Intervals Practice for RCM Level 5

An interval is the distance in pitch between two notes. In music theory, intervals are named by their size (a number) and their quality (a word like major, minor, or perfect). For example, the distance from C up to E is called a major third, and the distance from C up to G is a perfect fifth. Intervals appear throughout theory — in chord building, melody analysis, and harmony.

To find the size of an interval, count the letter names from the lower note to the upper note, including both notes. For example:

• C to D = 2nd (C and D = 2 letter names)
• C to E = 3rd (C, D, E = 3 letter names)
• C to G = 5th (C, D, E, F, G = 5 letter names)
• C to C (above) = 8th, called an octave

Always count the starting note as "1."

Once you know the size, you determine the quality by counting the exact number of half steps (semitones). At RCM Level 5, you need to know:

• Perfect intervals: unison (0), 4th (5 semitones), 5th (7 semitones), octave (12)
• Major intervals: 2nd (2), 3rd (4), 6th (9), 7th (11)
• Minor intervals: one semitone smaller than major — 2nd (1), 3rd (3), 6th (8), 7th (10)

• Forgetting to count the starting note as "1" — this is the most common size error.
• Confusing major and minor quality — check the exact semitone count, not just the letter distance.
• Not accounting for key signatures — accidentals change the semitone count and therefore the quality.
• Skipping practice on the descending direction — intervals going downward follow the same rules.

Intervals are a foundation for nearly every other theory concept at Level 5. Understanding intervals makes it easier to identify chord types, analyse melodies, and work with scales. The RCM Level 5 exam directly tests interval identification, so focused practice on this topic has a high return on effort.