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Elements of Music and Notation quiz: N(A)-Level Music quiz

16questions. Pick an answer and you'll see why right away.

  1. What are the five lines of the treble staff, from bottom to top?

  2. What does a sharp sign placed before a note do?

  3. What is the pattern of tones (T) and semitones (S) used to build a major scale?

  4. Starting on C and using only the white piano keys, why does the C major scale need no sharps or flats?

  5. Which scale degree is most responsible for whether a key sounds major (bright) or minor (darker)?

  6. In a 4/4 time signature, what do the top and bottom numbers mean?

  7. A bar in 4/4 contains a half note followed by two quarter notes. How many beats does this make, and is the bar complete?

  8. In 3/4 time at a moderate speed, where does the strong beat fall and what dance does this metre suggest?

  9. What is the difference between beat and rhythm?

  10. How is a triad built?

  11. Which are the three primary triads in a key, named with Roman numerals?

  12. In C major, what are the three notes of the tonic triad (chord I)?

  13. Which two chords form a perfect cadence?

  14. Why does an imperfect cadence sound unfinished?

  15. Which Italian tempo word means a moderate, walking pace?

  16. What does the dynamic marking p stand for?