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

Directions: Pick the odd one out.

  1. Coarse

  2. Tenor

  3. Tone

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

All the other words except coarse refer to subject or idea of something spoken or written. Coarse means (of a person or their speech) rude or vulgar.

Multiple choice geography endogenetic movements earthquake earthquakes earth's movement and creation of landforms endogenic process and creation of mountains

Which of the following scales are not linear in nature ?
(i) Decibel
(ii) Richter
(iii) Meter

  1. (i) only

  2. (ii) and (iii)

  3. (ii) only

  4. (i) and (ii)
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The answer is D.

The decibel (dB) is a logarithmic unit used to express the ratio between two values of a physical quantity, often power or intensity. One of these quantities is often a reference value, and in this case, the decibel can be used to express the absolute level of the physical quantity, as in the case of sound pressure. The number of decibels is ten times the logarithm to base 10 of the ratio of two power quantities, or of the ratio of the squares of two field amplitude quantities.
The Richter scale is not a linear scale. This means that an earthquake of magnitude 6 does not have twice as destructive power as the earthquake of magnitude 3. Actually, an earthquake with magnitude 5 is ten times more destructive than an earthquake of magnitude 4. The Richter scale is a logarithmic scale.
The Meter scale is a linear scale.
Hence, (i) and (ii) are non-linear scales.

Multiple choice physics world of sounds sound is produced by a vibrating body propagation of sound production and propagation of sound

If we tighten the stretched strings of guitar, then pitch will be 

  1. lower

  2. higher

  3. same

  4. dependent upon size of instrument
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Pitch of sound depends on frequency. The frequency of sound emitted by a stretched string depends upon the tension on the string.  Greater tension means greater frequency, which means greater pitch. When we tighten the string of an instrument we are increasing the tension on the string. This increases the frequency. Hence pitch increases

Multiple choice physics wave motion wave velocity speed and acceleration of travelling wave speed of a travelling wave

What should one do if he wishes to increase the pitch of a string type instrument.
$1$. Increase the length of the string used
$2$. Decrease the gauge of the string used
$3$. Loosen the string
$4$. Tighten the string

  1. $1$ and $4$
  2. $2$ and $4$
  3. $2, 1$ and $4$
  4. $3$ and $1$
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Thicker, tighter strings, have a more "focussed" sound. They reach their resonant frequency more quickly, because the extra tension leaves them less scope to flap around.

Thicker, tighter strings, plucked the same distance, are louder, because they contain more energy. There is more kinetic energy to be transmitted to the sounding board.


Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a common type of vocal range in music?

  1. Soprano

  2. Alto

  3. Tenor

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

Bass is not a common vocal range in music, as it is typically associated with lower-pitched instruments such as the bass guitar or tuba.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a common type of musical notation?

  1. Staff notation

  2. Tablature

  3. Solfege

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

Neumes are not a common type of musical notation, as they are typically associated with early forms of music notation.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a common type of musical tempo?

  1. Allegro

  2. Andante

  3. Largo

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

Moderato is not a common type of musical tempo, as it is typically associated with a specific range of speeds.

Multiple choice

What is the typical structure of a concerto?

  1. Three movements: fast, slow, fast

  2. Two movements: fast, slow

  3. One movement: fast

  4. Four movements: fast, slow, fast, slow
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The concerto typically consists of three movements: a fast first movement, a slow second movement, and a fast third movement.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the third section of a concerto?

  1. Cadenza

  2. Ritornello

  3. Tutti

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

The recapitulation is the third section of a concerto. It typically restates the main themes of the concerto in the tonic key.