Art & music · Grades 8–12

Rhythm & musical structure · Quick reference

Reference sheet for Grades 8 to 12: 4 key ideas, including counting semitones, naming intervals and key signatures and relative minors. A semitone (half step) is the smallest step on a piano keyboard.

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Rule and key idea

Counting semitones

A semitone (half step) is the smallest step on a piano keyboard. E to F and B to C are semitones with no black key between them.

C C♯ D D♯ E F F♯ G G♯ A A♯ B C

How many semitones (half steps) are there going up from F♯ to the next E above it? → 10

Naming intervals

Count letter names, including both ends, to get the number (third, fifth...). Then count semitones to find the quality (major, minor, perfect, augmented, diminished).

size = letter names counted · quality = semitones

What is the interval from B up to G? → minor sixth

Key signatures and relative minors

Each major key shares its key signature with a relative minor three semitones lower. Sharps and flats are always added in a fixed order.

sharps: F C G D A E B · flats: B E A D G C F

What is the relative minor of E major? → C♯ minor

Tempo and duration

Tempo is measured in beats per minute (BPM). Find the total beats, then convert beats to seconds.

seconds = bars × beats per bar × 60 ÷ BPM

A piece in 3/4 time is played at 90 beats per minute, with one beat per quarter note. How many seconds do 14 bars last? Round to one decimal place if needed. → 28

Check yourself

Four practice questions on this topic. Try each one before you open the answer.

How many sharps are in the key signature of A major?
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3 A major has 3 sharps.
A piece in 3/4 time is played at 100 beats per minute, with one beat per quarter note. How many seconds do 12 bars last? Round to one decimal place if needed.
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21.6 s 12 × 3 × 60 ÷ 100 = 21.6
A piece in 4/4 time is played at 144 beats per minute, with one beat per quarter note. How many seconds do 6 bars last? Round to one decimal place if needed.
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10 s 6 × 4 × 60 ÷ 144 = 10
How many flats are in the key signature of C♭ major?
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7 C♭ major has 7 flats.