45-=
Whole
rest
Quarter
rest
Half
rest
Whole
rest
Quarter
rest
Whole
rest
Half
rest
Quarter
rest
26
Section 5
Intervals
An Interval is the distance between two tones.
The 2nd on the staff:
2nd The interval of a 2nd
is the same as a STEP. `444-444-
w w
line to space
w w
space to line

w
Draw a 2nd up from each given note. Use whole notes. Name the notes.
w
1.

w w
`455-4556-4556-4556-4556-4556-=
A B
w w
2.
h h
Draw a 2nd down from each given note. Use half notes. Name the notes.
h h
h
1455-4556-4556-4556-4556-4556-= h
E D

The 3rd on the staff:

`444-444-
w w w w
The interval of a 3rd
3rd is the same as a SKIP.
line to line space to space

3. Draw a 3rd up from each note. Use dotted half notes. Name the notes.
h h
`455-4556-4556-4556-4556-4556-=
h
h
h h

4.
q q
Draw a 3rd down from each note. Use quarter notes. Name the notes.
q
1455-4556-4556-4556-4556-4556-=
q
q q
 27

The 4th on the staff:

w
54556- `445-444- w w w w
skip + step

4th The interval of a 4th

is a skip plus a step. w
line to space space to line

w
5. Draw a 4th up from each note. Use whole notes. Name the notes.
w w w
`455-4556-4556-4556-4556-4556-=
w w
6.
h h h
Draw a 4th down from each note. Use half notes. Name the notes.
h
h
1455-4556-4556-4556-4556-4556-= h

w
The 5th on the staff:
w w
skip + skip

5th The interval of a 5th

is TWO SKIPS. w
54556- `445-444- w w
line to line space to space

7. Draw a 5th up from each note. Use dotted half notes. Name the notes.

h
`455-4556-4556-4556-4556-4556-=
h
h
h h h
8.
q q
Draw a 5th down from each note. Use quarter notes. Name the notes.
q q
q
1455-4556-4556-4556-4556-4556-=
REVIEW
q

9. Name the interval in each measure. Example: 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th.

`4556-4556-4556-4556-4556-4556-4556-=
3rd
28
Section 6
Half Steps and Whole Steps
Half Steps
On the keyboard, a half step is the distance from one key to the very next key.

white to black black to white white to white

1. From each key marked with a dot, draw a on the key a half step higher.

2. From each key marked with a dot, draw a on the key a half step lower.

Whole Steps
A whole step is made up of two half steps.
On the keyboard, count two half steps from the starting note.

black to black white to white white and black keys

3. From each key marked with a dot, draw a on the key a whole step higher.

4. From each key marked with a dot, draw a on the key a whole step lower.
 29
Section 7
Accidentals
Sharp, flat and natural signs are called accidentals.
An accidental is always placed on the left side of the note that is affected.

Sharp Sign A sharp sign before a note raises the pitch one half step.

On the keyboard, a sharped note is played A sharped note can be

on the very next key to the right. played on a white key.
D#

D E E#

`445-6445- w #w `445- #w
If a D is sharped, it is called “D-sharp” (written as “D#”).
An E that is sharped is called “E-sharp” (written as “E#”).
1. On each keyboard write a on the key that is named.

C# A# D#

G# F#

E# B#

2. Use sharps to name the keys marked with dots.

30

3. Name the sharped notes.

q
w
`5646-44-44-44-44-44-44-44-= h
h w
w w q
F

q w w
15646-44-44-44-44-44-44-44-= h
w
q
h w

Flat Sign A flat sign before a note lowers the pitch one half step.

On the keyboard, a flatted note is played on the very next key to the left.

Fb F

`44-6445- `445-
w
D
w
Db
w A flatted note can be
played on a white key.

Notes which have been flatted are called “D-flat” (written as Db).
4. Write a on each key named.

Eb Ab Db

Bb Gb

Fb Cb
 31

5. Use flats to name the keys marked with dots.

6.
w
q
Name the flatted notes.

15646-44-44-44-44-44-44-44-= h w h w
w q
A

q w w
w
`5646-44-44-44-44-44-44-44-= h q
h
w

Natural Sign Db

A natural sign is used to cancel a sharp or flat sign. D

On the keyboard, a natural sign will always
indicate a white key. `444445-
w w

7. Write a on each key named.

D A C

G B
32

REVIEW: Sections 5, 6 and 7

w w w
1. Draw a 2nd down from each given note. Use whole notes. Name the notes.
w w w
`455-4556-4556-4556-4556-4556-=
D C

2. Draw a 3rd up from each note. Use half notes. Name the notes.
h h
h h
1455-4556-4556-4556-4556-4556-= h h
3. Draw a 4th down from each note. Use dotted half notes. Name the notes.
h h h h
`455-4556-4556-4556-4556-4556-= h
h
4. Draw a 5th up from each note. Use dotted half notes. Name the notes.
h
1455-4556-4556-4556-4556-4556-=
h
h h h h

5. Name the interval in each measure. Example: 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th.

`4556-4556-4556-4556-4556-4556-4556-=
2nd

6. Circle the term which correctly completes each statement or fill in the blank:
A sharp sign (#) RAISES or LOWERS the pitch a half step.
A flat sign (b) RAISES or LOWERS the pitch a half step.
What does a natural ( ) sign mean? _____________________________________________________________
 33

7. One each keyboard write a on each key that is named.

D# A# E#

Db Gb Cb

E F B

8. Use sharps to name the keys marked with dots.

9. Use flats to name the keys marked with dots.

w
10. Name the sharped notes.
w
`5646-44-44-44-44-44-44-44-=
w
A
w h
q
h
q

11.
w
Name the flatted notes. w h
q
15646-44-44-44-44-44-44-44-=
w h
q
w
34
Section 8
Ear Training
Note to the teacher:
Assignment 1 can be practiced solo by the student or with a teacher. The teacher should first
practice this exercise with the student to make sure that the student knows how to practice it.
This exercise may be discontinued only when the student can match the pitches easily.
Solo Exercise: Singing Intervals
Exercise 1 will help the student recognize the sound of the intervals studied in this unit.
The following drills can be practiced solo or with the teacher.

1. Start on middle C.
a) Play C. Sing C using the syllable do.
(Do not move to the next step until you can match the pitch.)
b) Play D (the interval of a 2nd above C). Sing and match D using re.
c) Sing C to D as you play.
d) Repeat steps a), b) and c) using another interval above C.
Practice with the following intervals: 2nd C to D (sing) do - re
3rd C to E do - mi
4th C to F do - fa
5th C to G do - sol

Solo Exercise: Listening to Steps and Skips

Exercise 2 will help the student distinguish between movement by steps (2nds) and movement
by skips (3rds). The following drills can be practiced solo or with the teacher.

2. Start on middle C.
a) Play four keys going up by steps C, D, E and F.
Go back down by steps to C. (F, E, D, C)
Listen to the sound.
b) Play four keys going up by skips C, E, G and B.
Go back down by skips to C.
Listen to the sound.
c) Repeat a) and b) using different starting tones.
 35
Teacher/Student Improvisation Exercises
The student will compose and play accompaniment figures as the teacher improvises a melody.
3. Using two to four different keys on the piano,
a) Make up a few simple repeating step or skip patterns.
Keep the patterns very simple, so that they can be played easily.
Use any combination of hands or fingers to play.
b) Your teacher will play a melody as you play one of your patterns.
Examples of repeating patterns:
44 q q 44
skips
`44456-44555-5 `44456-44555-5
q q qqqq q q
qq q qq q
or

qqqq qqqq
44
qqqq qqqq 44 44
steps
144456-44466-6 144456- 144456- or or

Use the staves provided for assignment 3.

36

Teacher/Student Improvisation Exercises

The student will now improvise a melody using a fixed set of notes and rhythms.
The teacher will play repeating accompaniment figures.
4. On the piano, improvise a tune using the following method:
a) Use any four keys which are a step apart.
Only stepwise movement and repeated notes should be used.
or
Use any three keys which are a skip apart.
Only movement by skips and repeated notes should be used.
b) Use the rhythms provided below.
At first, only one rhythm, as you focus all your attention on the melodic movement.
When a certain level of comfort is achieved, switch between rhythms, or use your own.
#4time
3 3
4 4

$4time
4 4 4
4 4 4

4 4 4
4 4 4
 37

Teacher/Student Listening Exercises

5. You will hear groups of pitches which step or skip.
Circle the correct group in each box.
1. 2. 3. 4.
w w w w
w w
`4445- `4445- `4445- `4445-
w w w w w w w w w w
w w w w
w w w w w w w w
A
`4445- `4445- `4445- `4445-
w w w w

1. 2. 3. 4.

w w
w w w w
`4445- `4445- `4445- `4445- w w w w w w
w w w w
w w w w w w w w
w w w w w w
B
`4445- `4445- `4445- `4445- w w

6. Your teacher will play groups of pitches which move by 2nds and 3rds.
In each measure, there will be three pitches played.
The third note is missing on the staff.
After you hear each group, draw the missing note in each measure.
The third note will repeat the second note or move by 2nd or 3rd.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

A
`4456-4456-4456-4456-4456-=
ww ww ww ww ww

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

B
`4456-4456-4456-4456-4456-=
ww ww ww ww ww

The student/teacher exercises should be repeated regularly until they are easily done.
You can find more practice sheets at the following website:
PrimoTheory.com Resources Level 3 Page 37
38
Section 9
Major Scales and Keys
The Major Scale
The major scale is a series of eight successive tones arranged in the following ascending
order of whole steps (W) and half steps (H):
W W H W W W H
These intervals are the distance between the scale tones.
The tone that begins the scale is called the tonic or keynote.
The tonic names the scale.

w w w w
This is the
C Major scale `44444444444645-=
1

w
Tonic

W
2

w
W
3

w
H
4

w
W
5

W
6

W
7

H
8(1)

The half steps in the major scale occur between scale tones 3 - 4 and 7 - 8.
You can easily remember the whole/half step sequence by using the following:
We Were Happy When We Went Home

1. Write the whole step and half step pattern for the major scale:

2. The half steps in the major scale occur between scale tones - and - .
3. The tone that begins and names the scale is called the __________________ .
4. For the following major scale:
a) Print the whole and half step pattern on the lines below.
Use W (whole step) and H (half step).
C _______ D _______ E _______ F _______ G _______ A _______ B _______ C
b) Name the tonic note. _______
c) Name the scale using an uppercase letter. _______ Major
 39

5. For the following major scale:

a) Print the whole and half step pattern on the lines below.
Use W (whole step) and H (half step).
G _______ A _______ B _______ C _______ D _______ E _______ F# _______ G
b) Name the tonic note. _______
c) Name the scale using an uppercase letter. _______ Major

6. For the following major scale:

a) Print the whole and half step pattern on the lines below.
Use W (whole step) and H (half step).
F _______ G _______ A _______ Bb _______ C _______ D _______ E _______ F
b) Name the tonic note. _______
c) Name the scale using an uppercase letter. _______ Major

7. For each major scale:

a) Draw a slur connecting the notes which are a half step apart.
b) Draw the tonic note in the last measure. Use a whole note.

w w
C Major
`44444444444645-445-= w w w w
w w

w w w w
w w
G Major
w w
`44444444444645-445-=
w w w w
w
F Major
w
`44444444444645-445-=
w w
40

Key Signatures
When the C major scale is used as the main scale of a piece, the piece is said to be in
the key of C major. When the G major scale is the main scale, the key is G major, and
so on.
The key signature is formed by placing sharps or flats to the right of the clef sign.
A key signature identifies the key in which a piece is written.
# #
This is the G Major key signature. `4 14 or

This is the F Major key signature. `4 14 or

The C Major key signature

has no sharps or flats. `4 14 or

8. Circle the key signatures in the following musical examples.

#3 44
qqqq
q qq
4
`4444466-6 q q q
`4444456-6
9. Below are key signatures written in the bass and treble clefs.
Draw a line connecting the key names (in the boxes) to the correct key signatures.
Each box should connect to a key signature on the right and left.
#
`4 G Major 14
`4 C Major `4
#
14 F Major 14
 41
Section 10
Musical Symbols and Terms
Dynamic signs tell how loud or soft the music is to be played.

pp
TERM MEANING SIGN

p
Pianissimo very soft

P
Piano soft
Mezzo piano moderately soft
Mezzo forte moderately loud F
Forte loud f
Fortissimo very loud ff

1. List the dynamic signs in order from the softest to the loudest.
(softest) (loudest)

p f f F P p
2. Circle the louder dynamic sign.
a) b) c)
e) p pp f) P F g) ff f
3. Draw a line from each dynamic sign in the center column to the appropriate term in

p
the left column and description in the right column.

F
Pianissimo loud

f
Piano moderately soft

P
Mezzo piano soft

pp
Mezzo forte very loud

ff
Forte very soft
Fortissimo moderately loud
42

The Tie
4
A tie is a curved line that connects two adjacent notes of the same pitch.
4w
1445-5456-= w
The two notes combine to form one continuous pitch.
This pitch lasts for the combined value of the two tied notes.

4 4
4 beats 3 beats

4
`4446-4545-= `4446-4545-= 4
2 + 2 1 + 2
beats beats beat beats

2 2 2
4. Write the number of beats each pair of tied notes receives.
4
`44-456-= `44-456-= `44-456-= 4 4
beats beats beats

The Slur

44
A slur is a curved line that connects two or more notes of different pitches.

445 444 `444566-44456-6

A slur indicates that the music is to be performed legato, which means to play smoothly
with no break between the notes within the slur.

Remember:
A tie connects only two notes of the same pitch.
A slur connects two or more notes of different pitches.
 43

Staccato
The term staccato is used to describe notes performed in a disconnected manner.
The sign used for staccato is a dot placed above or below a note head.

445 444 The staccato dot will always be placed on a space.

The dots will always appear above or below the note head, on the opposite side
from the stem.

Correct Wrong
A staccato dot should not be confused with the dot of a dotted note.

Staccato notes Dotted half notes

5. Some of the staccato signs on the staff below are placed incorrectly.
Draw an X through the notes with the incorrectly placed staccato signs.

4444444444444444455
6. The staff below contains dotted notes and staccato notes.
Circle the correct term for each note.

4444444444444444455
Dotted Dotted Dotted Dotted Dotted Dotted Dotted Dotted
Staccato Staccato Staccato Staccato Staccato Staccato Staccato Staccato

7. Each example below contains slurred notes or tied notes.

Circle the correct term for each example.

445 445 445 445 444

Slurred Slurred Slurred Slurred Slurred
Tied Tied Tied Tied Tied
44

LEVEL 3 REVIEW
1. Draw dotted half notes on the lines and spaces indicated.

`466-46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -=

line B space A line G space E line F space F Middle C

1466-46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -=

line G space E Middle C space A line F space G line D

2. On the staves below, draw whole notes as named. Use lines or spaces of your choice.

`466-46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -=

F A D B C E G

1466-46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -46 6 -=

A G C E B F D

3. Draw the rest named in every measure.

145-45-45-45-45-45-45-45-=
Quarter
rest
Whole
rest
Quarter
rest
Half
rest
Whole
rest
Quarter
rest
Whole
rest
Half
rest

4. Label the parts of the grand staff.

`44544444
144544444
 45

5. Name the notes.

q q
`445664444444444444446
h
w
q
h
w
1445664444444444444446q

6. Name the interval in each measure. Example: 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th.

`4556-4556-4556-4556-4556-4556-4556-=
7. From each key marked with a dot, draw a on the key a half step higher.

8. From each key marked with a dot, draw a on the key a half step lower.

9. From each key marked with a dot, draw a on the key a whole step higher.

10. From each key marked with a dot, draw a on the key a whole step lower.
46

11. Write a on each key named.

C# G# B#

Eb Bb Fb

D G B

w
12. Name the sharped notes. Circle the notes that are played on the white keys.
w
`5646-44-44-44-44-44-44-44-= q h q
w w w
A

w w
13. Name the flatted notes. Circle the notes that are played on the white keys.
h
q
15646-44-44-44-44-44-44-44-=
w
q
h w

14. On the lines below, print the whole and half step pattern for the major scale.
Use W for whole steps and H for half steps.
F _______ G _______ A _______ Bb _______ C _______ D _______ E _______ F
G _______ A _______ B _______ C _______ D _______ E _______ F# _______ G

15. On the staff below,

a) Mark the half steps in the scale with slurs.
b) Draw the tonic note in the last measure. Use a whole note.

w w w w
w w
G Major
w w
`444444444446455-455-=
 47

16. Below are key signatures written in the bass and treble clefs.
Draw a line connecting the key names (in the boxes) to the correct key signatures.
Each box should connect to a key signature on the right and left.
#
14 #
G Major 14
`4 C Major `4
`4 F Major 14
17. Write the top number of the time signature in each measure.

4h
144454-=4446-=444455-=56446-= 4 q h 4 q h. 4 q

4 q 4 h.
14454-=444656-=4465-=46445465-= q 4 q q 4 h h.

44
18. Write the counts of the measure below the notes and rests.

15445556-45456-44556-45456-45456-=
h. q q q h h q q

43 h .
15445556-45456-44556-45456-45456-=
q q h q q q q h

4
19. Add bar lines where they are needed. Check the time signatures.
4
1444444444444445444-=
3
4
1444444444444444445-=
48

20. List the dynamic signs in order from the softest to the loudest.
(softest) (loudest)

P f f p P p
21. Circle the softer dynamic sign.
a) b) c)
d) ff F e) pp f f) p F
22. Draw a line from each dynamic sign in the center column to the appropriate term on
the left column and description on the right column.
ff
pp
Forte moderately soft

P
Mezzo piano very loud

p
Piano loud

F
Fortissimo soft

f
Pianissimo very soft
Mezzo forte moderately loud

23. The staff below contains dotted notes and staccato notes.
Circle the correct term for each note.

4444444444444444455
Dotted Dotted Dotted Dotted Dotted Dotted Dotted Dotted
Staccato Staccato Staccato Staccato Staccato Staccato Staccato Staccato

24. Each example below contains slurred notes or tied notes.

Circle the correct term for each example.

445 445 445 444 444

Slurred Slurred Slurred Slurred Slurred
Tied Tied Tied Tied Tied
 49

25. For each term there are two possible answers. Circle the correct answer.
Dotted Half Note 2nd -56565- -56565-
Flat Treble Clef

Measure 6-45-6 64-= Sharp

4
Half Note Key Signature 4 14
G Clef Half Rest

Natural Sign Middle C `45 145

Whole Note Brace
`
64-= 1
4 #
Time Signature 4
14 Quarter Note

5th -56565- -56565- Bass Clef

Quarter Rest
Q Bar Line 6-45-6 64-=
Whole Rest Double Bar Line 64-= 6-45-6
Middle C `45 145 3rd
-56565- -56565-