Theory Syllabus 2016 Transition

• New publications for Preparatory–Level 8 based on the Theory Syllabus, 2016 Edition are available now.

• New publications for Levels 9–ARCT based on the Theory Syllabus, 2016 Edition are available now.

• New publications for Levels 9–ARCT Harony & Counterpoint and Analysis based on the Theory Syllabus, 2016 Edition will be available in Spring 2017.

• Workshops for teachers will be offered in Fall 2017 focusing on the advanced-level publications. 

• Includes Winter 2017 (December 2016), Spring 2017 (May), and Summer 2017 (August) sessions

• Preparatory Rudiments and Introductory Harmony examinations has been discontinued.

• Counterpoint has been discontinued.

• One set of exams will be offered, with alternate questions to accommodate students who have based their preparation on either the 2009 or 2016 syllabus. See below for Sample Crossover Examination Questions

Includes Winter 2018 (December 2017), Spring 2018 (May), and Summer 2018 (August) sessions

• Exams with alternate questions will be offered for Level 9 Harmony, Level 10 Harmony & Counterpoint, and ARCT Harmony & Counterpoint.

• All other exams will be based on the Theory Syllabus, 2016 Edition as listed above.

September 1, 2018

• All theory examinations will be based entirely on Theory Syllabus, 2016 Edition, with no alternate questions.

The crossover period for Level 9 Harmony, Level 10 Harmony & Counterpoint, and ARCT Harmony & Counterpoint has been extended through to August 31, 2018. During this period, alternate questions to accommodate students who have based their preparation on either the 2009 or 2016 Syllabus will be included in Level 9 Harmony, Level 10 Harmony & Counterpoint, and ARCT Harmony & Counterpoint examinations. The extended crossover will apply to both Written Examinations and Keyboard Harmony.

As of September 2017, the Level 9 Harmony examination (along with Level 8 Theory, Level 9 History, Level 10 History, and Level 10 Harmony & Counterpoint) is required in order to obtain the Level 10 comprehensive certificate.  

Likewise, to obtain the ARCT in Performance diploma, Level 9 Harmony is required (along with Level 8 Theory, Level 9 History, Level 10 History, Level 10 Harmony & Counterpoint, ARCT History, ARCT Harmony & Counterpoint, and ARCT Analysis.) 

To view samples of questions based on the Theory Syllabus, 2016 Edition, click below:

• Level 5 Theory
• Level 8 Theory
• Level 9 Harmony
• Level 10 Harmony & Counterpoint
• Level 9 History
• ARCT History

To view samples of practice papers based on the Theory Syllabus, 2016 Edition, click below:

• Level 9 Keyboard Harmony
• Level 10 Keyboard Harmony
• ARCT Keyboard Harmony