The decision has been taken to better align with the current trends in music education and assessment and embrace the modern digital age of music and approaches to music theory. We are seeing more and more teachers and candidates choosing the digital option due to its convenience and the experience it offers.
Learning music theory provides fundamental skills and building blocks of knowledge that is relevant for all musicians at all levels, so Trinity believes everyone should be able to access it. Moving to a digital exam format makes music theory graded assessments accessible to everyone, at any time and at any place.
While they offer a more flexible exam alternative, they still assess a deep understanding of music theory, including the essential skills of learning to read and write music notation. This remains a crucial part of the learning process, with the digital exam simply testing the candidate's understanding of those core principles. All that’s needed is an internet connection and Chrome, making this a more accessible and flexible option for all.
Watch the video to find out how Trinity’s Digital Music Theory exams work.
As ever, the team at Trinity are fully prepared to support customers with the move to digital theory exams. We do of course also appreciate that many customers enjoy the paper-based Theory graded exams. But we are confident that with the supporting resources available, and our guidance, teachers and candidates will enjoy the digital exam option and quickly realise how closely it replicates the paper-based format. Here are some useful resources and support to help you with the move to digital.
This candidate's guide provides all the key information needed to prepare for a digital Music Theory exam including the minimium system requirements for the PC, understanding how the proctoring will work and what to do before and on exam day.
Download digital Music Theory guide
A digital Music Theory exam can be booked whenever the candidate is ready. The exam must be taken within 28 days of booking.
Book a digital Music Theory exam
On the 4 March 2025, 12:30pm we’re hosting a webinar where we’ll explore the features of the digital exam platform and provide a demonstration of an exam so you can understand how it works for candidates. Register your place now. Even if you can’t attend, you will be able to access a recording afterwards.
For a one-to-one chat with our Sector Support team who can answer any questions you may have about our digital Theory of Music exams please book in a support call.
We have guidance on the types of questions that candidates can be expected to be presented with in the digital exam.
The digital exam utilises an industry-standard notation software platform for candidates to write notation for certain questions. You can try out the software in your browser for free in advance, to become familiar with the function and features.
We have made a free practice test available at each grade for teachers and candidates to try. It will replicate the full exam structure with the exception of the on-demand proctoring. Model answers are provided after the test as a guide for the candidate.
All of the current resources available remain valid for use in preparation for a digital music theory test. We have workbooks for all grades, past papers and model answers available through Trinity College London Press in print and ebook formats.
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