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 for a melody that has a repeating pattern of notes?

  1. Sequence

  2. Ostinato

  3. Riff

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

An ostinato is a melody that has a repeating pattern of notes, often used as an accompaniment to other melodies.

Multiple choice

What is a secondary dominant?

  1. A chord that resolves to the tonic chord

  2. A chord that resolves to the dominant chord

  3. A chord that resolves to a non-tonic chord

  4. A chord that resolves to a non-dominant chord
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
Correct answer
Explanation

A secondary dominant is a chord that resolves to a non-tonic chord.

Multiple choice

What is the function of a secondary dominant?

  1. To create tension and resolution

  2. To add color and variety to the music

  3. To help modulate to a new key

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
Correct answer
Explanation

Secondary dominants serve all of the above functions.

Multiple choice

How is a secondary dominant formed?

  1. By raising the fifth of the tonic chord

  2. By lowering the fifth of the tonic chord

  3. By raising the seventh of the tonic chord

  4. By lowering the seventh of the tonic chord
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
Correct answer
Explanation

A secondary dominant is formed by raising the fifth of the tonic chord.

Multiple choice

What is the most common type of secondary dominant?

  1. The V7 of the V chord

  2. The V7 of the IV chord

  3. The V7 of the ii chord

  4. The V7 of the vi chord
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
Correct answer
Explanation

The most common type of secondary dominant is the V7 of the V chord.

Multiple choice

How can you tell if a chord is a secondary dominant?

  1. It has a raised fifth

  2. It resolves to a non-tonic chord

  3. It is preceded by a tonic chord

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
Correct answer
Explanation

All of the above are true of secondary dominants.

Multiple choice

Can secondary dominants be used in minor keys?

  1. Yes

  2. No

  3. It depends on the context
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
Correct answer
Explanation

Secondary dominants can be used in minor keys, but they are often altered to fit the minor key context.

Multiple choice

What is a common way to use secondary dominants in a song?

  1. To create a sense of anticipation before a cadence

  2. To add variety to a chord progression

  3. To help modulate to a new key

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
Correct answer
Explanation

Secondary dominants can be used for all of the above purposes.

Multiple choice

Which of the following chord progressions contains a secondary dominant?

  1. I - IV - V - I

  2. I - V7/IV - IV - I

  3. I - ii - V - I

  4. I - vi - ii - V - I
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
Correct answer
Explanation

The chord progression I - V7/IV - IV - I contains a secondary dominant, which is the V7/IV chord.

Multiple choice

What is the secondary dominant of the key of C major?

  1. G7

  2. D7

  3. A7

  4. E7
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The secondary dominant of the key of C major is D7.

Multiple choice

What is the secondary dominant of the key of A minor?

  1. E7

  2. D7

  3. G7

  4. C7
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The secondary dominant of the key of A minor is E7.

Multiple choice

Which of the following chord progressions contains a secondary dominant that resolves to a non-tonic chord?

  1. I - IV - V - I

  2. I - V7/IV - IV - I

  3. I - ii - V - I

  4. I - vi - ii - V - I
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
Correct answer
Explanation

The chord progression I - V7/IV - IV - I contains a secondary dominant, which is the V7/IV chord, that resolves to the non-tonic chord IV.

Multiple choice

Which of the following chord progressions contains a secondary dominant that resolves to a tonic chord?

  1. I - IV - V - I

  2. I - V7/IV - IV - I

  3. I - ii - V - I

  4. I - vi - ii - V - I
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
Correct answer
Explanation

The chord progression I - vi - ii - V - I contains a secondary dominant, which is the V chord, that resolves to the tonic chord I.

Multiple choice

Which of the following chord progressions contains a secondary dominant that resolves to a dominant chord?

  1. I - IV - V - I

  2. I - V7/IV - IV - I

  3. I - ii - V - I

  4. I - vi - ii - V - I
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
Correct answer
Explanation

The chord progression I - ii - V - I contains a secondary dominant, which is the V chord, that resolves to the dominant chord V.

Multiple choice

Which of the following chord progressions contains a secondary dominant that resolves to a subdominant chord?

  1. I - IV - V - I

  2. I - V7/IV - IV - I

  3. I - ii - V - I

  4. I - vi - ii - V - I
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
Correct answer
Explanation

The chord progression I - V7/IV - IV - I contains a secondary dominant, which is the V7/IV chord, that resolves to the subdominant chord IV.