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 a cadence?

  1. A chord progression that marks the end of a phrase or section.

  2. A chord progression that marks the beginning of a phrase or section.

  3. A chord progression that is used to modulate to a new key.

  4. A chord progression that is used to create tension and release.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A cadence is a chord progression that marks the end of a phrase or section.

Multiple choice

What is a plagal cadence?

  1. A cadence that ends on the subdominant chord.

  2. A cadence that ends on the dominant chord.

  3. A cadence that ends on the tonic chord.

  4. A cadence that ends on the mediant chord.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A plagal cadence is a cadence that ends on the subdominant chord.

Multiple choice

What is a deceptive cadence?

  1. A cadence that ends on a chord other than the tonic chord.

  2. A cadence that ends on a chord that is not expected.

  3. A cadence that is used to create tension and release.

  4. A cadence that is used to modulate to a new key.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A deceptive cadence is a cadence that ends on a chord other than the tonic chord.

Multiple choice

What is a suspension?

  1. A chord in which one or more notes are delayed.

  2. A chord in which one or more notes are omitted.

  3. A chord in which one or more notes are played out of order.

  4. A chord in which one or more notes are played in a different register.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A suspension is a chord in which one or more notes are delayed.

Multiple choice

What is a retardation?

  1. A chord in which one or more notes are delayed.

  2. A chord in which one or more notes are omitted.

  3. A chord in which one or more notes are played out of order.

  4. A chord in which one or more notes are played in a different register.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A retardation is a chord in which one or more notes are delayed.

Multiple choice

What is an appoggiatura?

  1. A non-harmonic note that is played before a harmonic note.

  2. A non-harmonic note that is played after a harmonic note.

  3. A non-harmonic note that is played between two harmonic notes.

  4. A non-harmonic note that is played in a different register than the harmonic notes.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

An appoggiatura is a non-harmonic note that is played before a harmonic note.

Multiple choice

What is the most common time signature in Western music?

  1. 2/4

  2. 3/4

  3. 4/4

  4. 6/8
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

4/4 time signature indicates four beats per measure, with each beat being a quarter note.

Multiple choice

What is the term for a group of two or more notes played in succession?

  1. Chord

  2. Melody

  3. Harmony

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

A riff is a short, repeated musical phrase that is often used in popular music.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the number of beats in a measure?

  1. Meter

  2. Tempo

  3. Time signature

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

Time signature indicates the number of beats in a measure and the value of each beat.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of a syncopated rhythm?

  1. 1 2 3 4

  2. 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &

  3. 1 e & a 2 e & a

  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

1 e & a 2 e & a is an example of a syncopated rhythm, where the accent is placed on the weak beat (&).

Multiple choice

What is the term for the division of a measure into smaller units of time?

  1. Meter

  2. Tempo

  3. Rhythm

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

Beat refers to the division of a measure into smaller units of time, which are typically represented by notes.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the speed of a musical piece?

  1. Meter

  2. Tempo

  3. Rhythm

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

Tempo refers to the speed of a musical piece, typically measured in beats per minute (BPM).

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of a cross-rhythm?

  1. 1 2 3 4

  2. 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &

  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6

  4. 3 over 4
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

3 over 4 is an example of a cross-rhythm, where a rhythmic pattern in one meter is superimposed on a different meter.