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 chord progression that moves from a tonic chord to a subdominant chord and then back to the tonic?

  1. Cadence

  2. Progression

  3. Sequence

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

A progression is a chord progression that moves through different chords in a specific order.

Multiple choice

In jazz harmony, what is the term for a chord that is built on the 4th scale degree?

  1. Major 4th chord

  2. Minor 4th chord

  3. Dominant 4th chord

  4. Suspended 4th chord
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

A suspended 4th chord is built on the 4th scale degree and has a characteristic open and airy sound.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a common type of jazz chord extension?

  1. 9th

  2. 11th

  3. 13th

  4. 7th
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The 7th is not considered an extension in jazz harmony, as it is a fundamental part of many common jazz chords.

Multiple choice

What is the term for a chord that is built on the raised 9th scale degree?

  1. Major 9th chord

  2. Minor 9th chord

  3. Dominant 9th chord

  4. Half-diminished 9th chord
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A major 9th chord is built on the raised 9th scale degree and has a characteristic bright and open sound.

Multiple choice

In jazz harmony, what is the term for a chord that is built on the lowered 5th scale degree?

  1. Minor chord

  2. Major chord

  3. Diminished chord

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

A diminished chord is built on the lowered 5th scale degree and has a characteristic dark and tense sound.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the arrangement of musical notes in a specific order?

  1. Harmony

  2. Melody

  3. Rhythm

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

Melody refers to the arrangement of musical notes in a specific order, creating a recognizable tune or sequence.

Multiple choice

What is the range of a brass instrument?

  1. One octave

  2. Two octaves

  3. Three octaves

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

The range of a brass instrument is typically three octaves.

Multiple choice

What is the technique used to produce a lower pitch on a brass instrument?

  1. Lip Slurring

  2. Tonguing

  3. Vibrato

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

Lip buzzing is a technique used to produce a lower pitch on a brass instrument by vibrating the lips.

Multiple choice

Listen to the following audio clip and identify the scale being played.

  1. C Major

  2. A Minor

  3. G Major

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

The audio clip is in the key of C Major. It follows the pattern of whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a minor scale?

  1. C Major

  2. A Minor

  3. G Major

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

A Minor is a minor scale because it contains half steps between the second and third notes, and between the fifth and sixth notes.

Multiple choice

Listen to the following audio clip and identify the scale being played.

  1. D Major

  2. B Minor

  3. F Major

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

The audio clip is in the key of B Minor. It follows the pattern of whole-half-whole-whole-half-whole-whole.

Multiple choice

Which of the following scales has a raised fourth note?

  1. C Major

  2. A Minor

  3. G Major

  4. E Harmonic Minor
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

E Harmonic Minor has a raised fourth note, which is F#. This is in contrast to the natural minor scale, which has a natural fourth note.

Multiple choice

Listen to the following audio clip and identify the scale being played.

  1. F Major

  2. D Minor

  3. A Major

  4. C# Minor
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The audio clip is in the key of F Major. It follows the pattern of whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half.

Multiple choice

Which of the following scales has a lowered seventh note?

  1. G Major

  2. E Minor

  3. C Major

  4. A Melodic Minor
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

A Melodic Minor has a lowered seventh note, which is G. This is in contrast to the natural minor scale, which has a natural seventh note.

Multiple choice

Listen to the following audio clip and identify the scale being played.

  1. Bb Major

  2. G Minor

  3. D Major

  4. F# Minor
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The audio clip is in the key of Bb Major. It follows the pattern of whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half.