Theory Exams

the language of theory

The Piano Adventures Theory Exam is available online and on-demand to support each student’s individual schedule. The Exam serves as a “musical metric” for theory essentials, so important for fine musicianship.

Primer, Level 1, Level 2A, Level 2B, and Level 3A Theory Exams are now available!

Note: Level 3B and beyond, coming soon!

What makes the Theory Exams unique? Participants will appreciate the engaging online experience. One question per page allows students to center and focus. Narration offers a warm tone. And the mascot Trophy guides students forward with flips, cartwheels, and more!

Sample Theory Questions

Interested in a closer look at the Theory Exams?

Sample Theory Questions are fun to try. Meet the Exam mascot Trophy!

Five Fast Facts for the Theory Exam

1. The Theory Exam are divided into Elementary and Intermediate Exams.

Elementary Levels:
Primer
Level 1
Level 2A
Level 2B

Intermediate Levels:
Level 3A
Level 3B (coming soon)
Level 4 (coming soon)

2. The Elementary Level Exams each have 70 questions divided between 6 sections. The Intermediate Level Exams each have 100 questions divided between 6 sections.

3. Depending upon the level, each Exam takes approximately 15-45 minutes. Warm, gentle narration is available.

Primer: 15 to 20 minutes
Level 1: 20 to 25 minutes
Level 2A: 20 to 25 minutes
Level 2B: 25 to 30 minutes
Level 3A: 30 to 45 minutes

4. The fee for each Elementary Level Theory Exam is $20.

5. Once enrolled, a student has 90 days to complete the Theory Exam. Results are available within 5 days.

Student Theory Awards!

Piano Adventures Exams is delighted to offer special Theory Awards. Upon completion of the Theory Exam, students will receive a Certificate of Completion as a printable download.

Students are encouraged to take both the Theory Exam and the Performance Exam. This holistic approach joins together the analytic and the expressive. Students taking both Exams will receive the Piano Adventures Diploma to mark their musical achievement.

Sample Certificate of Completion

Sample Diploma

Be a Theory Leader on The Bravo Board!

Students scoring 97% or higher will earn the impressive title of Theory Leader. These students are then eligible to be featured on The Bravo Board.

This specially designated area of the Piano Adventures Exam website recognizes outstanding students in Theory and Performance. Trophy gives each student a special congratulatory “shout out!”

How to Prepare

Students and teachers may prepare for the Theory Exam in five ways:

  1. Use the corresponding Piano Adventures Theory Book to learn and reinforce concepts.

Primer Theory Book

Level 1 Theory Book

Level 2A Theory Book

Level 2B Theory Book

Level 3A Theory Book

  1. The Primer Level Unit Assessments are highly recommended for the teacher to use. This is a teacher support book that need not be purchased by the student.

Primer Level Unit Assessments

 

HOW TO USE
  • Do the corresponding Unit Assessment after each Unit in the Lesson Book, about 10 minutes of time. Suitable for private or class lessons.
  • Together, the teacher and student will quickly establish whether the student knows the content. The preparatory questions promote confidence, focus, and fun!
  • The Unit Assessments may be done in-person or in online lessons. It is available as a print book for the Teacher. Or, access online in the Piano Adventures Teacher Atlas.
  1. Piano Adventures Flashcards support the PrimerLevel 1, and Level 2A concepts. Use in the lesson or during practice at home to reinforce essential theory skills such as note-naming, intervals, music symbols & terms, and more!

Piano Adventures Flashcards

  1. Reinforce note reading with I Can Read Music Books 1, 2, and 3.

I Can Read Music Books 1, 2, and 3

Piano Adventures I Can Read Music Books 1 through 3

Far beyond the traditional note speller. Reinforce guide notes with fun visuals, read and write intervals with story telling, and learn melodic and rhythmic patterns in various musical settings.

  1. Have the student do the Sample Theory Questions for their exam level.

Primer Sample Theory Questions

Level 1 Sample Theory Questions

Level 2A Sample Theory Questions

Level 2B Sample Theory Questions

Level 3A Sample Theory Questions