Music Theory Quiz

In music, a coda serves what purpose?

• Indicates a repeated section

• Marks the end of a piece

• Increases the tempo

• Specifies a change in key

What does a slur in music notation tell a musician to do?

• Play the notes staccato

• Pause between the notes

• Play the notes smoothly connected

• Play the notes louder

Which of the following symbols tells a musician to hold a note longer than its normal value?

• Fermata

• Slur

• Sharp

• Flat

What element of music refers to the unique quality or 'color' of a sound, such as the difference between a violin and a flute?

• Dynamics

• Timbre

• Harmony

• Tempo

A passage marked with diminuendo tells the musician to:

• Play gradually louder

• Play gradually softer

• Play the notes shorter

• Speed up the tempo

Which term refers to the speed of a piece of music?

• Timbre

• Harmony

• Tempo

• Dynamics

What does dissonance in music describe?

• A smooth and pleasing combination of notes

• A clash or tension between notes

• A gradual slowing of the tempo

• A repeated rhythmic pattern

Which dynamic marking indicates the music should be played very softly?

• Forte

• Pianissimo

• Sforzando

• Moderato

What is the meaning of the symbol ♯ in music?

• Lower the pitch by a half step

• Play the note natural

• Raise the pitch by a half step

• Sustain the note

Ritardando tells the musician to:

• Gradually speed up

• Gradually slow down

• Play at a moderate tempo

• Repeat a section