Social Science

Music Theory

1,843 Questions

Review fundamental music theory concepts including scales, chords, intervals, and musical notation. These questions also cover instrument techniques and improvisation methods. Practice these objective questions to build a strong foundation for performing arts and fine arts evaluations.

Musical intervals and notesChords and harmonyScales and formulasMusical notation symbolsInstrumental techniquesJazz improvisation

Music Theory Questions

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe a chord embellishment that involves playing a note before the main chord tone?

  1. Anticipation

  2. Appoggiatura

  3. Suspension

  4. Passing tone
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

An appoggiatura is a non-harmonic note that is played before the main chord tone and resolves to it.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of a chord embellishment that involves playing a note after the main chord tone?

  1. Suspension

  2. Passing tone

  3. Appoggiatura

  4. Anticipation
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A suspension is a chord embellishment that involves playing a note that is not part of the chord and then resolving it to a chord tone.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe a chord embellishment that involves playing a note that is not part of the chord and then moving to another note that is part of the chord?

  1. Passing tone

  2. Appoggiatura

  3. Suspension

  4. Anticipation
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A passing tone is a non-harmonic note that is played between two chord tones.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of a chord embellishment that involves adding a note to a chord that is a half step above or below a chord tone?

  1. Chord extension

  2. Chord alteration

  3. Chord substitution

  4. Chord inversion
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Chord alterations involve changing one or more notes in a chord to create a different sound. Adding a note that is a half step above or below a chord tone is a common type of chord alteration.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe a chord embellishment that involves playing a note that is a whole step above or below a chord tone?

  1. Chord extension

  2. Chord alteration

  3. Chord substitution

  4. Chord inversion
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Chord alterations involve changing one or more notes in a chord to create a different sound. Adding a note that is a whole step above or below a chord tone is a common type of chord alteration.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of a chord embellishment that involves replacing one chord with another chord that has a similar function?

  1. Chord extension

  2. Chord alteration

  3. Chord substitution

  4. Chord inversion
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Chord substitutions involve replacing one chord with another chord that has a similar function. This can be done to create a different sound or to make the chord progression more interesting.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe a chord embellishment that involves playing a chord in a different position on the instrument?

  1. Chord extension

  2. Chord alteration

  3. Chord substitution

  4. Chord inversion
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Chord inversions involve playing a chord in a different position on the instrument. This can be done to create a different sound or to make the chord progression more interesting.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of a chord embellishment that involves adding a note to a chord that is a third above the root?

  1. Chord extension

  2. Chord alteration

  3. Chord substitution

  4. Chord inversion
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Chord extensions are notes added to a chord that are not part of the basic triad or seventh chord. Adding a note that is a third above the root is a common type of chord extension.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe a chord embellishment that involves adding a note to a chord that is a fifth above the root?

  1. Chord extension

  2. Chord alteration

  3. Chord substitution

  4. Chord inversion
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Chord extensions are notes added to a chord that are not part of the basic triad or seventh chord. Adding a note that is a fifth above the root is a common type of chord extension.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of a chord embellishment that involves adding a note to a chord that is a seventh above the root?

  1. Chord extension

  2. Chord alteration

  3. Chord substitution

  4. Chord inversion
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Chord extensions are notes added to a chord that are not part of the basic triad or seventh chord. Adding a note that is a seventh above the root is a common type of chord extension.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe a chord embellishment that involves adding a note to a chord that is a ninth above the root?

  1. Chord extension

  2. Chord alteration

  3. Chord substitution

  4. Chord inversion
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Chord extensions are notes added to a chord that are not part of the basic triad or seventh chord. Adding a note that is a ninth above the root is a common type of chord extension.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of a chord embellishment that involves adding a note to a chord that is a eleventh above the root?

  1. Chord extension

  2. Chord alteration

  3. Chord substitution

  4. Chord inversion
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Chord extensions are notes added to a chord that are not part of the basic triad or seventh chord. Adding a note that is a eleventh above the root is a common type of chord extension.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe a chord embellishment that involves adding a note to a chord that is a thirteenth above the root?

  1. Chord extension

  2. Chord alteration

  3. Chord substitution

  4. Chord inversion
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Chord extensions are notes added to a chord that are not part of the basic triad or seventh chord. Adding a note that is a thirteenth above the root is a common type of chord extension.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a common structural element in a fugue:

  1. Exposition

  2. Development

  3. Recapitulation

  4. Stretto
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Stretto is a common structural element in a fugue, where the entries of the different voices overlap and become increasingly close together.

Multiple choice

In a rondo form, the main theme:

  1. Is repeated throughout the piece

  2. Is introduced in the exposition and then developed in the development section

  3. Is presented in different keys and variations throughout the piece

  4. Is only heard once at the beginning of the piece
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

In a rondo form, the main theme is repeated throughout the piece, alternating with contrasting episodes.