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

Which of the following is an example of a suspended chord?

  1. C major 7

  2. G minor 7

  3. D suspended 4

  4. F augmented 7
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

A suspended chord is a type of chord that omits the third and includes a fourth instead.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the progression of chords that moves from a tonic chord to a mediant chord and then back to the tonic?

  1. Perfect Cadence

  2. Plagal Cadence

  3. Imperfect Cadence

  4. Authentic Cadence
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

An imperfect cadence is a type of chord progression that creates a sense of anticipation and unresolved tension.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of an augmented chord?

  1. C major

  2. G minor

  3. D diminished

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

An augmented chord is a type of chord that contains an augmented fifth interval between the root and the fifth.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the progression of chords that moves from a tonic chord to a submediant chord and then back to the tonic?

  1. Perfect Cadence

  2. Plagal Cadence

  3. Imperfect Cadence

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

A plagal cadence is a type of chord progression that creates a sense of rest and stability.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of a half-diminished chord?

  1. C major 7

  2. G minor 7

  3. D half-diminished 7

  4. F augmented 7
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

A half-diminished chord is a type of chord that contains a diminished fifth interval between the root and the fifth and a minor third interval between the root and the third.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the progression of chords that moves from a tonic chord to a leading tone chord and then back to the tonic?

  1. Perfect Cadence

  2. Plagal Cadence

  3. Imperfect Cadence

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

An authentic cadence is a type of chord progression that creates a strong sense of resolution and finality.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of a dominant seventh chord?

  1. C major 7

  2. G minor 7

  3. D dominant 7

  4. F augmented 7
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

A dominant seventh chord is a type of chord that contains a major third, a perfect fifth, and a minor seventh interval between the root and the seventh.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the progression of chords that moves from a tonic chord to a supertonic chord and then back to the tonic?

  1. Perfect Cadence

  2. Plagal Cadence

  3. Imperfect Cadence

  4. Authentic Cadence
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

An imperfect cadence is a type of chord progression that creates a sense of anticipation and unresolved tension.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the technique used to produce a smooth, continuous transition between notes on a woodwind instrument?

  1. Vibrato

  2. Legato

  3. Staccato

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

Glissando, meaning 'sliding' in Italian, is a technique used to produce a smooth, continuous transition between notes, creating a flowing and expressive sound.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a common technique used by brass players to produce different notes?

  1. Lip buzzing

  2. Tonguing

  3. Vibrato

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

Lip buzzing, tonguing, and vibrato are all common techniques used by brass players to produce different notes.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the slide on a trombone that is used to change the pitch of the instrument?

  1. Valve

  2. Slide

  3. Key

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

The slide on a trombone that is used to change the pitch of the instrument is called the slide.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the technique used by brass players to produce a series of rapid notes?

  1. Trill

  2. Glissando

  3. Staccato

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

The technique used by brass players to produce a series of rapid notes is called a trill.

Multiple choice

What is the most common chord progression in popular music?

  1. I-IV-V

  2. I-V-vi-IV

  3. I-vi-IV-V

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

The I-IV-V chord progression is the most common chord progression in popular music because it is easy to remember and sing along to.

Multiple choice

What is the function of the tonic chord in a major key?

  1. It is the home chord.

  2. It is the dominant chord.

  3. It is the subdominant chord.

  4. It is the mediant chord.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The tonic chord in a major key is the home chord. It is the chord that the music resolves to at the end of a phrase or section.

Multiple choice

What is the function of the dominant chord in a major key?

  1. It is the home chord.

  2. It is the dominant chord.

  3. It is the subdominant chord.

  4. It is the mediant chord.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The dominant chord in a major key is the dominant chord. It is the chord that creates a sense of tension and leads to the tonic chord.