Music Theory Quiz

What does Accelerando mean?

• Gradually reduce speed to create dramatic tension

• Increase tempo as directed by conductor

• Transition to a more expressive dynamic

• Begin a faster section only if everyone agrees

What does Fermata indicate?

• Sustain a note or rest for twice its normal value

• Pause the music and check your tuning

• Hold the note or rest until stopped by the conductor

• Add expressive vibrato and slow the tempo slightly

What best describes Allegro?

• Lively, Fast

• Rapid, with loud dynamics and irregular meter

• Slightly faster than moderate, but not too enthusiastic

• As quickly as humanly possible without panic

What does Andante mean?

• Moderate Walking Tempo

• A tempo that flows gently like a calm stream

• Play with relaxed precision and even pacing

• Slower than Allegro, but with the dignity of Maestoso

What defines a Chord?

• 2 or more notes played at the same time

• A harmonic pattern consisting of at least three different tones

• Two notes played in quick succession with dramatic flair

• A rhythmic motif overlaid with melodic intervals

What are Dynamics?

• Terms that describe how intensely a performer argues with the conductor

• Markings that control tempo, emotion, and ensemble cohesion

• A collection of terms used to describe musical volume

• Labels used to adjust the rhythm and pitch of phrases

What does Espressivo mean?

• Expressively

• Performed with intense feeling, subtle swaying, and optional eye contact

• Loud and passionate, like your morning coffee

• Smooth and subdued with just a hint of drama

What is Harmony?

• A texture involving accompaniment beneath a solo melody

• 2 or more notes played at the same time, often in unison rhythm with the melody

• A tonal backdrop created through improvisation and jazz scales

• The peaceful feeling that comes from tuning properly

What is an Ostinato?

• A repeated musical phrase, frequently using only one or two pitches

• A melodic figure that enters, lingers awkwardly, then vanishes

• A repeating rhythm based on an uneven metric cycle

• A background pattern that refuses to leave quietly

What does Syncopation mean?

• Deliberate misplacement of melody notes to confuse the bass section

• Placement of rhythms or accents in unexpected places or places they would not normally occur

• Rhythmic variety created through rests and sudden silences

• The act of clapping on beats 1 and 3, with style