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 subdominant of a scale?

  1. The fourth note of the scale

  2. The fifth note of the scale

  3. The third note of the scale

  4. The second note of the scale
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A Correct answer
Explanation

The subdominant of a scale is the fourth note of the scale. It is the note that is below the dominant and it gives the scale its harmonic stability.

Multiple choice

What is a cadence?

  1. A sequence of chords that ends a musical phrase

  2. A sequence of chords that begins a musical phrase

  3. A sequence of chords that is used to transition between two musical phrases

  4. A sequence of chords that is used to create a sense of tension or drama in music
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A cadence is a sequence of chords that ends a musical phrase. It is used to create a sense of finality and resolution.

Multiple choice

What is the most common type of cadence?

  1. Perfect cadence

  2. Imperfect cadence

  3. Plagal cadence

  4. Deceptive cadence
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A Correct answer
Explanation

The most common type of cadence is the perfect cadence. It is a cadence that ends on the tonic chord of the scale.

Multiple choice

What is an imperfect cadence?

  1. A cadence that ends on the dominant chord of the scale

  2. A cadence that ends on the subdominant chord of the scale

  3. A cadence that ends on a chord other than the tonic, dominant, or subdominant chord

  4. A cadence that ends on a chord that is not in the key of the music
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

An imperfect cadence is a cadence that ends on the dominant chord of the scale. It is used to create a sense of tension or drama in music.

Multiple choice

What is a plagal cadence?

  1. A cadence that ends on the subdominant chord of the scale

  2. A cadence that ends on the tonic chord of the scale

  3. A cadence that ends on a chord other than the tonic, dominant, or subdominant chord

  4. A cadence that ends on a chord that is not in the key of the music
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A plagal cadence is a cadence that ends on the subdominant chord of the scale. It is used to create a sense of peace and tranquility in music.

Multiple choice

What is a deceptive cadence?

  1. A cadence that ends on a chord other than the tonic, dominant, or subdominant chord

  2. A cadence that ends on a chord that is not in the key of the music

  3. A cadence that ends on the tonic chord of the scale

  4. A cadence that ends on the dominant chord of the scale
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, dominant, or subdominant chord. It is used to create a sense of surprise or unexpectedness in music.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the technique used to play a series of notes rapidly on a string instrument?

  1. Arpeggio

  2. Glissando

  3. Tremolo

  4. Staccato
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A Correct answer
Explanation

Arpeggio, a technique involving the playing of individual notes of a chord in rapid succession, is commonly used on string instruments to create a shimmering, cascading effect.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the technique used to create a smooth, legato transition between notes on a string instrument?

  1. Slur

  2. Glissando

  3. Tremolo

  4. Staccato
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A Correct answer
Explanation

Slur, a technique involving the smooth transition between notes without breaking the bow contact with the strings, is commonly used on string instruments to create a legato, flowing melody.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the technique used to produce a rapid succession of notes on a string instrument?

  1. Staccato

  2. Legato

  3. Vibrato

  4. Glissando
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A Correct answer
Explanation

Staccato is a technique used to play notes with short, detached strokes, creating a crisp and separated sound.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the process of adjusting the tension of a string instrument's strings?

  1. Tuning

  2. Intonation

  3. Tempering

  4. Harmonics
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A Correct answer
Explanation

Tuning refers to the process of adjusting the pitch of a string instrument's strings to achieve the desired musical intervals.

Multiple choice

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

  1. Legato

  2. Staccato

  3. Vibrato

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

Legato is a technique used to play notes smoothly and connectedly, without any noticeable gaps between them.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the technique used to produce a rapid sliding motion between notes on a string instrument?

  1. Glissando

  2. Vibrato

  3. Tremolo

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

Glissando is a technique used to create a smooth and continuous transition between notes by sliding the finger along the string.

Multiple choice

What is the most common type of chord substitution?

  1. Tonicization

  2. Modal Interchange

  3. Secondary Dominants

  4. Parallel Chords
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A Correct answer
Explanation

Tonicization is the most common type of chord substitution, where a chord from a different key is temporarily introduced to create a sense of harmonic tension and resolution.

Multiple choice

In modal interchange, what is the process of borrowing chords from a parallel scale?

  1. Parallel Substitution

  2. Modal Mixture

  3. Chromatic Mediant

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

In modal interchange, chords are borrowed from a parallel scale, creating a modal mixture that adds color and variety to the harmony.

Multiple choice

What is the function of a secondary dominant chord?

  1. To create harmonic tension

  2. To resolve to the tonic

  3. To modulate to a new key

  4. To add color and variety to the harmony
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Secondary dominant chords are used to create harmonic tension by temporarily introducing a dominant chord that resolves to a non-tonic chord.