Preparing for an intermediate-level music exam often feels like juggling multiple concepts at once. Between theory, technique, and performance, students must demonstrate not only how well they play but also how well they understand the language of music. Three areas that commonly cause confusion are writing triads, identifying minor keys, and understanding technical degree names. Let’s break each down so you can approach your exam with confidence.

Writing Triads

A triad is one of the building blocks of Western music. It consists of three notes:

  • The root (the starting pitch),

  • The third (either major or minor, depending on the chord), and

  • The fifth (perfect, diminished, or augmented).

For example, in C major:

  • Root = C

  • Third = E (a major third above C)

  • Fifth = G (a perfect fifth above C)

This forms a C major triad: C–E–G.

In your exam, you may be asked to:

  • Write triads in root position on different notes.

  • Distinguish between major, minor, diminished, and augmented triads.

  • Recognize triads within a given key.

Tip: Always double-check the interval between root and third, and root and fifth, to ensure accuracy.

Minor Keys

While major keys often feel bright and familiar, minor keys bring depth, emotion, and variety to music. The challenge lies in remembering their key signatures and their three common forms:

  1. Natural Minor – the simplest form, using the key signature only.
    Example: A natural minor = A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A.

  2. Harmonic Minor – raises the 7th scale degree by a half step.
    Example: A harmonic minor = A, B, C, D, E, F, G♯, A.

  3. Melodic Minor – raises both the 6th and 7th ascending, but descends like the natural minor.
    Example: A melodic minor (ascending) = A, B, C, D, E, F♯, G♯, A.

On your exam, expect to identify minor key signatures, write scales, and apply accidentals correctly.

Tip: Learn the relative major of each minor key (e.g., A minor is relative to C major — no sharps or flats). This makes quick identification much easier.

Technical Degree Names

Every note of a scale has a degree name. These names describe the role of the note in relation to the tonic (the “home” note of the scale). Understanding them is crucial for harmonic analysis and chord-building.

Here are the most important degree names you’ll use:

  1. Tonic (1st degree) – the “home base.”

  2. Supertonic (2nd degree) – one step above the tonic.

  3. Mediant (3rd degree) – halfway between tonic and dominant.

  4. Subdominant (4th degree) – below the dominant.

  5. Dominant (5th degree) – creates tension leading back to tonic.

  6. Submediant (6th degree) – halfway between tonic and subdominant.

  7. Leading Tone (7th degree) – one step below tonic, pulls strongly upward.

Tip: When writing triads in a key, label the degree (I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, vii°) using Roman numerals. Capital = major, lowercase = minor, and ° = diminished.

Putting It All Together

For the Intermediate Exam, these three skills—writing triads, working in minor keys, and applying technical degree names—intersect. For example, you may be asked to:

  • Write the subdominant triad in E minor.

  • Identify the mediant in G harmonic minor.

  • Construct and label the dominant triad in D natural minor.

By practicing how these areas connect, you’ll move beyond memorization and begin to see how music theory builds a logical system.

Final Thoughts

Success in music exams comes from consistent practice and clear understanding. Don’t just memorize scales and chords—listen to how they sound. Recognizing the difference between a major and minor triad, or hearing the pull of the leading tone toward the tonic, will help reinforce your written work.

At the Conservatory of Music in Mississauga, we’re here to help students build confidence in both theory and performance. With the right preparation, writing triads, navigating minor keys, and mastering degree names will feel like second nature on exam day.