RCM · Level 7

RCM Level 7 ear tests: intervals, chords, progressions and playback

Level 7 adds the sevenths to the intervals, the augmented triad to the chords and a third progression, I–IV–V, which ends away from home. Playback moves to 2/4, 3/4 and 6/8 time. The marks are unchanged: 2 each for intervals, chords and progressions, and 4 for playback.

Intervals

Name an interval played once, up or down, then as a chord.

Free · no sign-up · answer on screen or out loud

The tests at Level 7

Intervals

2 marks

Name an interval played once, up or down, then as a chord.

Eleven intervals: everything from Level 6 plus the minor and major sevenths. As before, each is played once melodically, up or down, then once harmonically. Sevenths are easiest to judge against the octave: a major seventh is a half step short of it and sounds sharp and yearning; a minor seventh is a whole step short and sounds softer — the opening leap of 'Somewhere' from West Side Story. Played together, the major seventh clashes far more than the minor seventh.

Practise this test →

Chords

2 marks

Name the quality of a chord played once (major, minor, augmented, dominant 7th, diminished 7th).

Five types, in root position and played once in close position: major, minor and augmented triads, the dominant seventh and the diminished seventh. The augmented triad stacks two major thirds, so its top note sounds stretched and unresolved — less dark than the diminished seventh, more unsettled than a major chord. If you hear four notes, choose between the two sevenths: dominant (a major chord with an added edge) or diminished (all minor thirds, tense throughout).

Practise this test →

Chord progressions

2 marks

Name a three-chord progression: I–IV–I, I–V–I or I–IV–V (major or minor).

Three progressions now, in major or minor: I–IV–I, I–V–I and the new I–IV–V (in minor, i–iv–i, i–V–i and i–iv–V). Each is played twice in keyboard style, with the bass rising from the tonic, and you name the whole progression. I–IV–V is the one that doesn't come home: if the last chord leaves you waiting, that's your answer. Otherwise, decide whether the middle chord is IV or V, as at Levels 5 and 6.

Practise this test →

Playback

4 marks

Sing back a melody of up to ten notes (heard three times).

Up to ten notes from the complete scale, in D or F major or D or F minor, and in 2/4, 3/4 or 6/8. The examiner names the key and time signature, plays the tonic chord, counts one measure and plays the tune three times; you clap the rhythm or sing after the second hearing and play after the third. Our trainer keeps the chord, count-in and three playings, then asks you to sing or hum. In 6/8, feel two beats per measure rather than six.

Practise this test →

Tips for Level 7

Sevenths: sing the octave in your head, then come down a half step (major seventh) or a whole step (minor seventh).
Augmented or major? Play both from the same root: the augmented chord's top note is a half step higher and refuses to settle.
For I–IV–V, listen to the last chord: if it sounds like a question, it's V.
In 6/8 playback, tap two dotted-quarter beats per measure while you listen.
F minor has four flats — warm up with its scale before playback practice in that key.

Free daily practice · no sign-up

A full Level 7 mock, marked

The examiner runs every test in order, plays as many times as the board does and gives an estimated mark out of 10, with where you lose marks.

Start a mock

Questions people ask

What's the difference between augmented and diminished chords?

An augmented triad is two major thirds stacked: three notes that sound stretched and unresolved. RCM's diminished chord at this level is the four-note diminished seventh, three minor thirds stacked, which sounds tense and dramatic. There's no plain diminished triad in the Level 7 list, so four tense notes means the diminished seventh.

Do I name the whole progression or each chord?

At Levels 5–7 you name the progression as a whole, choosing from the shapes allowed at your level. From Level 8 the test changes: you name each chord of a four-chord progression, and the examiner stops on each chord during the second playing.

Is there an improvisation option at Level 7?

For piano, yes. Instead of traditional playback you may improvise: at Level 7 the result is a contrasting period, in C, G or F major and in 2/4, 3/4 or 6/8. Our trainer covers traditional playback only, so practice the improvised version with your teacher.

Which intervals are not yet on the Level 7 list?

Only the tritone (augmented fourth or diminished fifth), which arrives at Level 8, and the ninths, which arrive at Level 10. Everything else from the minor second to the octave is already on the Level 7 list, so this is a good level to make the whole set reliable.

Independent practice. We are not affiliated with RCM (The Royal Conservatory); the tests here are generated by our engine from the published format, not taken from the board's books. Mock marks are estimates — the examiner's judgement is final.