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Free Grade 2 diagnostic

Find the Grade 2 topics that need work

Answer these 12 questions without notes, then open each explanation. The aim is not to predict an exam mark. It is to find the next useful ten-minute practice task.

Know which exam you mean: a Grade 2 practical piano examination includes repertoire, technical work, aural tests, sight reading and general knowledge. AMEB Theory of Music Grade 2 is a separate written subject with its own syllabus and examination. This independent diagnostic supports piano-study knowledge; it is not an official AMEB paper and Music Maestro is not affiliated with or endorsed by AMEB.

12 original diagnostic questions

01How should 6/8 time be felt and counted?

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As two main beats, each divided into three quavers. There are six quavers in the bar, but the pulse is usually two dotted-crotchet beats. That makes 6/8 compound duple time.

02How many quavers equal one dotted crotchet?

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Three quavers. A crotchet equals two quavers and the dot adds half of that value—one more quaver.

03Which sharps belong to the key signature of D major?

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F♯ and C♯. Sharps enter key signatures in the order F, C, G, D, A, E, B.

04Which major key has three sharps?

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A major. Its key signature contains F♯, C♯ and G♯.

05What is the relative minor of B♭ major?

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G minor. Both keys use B♭ and E♭ in the key signature. The relative minor begins on the sixth degree of the major scale.

06Which note is raised in G harmonic minor?

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F becomes F♯. Harmonic minor raises the seventh degree on the way up and down. G natural minor already contains B♭ and E♭.

07From C up to E♭, what is the complete interval name?

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A minor 3rd. C–D–E spans three letter names, so it is a 3rd. The three-semitone distance makes it minor.

08From D up to A, what is the complete interval name?

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A perfect 5th. Count D–E–F–G–A for five letter names. The seven-semitone distance is a perfect 5th.

09Which notes form an A minor triad in root position?

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A, C and E. A is the root, C is the minor 3rd and E is the perfect 5th.

10In G major, which chords create a perfect cadence?

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D major followed by G major. A perfect cadence moves from the dominant chord, V, to the tonic chord, I.

11What does cantabile ask a performer to do?

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Play in a singing style. It describes character and phrasing, not a fixed metronome speed.

12When discussing an exam piece, what should you know beyond its title and composer?

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Know its key or tonality, time signature, form or structure, and the meaning of important terms and signs in the score. The exact questions depend on the repertoire, so practise from the student’s own music with their teacher.

Turn the score into a plan

  1. 10–12 secure: mix the topics under time pressure and explain every answer aloud.
  2. 7–9 secure: group missed questions by rhythm, keys, intervals, chords or terms and practise the weakest group first.
  3. 0–6 secure: rebuild one topic at a time before using mixed mock questions. Ask the teacher which skills matter most for the student’s current exam pathway.

Four focused practice sessions

Session 1 · Rhythm

Build and clap four 6/8 bars. Say “two main beats” before counting the quavers.

Session 2 · Keys

Write D, A, B♭ and E♭ major key signatures, then pair each with its relative minor.

Session 3 · Intervals and chords

Name interval number first, then quality. Build major and minor triads from the root.

Session 4 · The actual pieces

Mark the key, time, sections, terms and signs in each piece the student will perform.

Requirements can change. Confirm the student’s exact pathway in the current official syllabus and with their teacher. The official AMEB Grade 2 overview lists technical work, aural tests, sight reading and general knowledge alongside prepared pieces.

Practise the weak topic

Continue with interactive Grade 2 and 3 practice for one AUD 14.99 payment. Grade 1 remains free without an account.

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