Be a Music Teacher
Which of the following indicates the scale degrees in a blues scale? A. 1 #2 3 4 b5 b6 1 B. 1 #2 3 #5 6 b7 1 C. 1 b3 4 b5 #6 7 1 D. 1 b3 4 #4 5 b7 1
Option (D) is correct. The blues scale, often used in jazz improvisations, employs the scale degrees shown. The raised-4th scale degree can also be indicated as a flatted-5th scale degree.
For the LEFT HAND, provide the standard keyboard fingering for the scale shown.
The standard fingering for the scale shown played by the left hand is 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1. This fingering fits the hand most naturally for the notes included in the scale.
A transposed band score shows the alto saxophone part written in the key of D major. In what key are the parts for horns in F written? A. C B. Bb C. F D. E
Option (A) is correct. Alto saxophones are pitched in E-flat — one whole step lower than horns in F. To accommodate the difference, the horn part would need to be transposed down one whole step and the key signature would have to be adjusted by taking away two sharps.
Which of the following exercises is most applicable to the development of vocal range? A. Singing arpeggios B. Doing lip trills C. Practicing inhaling and exhaling air silently D. Singing hymns and chorales
Option (A) is correct. Exercises including arpeggios develop range expansion and velocity.
What is the approximate date of composition? A.1150 B.1430 C.1600 D.1730
Option (A) is correct. This is an excerpt from "Favus distillans," by Hildegard of Bingen. Characteristics such as the modal melodic lines, lack of a definite meter, and the drone are typical of music from around the year 1150.
Which of the following techniques is most appropriate for achieving the proper vocal tone from an elementary school chorus? A. Vocal modeling B. Study sheets C. Diagrams illustrating vocal production D. Playing the vocal lines on the piano
Option (A) is correct. For elementary students to achieve proper tone quality, they need to have direct experience with appropriate vocal timbres in comparison to their own, such as by modeling their tone after that produced by a vocalist-teacher or fellow student. Worksheets and diagrams do not provide a suitable aural comparison of a desirable tone quality versus an undesirable tone quality. Playing vocal lines on the piano can provide students with a musical model of, for example, a melodic shape, but not of vocal tone.
Which of the following musicians wrote Gradus ad Parnassum, an early-eighteenth-century treatise on counterpoint that has been influential in the teaching of counterpoint and composition for more than 250 years? A.Johann Joseph Fux B.Johann Joachim Quantz C.Philip Farkas D.Carl Czerny
Option (A) is correct. Gradus ad Parnassum ("Steps to Mount Parnassus") is a treatise written by Fux in dialogue form, first published in 1725 and still influential today, that teaches counterpoint in the sixteenth-century style by the species method.
Which of the following strategies is LEAST likely to maintain the authenticity of both the finished product and the transmission process in teaching music from a multicultural perspective to middle school students? A. Having students sight-read world music examples that have been transcribed into standard music notation B. Having students learn a folk song presented by a master teacher through a video feed over the Internet C. Providing listening experiences in a diversity of musical styles from various cultures D. Having a classroom guest presenter demonstrate and teach students a traditional folk dance
Option (A) is correct. In general, using standard Western notation can be an inauthentic means of learning music from many non-Western cultures whose method of cultural transmission is primarily aural/oral.
During a concert conducted by the music teacher, the audience starts to clap during the break between two movements of a multimovement work. From the standpoint of performance etiquette, which of the following is the most appropriate first action for the music teacher to take? A.Wait a moment for the audience to stop the applause B.Raise the arms as if to begin conducting the next movement C.Have a student stand and raise both hands to quiet the audience D.Turn around and briefly explain concert etiquette to the audience
Option (A) is correct. Many modern audiences are not aware of the general prohibition against applause between movements of multimovement works. Waiting briefly until the audience is quiet is the most appropriate action so that the audience is not insulted.
In a tutti passage with cellos, a bassoonist is having technical difficulties playing the passage shown above. The director decides to edit the bassoon part to address the performance problem. Question: Which of the following versions of the edited bassoon part would alleviate the technical difficulties faced by the bassoonist and fit appropriately with the tutti part being played by the cellos? A. B. C. D.
Option (A) is correct. Playing eighth notes instead of sixteenth notes would be much easier. The eighth notes used highlight the notes played by the cellos and would not clash at the given tempo.
What information is most important to include in program notes for a general audience attending a school ensemble concert? A.Descriptions of the musical selections B.A discography of the musical selections C.Diagrams showing a harmonic analysis of the works D.Lists of the compositions written by each of the composers
Option (A) is correct. Program notes serve to inform and educate the audience on the music they will hear in the concert.
Which of the following Web sites provides the most comprehensive repository of public domain music scores available for free download? A. www.imslp.org B. www.ti-me.org C. www.smartmusic.com D. www.nafme.org
Option (A) is correct. The International Music Score Library Project is the most comprehensive site at which to locate public domain music scores for download.
Which of the following statements concerning the National Core Arts Standards is correct? A.They describe artistic processes that are common across different arts forms. B.They are designed to provide measurable data for evaluating teachers of the arts. C.They contain resources and a detailed curriculum for teachers of arts subjects to use in their classrooms. D.They contain repertoire lists for solo instruments and voice that are appropriate for study at each grade level.
Option (A) is correct. The National Core Arts Standards describe the artistic processes of creating, performing/presenting/producing, responding, and connecting.
Which of the symbols shown indicates that the violinist should play a natural harmonic? A. B. C. D.
Option (A) is correct. This is the symbol for a natural harmonic.
For the following question, you will hear a performance based on a correct musical score that appears on screen. As the music is played, identify the error to which the question refers and select the corresponding answer. Before listening to the excerpt for the first time, please read the music and question. Question: Which of the following errors is heard in the performance? (The excerpt will be played three times.) A.The chorus fails to observe the decrescendo. B.The chorus exaggerates the decrescendo. C.The chorus fails to begin the first note together. D.The chorus fails to end the last note together.
Option (A) is correct. The chorus does not observe the dynamic marking indicating a decrescendo.
Which of the following representations illustrates the da capo aria form? A. A B A B. A A′A″A‴ C. A A B A D. A B A C A
Option (A) is correct. The da capo aria form was most popular from 1650-1750 and constitutes an A B A three-part structure.
Measures written in 5/8 meter may be conducted in five beats per measure or in two beats per measure, depending on the A. tempo of the music B. dynamics in the music C. date of composition D. form of the music
Option (A) is correct. The dynamics, date of composition, and the form of the music are unlikely to have any bearing on the appropriate conducting pattern of measures written in five-eight meter. The appropriate conducting pattern depends mostly on the tempo of the piece.
Which of the following statements best describes an error heard in the performance? (The excerpt will be played two times.) A.The first horn does not observe the key signature in measures 1 and 4. B.The second horn does not observe the key signature in measures 3, 5, and 6. C.The first horn plays an incorrect rhythm in measure 5. D.The second horn plays an incorrect rhythm in measure 7.
Option (A) is correct. The first horn plays B-naturals in measures 1 and 4.
Who is the composer? A.Aaron Copland B.Howard Hanson C.Libby Larsen D.Ellen Taaffe Zwilich
Option (A) is correct. The harmony, rhythm, and orchestration are typical of Aaron Copland's works.
Which of the following is included in the philosophical basis of the National Core Arts Standards to help establish common values and expectations for learning in arts education? A.Specific lifelong goals for students B.Requirements for increased student diversity C.Objectives to raise students' standardized test scores D.Programs to increase retention of at-risk students
Option (A) is correct. The link of philosophy and actual life goals is a new component of the National Core Arts Standards.
Which of the following best describes the overall approach to dynamics in the performance of the passage? A.The overall dynamic is piano with a variety of dynamic contrasts. B.The overall dynamic is piano with little dynamic contrast. C.The overall dynamic is forte with little dynamic contrast. D.The overall dynamic is forte with sudden dynamic contrasts.
Option (A) is correct. The overall dynamic lends a quietly pastoral affectation characterized by a variety of expressive devices.
Which of the following describes a flaw heard in the performance? (The excerpt will be played twotimes.) A.The piccolo player is consistently early. B.The clarinet player is consistently late. C.The bassoon player is not matching staccato style. D.The clarinet player is consistently flat.
Option (A) is correct. The piccolo is ahead of the beat throughout the performance.
What is the predominant rhythmic device? A.Syncopation B.Hemiola C.Rubato D.Anacrusis
Option (A) is correct. The rhythm of the flute part emphasizes offbeats, which constitutes syncopation.
What is the country of origin? A.Cuba B.France C.Jamaica D.Italy
Option (A) is correct. The rhythm, instrumentation, vocal parts, and unique fusion of big band, Latino, and African elements are characteristic of the music of the mambo, a popular dance music that originated in Cuba.
The methodology in which the score usage shown occurs is A. Orff-Schulwerk B. Dalcroze eurhythmics C. Kodály method D. Suzuki method
Option (A) is correct. The score is typical of Orff-Schulwerk, in which various instruments are layered to create an ensemble experience for the students.
Which of the following represents the most appropriate sequence of discrimination tasks for developing a child's sense of pitch? A. High and low pitches, direction of melodic movement, movement by step and by skip B. Movement by step and by skip, high and low pitches, direction of melodic movement C. Direction of melodic movement, high and low pitches, movement by step and by skip D. Direction of melodic movement, movement by step and by skip, high and low pitches
Option (A) is correct. The sequence in which children develop a sense of pitch begins with the ability to distinguish between high and low sounds. This is followed by the ability to distinguish between basic melodic contours — up and down. The ability to specifically identify step or skip movement follows.
Which of the following is heard in the snare drum? A.Rim shot B.Flam C.Drag D.Paradiddle
Option (A) is correct. The unique sound heard in the snare drum part is produced by the rim shot.
Which of the following best describes how the performers are interpreting the tempo marking relative to rhythmic values? A.Dotted half note = c. 50-54; in 1 with some rubato and a broadening tempo B.Dotted quarter note = c. 69-72; in 2 with a gently accented hemiola C.Quarter note = c. 104-108; in 3 with a strictly maintained beat D.Eighth note = c. 208-216; in 6 with a playful energy
Option (A) is correct. The vocal and piano parts together create a flowing feeling of 1 in 3/4 time. There is some tempo flexibility as well as slowing toward the end. There is no presence of hemiola, especially at the dotted quarter level. Words such as "strict" or "playful" do not describe the mood created in the performance.
Which of the following teaching strategies best helps English-language learners in a general music class? A. Using songs that have little repetition B. Providing students with additional wait time before expecting an answer to a question C. Writing all questions on the board before calling on students to answer D. Translating lyrics into students' native language(s) until they have shown mastery of English
Option (B) is correct. English-language learners may benefit from having additional time to process a question and to formulate an answer.
A music teacher working in a new district is selecting repertoire for a December school concert and is considering whether to use sacred music, secular music, or a combination of both. Which of the following should the teacher do first to best help in reaching a final decision? A. Ask the students to vote on the pieces they would like to perform based on a list of diverse pieces. B. Confer with the school principal to determine whether there is a building or district policy concerning the selection of repertoire for performances. C. Call parents to ask their feelings about the choice of repertoire for the concert. D. Ask the school counselor to provide information about the religious beliefs of the students who will be performing in the concert.
Option (B) is correct. If a new teacher does not know what the policy is concerning sacred music at concerts, conferring with a school principal first can avoid misunderstandings and problems later on.
In a violin bow grip, which finger should rest opposite the thumb? A. Index finger B. Middle finger C. Ring finger D. Little finger
Option (B) is correct. In a violin bow grip, the middle finger is opposite the thumb.
An error in observing the notated articulations occurs in which measure and part? (The excerpt will be played two times.) A.Measure 3, Violin 1 B.Measure 3, Violin 2 C.Measure 4, Violin 1 D.Measure 4, Violin 2
Option (B) is correct. In measure three the second violin plays the articulation of the first three notes incorrectly as staccato-staccato-tenuto.
In score study and rehearsal preparation, which of the following is the LEAST effective use of recordings? A. Listening to several recordings of the same piece to hear different interpretations B. Listening to one recording several times to learn a piece C. Listening to recordings of an ensemble's rehearsals to determine overlooked errors D. Listening to recordings to select repertoire
Option (B) is correct. Listening to one recording to learn a piece is not a substitute for score study. Relying only on a recording limits the conductor's interpretive ability and creativity.
When instrumental ensembles perform Western art music at fast tempos, they often display which of the following problems when playing dotted eighth-sixteenth note rhythms? A. Playing the rhythm with a shorter articulation on the dotted eighth note than on the sixteenth note B. Playing the rhythm as quarter-note, eighth-note triplets C. Playing the sixteenth note for too short a duration D. Playing the sixteenth note too loud relative to the dotted eighth note
Option (B) is correct. Performing dotted eighth-sixteenth note rhythms as quarter-eighth note triplets is common due to imprecise counting and/or faulty technique.
What is the relationship between the duration of the half notes in measure 2 and the duration of those in measure 3 ? A. The duration of the half notes is the same in both measures. B. The duration of the half notes is shorter in measure 3 than in measure 2. C. The duration of the half notes is longer in measure 3 than in measure 2. D. The relative duration of the half notes in measures 2 and 3 is left to the discretion of the performer.
Option (B) is correct. Performing the dotted half note (a larger value) as fast as the half note (a lesser value) speeds up the tempo and shortens the value of the half note.
Which of the following arrangers has written most extensively for high school strings? A. Joyce Eilers B. Sandra Dackow C. Sammy Nestico D. Jay Bocook
Option (B) is correct. Sandra Dackow arranges primarily for strings and full orchestra.
Which of the following should come first during a vocal warm-up routine? A. Performing an articulation exercise B. Taking a cleansing breath C. Singing scales on a neutral syllable D. Doing a concentration exercise
Option (B) is correct. Taking a cleansing breath helps to begin the concentration process that leads to a successful warm-up. Warming up the voice comes after the body and mind are loose and focused.
What musical device is heard at the beginning of the excerpt? A.Ritardando B.Accelerando C.Subito meno mosso D.Subito più mosso
Option (B) is correct. The beginning of this excerpt is characterized by a gradual increase in tempo. This tempo increase could be appropriately marked accelerando.
During an ensemble rehearsal, the music teacher explains why open-bore cylindrical instruments, such as flutes, overblow at the octave and closed-bore cylindrical instruments, such as clarinets, overblow at the twelfth. The teacher uses visual aids to illustrate how the wavelengths act differently in open and closed cylinders. Which of the following disciplines is the teacher integrating into the lesson? A.Geometry B.Physics C.Art D.History
Option (B) is correct. The behavior of sound waves is a topic related to physics.
Which clarinet fingering corresponds to the written note above? A. B. C. D.
Option (B) is correct. The diagram shows the fingering for the written pitch shown.
What is the country or region of origin? A.Appalachia B.India C.Japan D.South America
Option (B) is correct. The instrumentation, the subtle rhythm, phrase length, and melodic embellishments are indicative of the music of India.
A middle school band director points out that that when some clarinet players play the written notes shown above, the notes are sharp in pitch. All other pitches, however, are consistently in tune. Which of the following strategies should the band director use to best help the students play in the notes in tune? A. Have them lower the pitch by firming their embouchures. B. Have them lower the pitch by putting down the right-hand keys. C. Have them switch to playing on a harder reed. D. Have them slightly pull out the barrels of their instruments.
Option (B) is correct. The issue is that the two notes in particular are sharp, which is a natural tendency of the clarinet. Putting down the right-hand keys (covering the bottom four) is an effective way to fix this tendency while maintaining the relative intonation already achieved.
A music teacher is creating a worksheet to use in a class activity for the fifth-grade general music class. While searching online for information, the teacher finds a useful article on another teacher's Web site. Which of the following statements most accurately describes the law with respect to how the teacher may use the material from the Web site? A. Since online materials are part of the public domain, the teacher can use the material as he or she sees fit. B. The teacher should contact the owner of the Web site and ask permission to use and cite the material. C. Since the material is to be used in an educational setting, the teacher may use it freely. D. The teacher should change a few of the words and rearrange a few of the sentences so that the content falls under fair use.
Option (B) is correct. The other answers are common but mistaken assumptions that can result in serious legal problems for a music educator.
What is the chord progression? (The progression will be played two times.) A. I V42/IV IV V I B. I V65/ii ii V I C. I vii*/IV IV V I D. I vii*/ii ii V I
Option (B) is correct. The progression shown matches the chords played.
The excerpt is part of a traditional musical culture of which of the following countries or regions? A.Middle East B.North America C.Australia D.Caribbean
Option (B) is correct. The rhythms and unique vocal style indicate music of an American Woodland Indian culture of North America.
What is the style? A.Dixieland B.Bebop C.Ragtime D.Smooth jazz
Option (B) is correct. This excerpt features the up-tempo, virtuosic performance found in bebop.
A music instructor is teaching a course on basic composition techniques to students with extensive performance experience. One of the course's learning objectives states, in part, that "students will learn how to create convincing melodic motifs." The teacher wants to find exemplars of short, clear melodic motifs for students to study. The music of which of the following composers is the best source? A.Palestrina B.Beethoven C.Mahler D.Ives
Option (B) is correct. Virtually every work by Beethoven starts with a short, clear, strong motif that acts as the germinal basis of the material that follows; as such, Beethoven's motifs are exemplars: ideal models for study and learning.
A music teacher is employed in a district that has a policy that states classroom teachers may not accept gifts from students or parents in excess of $20. A student brings the teacher a thank-you card that includes a personal check from the parent, written to the teacher, for $100. Which of the following actions is the most appropriate step for the teacher to take? A.Politely accept both the card and the check B.Quietly accept the card and the check but donate the $100 to charity C.Accept the card but politely decline the check D.Show disapproval while declining both the card and the check
Option (C) is correct. Accepting the thank-you card while declining the check acknowledges the student's and family's kindness without violating the district's policy.
During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, which of the following typically involved improvisation as part of the performance? A. Ritornello B. Divertimento C. Cadenza D. Fugue
Option (C) is correct. Although it is common today for performers to use composed cadenzas, performers were expected to improvise their own cadenzas during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The authentic performance practice movement has led to some revival of improvised cadenzas.
Which of the following is an appropriate instructional objective for teaching the music of a non-Western culture in a middle school music class in the United States? A. The students will look up information about the culture's history. B. The students will gain respect for the religious traditions of the culture. C. The students will recognize and be able to describe the characteristic sounds of the music. D. The students will transcribe pieces using Western notation.
Option (C) is correct. An appropriate instructional objective is for students to focus on the representative characteristics of the music. The other options are activities or incomplete objectives.
Which of the following best describes a flaw heard in the performance of the music shown? (The performance will be played three times.) A.A pitch error in measure 2 B.A pitch error in measure 3 C.An articulation error in measure 5 D.An articulation error in measure 7
Option (C) is correct. An incorrect accent is performed on beat 1 of measure 5.
Ensemble parts written for B-flat trumpet should be transposed A. a half step above concert pitch B. a half step below concert pitch C. a whole step above concert pitch D. a whole step below concert pitch
Option (C) is correct. B-flat trumpets sound a major second below their written pitch. Therefore, ensemble parts written for trumpet should be transposed a whole step higher than concert pitch.
A high school choir may have difficulty sight-singing the melody above because A. there is no text B. the rhythms are complex C. the tonic is not clearly established D. the range is too wide
Option (C) is correct. Because of the large number of accidentals, the melody does not have a clear tonal center, which makes it difficult for high school students to sight-sing.
Which of the following chord structures is best to teach fourth-grade beginning acoustic guitar students to accompany a simple American folk song? A. Barre chords to maintain a single left-hand finger shape B. Power chords to give the song a contemporary sound C. Chords in first position that incorporate open strings to simplify fingering D. Chords in higher positions where the frets are closer together to accommodate smaller hands
Option (C) is correct. Beginning guitar students do not have well-developed finger dexterity. Using fewer fingers reduces coordination requirements but gives a full-sounding chord. It also provides a good basis for learning correct playing positions.
Which of the following describes the standard practice for unifying vowel enunciation when singing most diphthongs in the English language? A. The initial vowel is emphasized but sung through quickly. B. The second vowel is emphasized but sung through quickly. C. The initial vowel is sustained for as long as possible. D. The second vowel is sustained for as long as possible.
Option (C) is correct. For 5 of the 6 diphthongs in the English language, the standard practice is to sustain the initial vowel.
In which measure is an incorrect pitch played? A.Measure 1 B.Measure 2 C.Measure 3 D.Measure 4
Option (C) is correct. In measure 3, a B-flat is performed instead of the written B-natural.
Which of the following errors is performed in the excerpt from an arrangement of a Beethoven duo? (The excerpt will be played two times.) A.Articulation in measure 2 B.Pitch in measure 4 C.Ensemble in measure 5 D.Ornamentation in measure 8
Option (C) is correct. In the clarinet part, the eighth notes are rushed in beats 2 and 3 of measure 5.
Which of the following terms describes a practice in fifteenth century polyphony that typically employs three voices moving in parallel motion as a series of first inversion triads? A.Musica ficta B.Basso continuo C.Fauxbourdon D.Basso ostinato
Option (C) is correct. The French word "fauxbourdon," in English "false bass," describes a type of chord progression heard in some works of the early Renaissance and typically produced by three voices in parallel intervals corresponding to the first inversion triad. Originally two voices were notated and one improvised; later all of the voices in the sonority were notated.
Regarding tempo markings, which of the following best describes a flaw heard in the performance of the music shown? (The performance will be played two times.) A.The tempo played begins much too slowly beginning in measure 1. B.The tempo alteration is ignored in measure 3. C.The a tempo is played too fast beginning in measure 5. D.The tempo rushes beginning in measure 7.
Option (C) is correct. The a tempo beginning in measure 5 is faster than the marking in measure 1.
Students in a third-grade general music class watch a video of themselves moving to music. Afterward, they fine-tune their individual movements to be more expressive. Question: The activity described above develops which of the following musical skills? A. Composing and arranging B. Reading and notating C. Analyzing and evaluating D. Understanding the relationship between music and disciplines outside the fine arts
Option (C) is correct. The activity described encourages students to analyze and evaluate music in relation to individual movement (dance).
The balalaika is a stringed instrument commonly heard in the folk music of A. Greece B. Japan C. Russia D. Brazil
Option (C) is correct. The balalaika is commonly used in Russian (and central Asian) folk music. Balalaikas of various sizes are sometimes grouped together to form balalaika orchestras.
Children are directed to hop or jump to choppy, staccato music and glide, slide, or sway to legato music. The movement activity described best develops which of the following musical concepts? A. Tempo B. Timbre C. Articulation D. Dynamics
Option (C) is correct. The concept being taught in the scenario is articulation. None of the other options can be determined by the actions in the movement activity of hopping, jumping, gliding, sliding, or swaying.
The texture of the excerpt above is best described as A. heterophonic B. homophonic C. polyphonic D. monophonic
Option (C) is correct. The excerpt includes three voices, each presenting melodic material.
A student playing a B-flat trumpet performs concert low B consistently sharp, but all other notes are played in tune. Which of the following solutions will most likely solve the problem? A. Firming the corners of the embouchure when playing concert C and below B. Relaxing the corners of the embouchure when playing concert C and below C. Pushing the third valve slide out when playing concert B D. Pulling the third valve slide in when playing concert B
Option (C) is correct. The fingering for the pitch concert B (written C#) for trumpet involves all three valves. The natural tendency for concert B is to go sharp; this is alleviated by extending the third valve slide to achieve proper intonation.
The Kodály hand sign shown is used to indicate which solfège syllable? A. Do B. Re C. Fa D. Sol
Option (C) is correct. The illustration shown is the hand signal for "fa".
The style of the excerpt indicates that it was composed during which of the following time periods? A.1685-1750 B.1750-1820 C.1820-1880 D.1880-1940
Option (C) is correct. The instrument (the piano), rubato tempo, thick and lush harmony, and strong emotional content suggest the Romantic period.
Who is the composer of the excerpt shown? A. Franz Schubert B. Johannes Brahms C. Arnold Schoenberg D. Carl Nielsen
Option (C) is correct. The language, harmonies, and style of writing used in the excerpt are reflective of the work of Arnold Schoenberg.
For the following question, you will hear a performance based on a correct musical score that appears on screen. As the music is played, identify the error to which the question refers and select the corresponding answer. Before listening to the excerpt for the first time, please read the music and question. Question: There are no pitch errors in the excerpt. Which measure contains a performance error? (The excerpt will be played three times.) A.Measure 1 B.Measure 2 C.Measure 3 D.Measure 4
Option (C) is correct. The marking above measure 3 indicates that the eighth notes are to remain equal through the meter changes. The eighth notes in measure 3, however, are played too fast (as if they were triplets in the original tempo) at the meter change.
Which of the following is the most appropriate conducting pattern? (The excerpt will be played twotimes.) A.A 2-beat pattern, using one short beat and one long beat (2 + 3) B.A 2-beat pattern, using one long beat and one short beat (3 + 2) C.A 3-beat pattern, using two short beats and one long beat (2 + 2 + 3) D.A 3-beat pattern, using one long beat and two short beats (3 + 2 + 2)
Option (C) is correct. The most appropriate pattern is an asymmetrical three-beat pattern with a long third beat preceded by two shorter beats. The excerpt is in 7/8 meter.
Which drum rudiment is notated above? A.Flam B.Paradiddle C.Drag D.Ratamacue
Option (C) is correct. The notation is for the rudiment called a drag, which consists of two pickup-like strokes that are each taken on the same stick (LL or RR as shown) before the main stroke, which is taken on the opposite stick.
Which of the following statements is true of the preparatory beat in conducting? A. It should be rhythmically exaggerated. B. It should be subdivided. C. It indicates the opening tempo and dynamic. D. It is always the gesture for beat 1 of the conducting pattern used.
Option (C) is correct. The preparatory beat in conducting must establish the tempo and dynamic of the attack.
Which of the following ranges is NOT typical of the voices of high school students? A. B. C. D.
Option (C) is correct. The range expressed for tenor is too high for the high school voice.
Which of the following best describes the texture of the excerpt? A.Soprano solo followed by a unison chorus, both accompanied by a drone B.Soprano solo followed by a unison chorus, both accompanied by a ground bass C.Unison chorus followed by a soprano solo, both accompanied by a drone D.Unison chorus followed by a soprano solo, both accompanied by a ground bass
Option (C) is correct. The vocal texture alternates between a chorus and soprano solo. The instrumental accompaniment is a drone.
What is the genre? A.Fugue B.Passacaglia C.Chorale prelude D.Toccata
Option (C) is correct. This passage from Bach's "Liebster Jesu" is a typical example of a chorale prelude.
Which of the following rolls is written for the snare drum part in measures 7 and 8 ? A. 7-stroke roll B. 9-stroke roll C. 11-stroke roll D. 17-stroke roll
Option (D) is correct. A half note with roll slashes tied to an eighth note indicates a 17-strokeroll.
According to the principles of Music Learning Theory, which of the following is an initial step in developing rhythm competency in primary grade students? A. Providing opportunities to discriminate between macro and micro beats using only duple meter B. Engaging students in reading and writing rhythm patterns using symbolic notation C. Encouraging creative expression of rhythmic elements through improvisation D. Promoting the feeling of rhythm through listening and moving to music
Option (D) is correct. According to Edwin Gordon's theory, students must experience rhythm through movement before more specific training is provided.
Which of the following instruments requires the regular application of cork grease for proper maintenance? A. Trombone B. French horn C. Flute D. Clarinet
Option (D) is correct. Clarinets must be assembled for each use. They have cork on the mouthpiece and the first joint to assure a secure and air-tight fit. Cork grease must be applied to the cork to prevent the cork from drying out, which would make the instrument difficult to assemble.
A band director observes that when he is on the podium during his seventh-grade band class, there is excessive talking in the trumpet section when the woodwinds are playing a soli passage. Which of the following is the best initial course of action for the director to take to curb the behavior of the trumpet students? A. Remain on the podium, continue to rehearse the woodwinds, and ignore the students who are talking. B. Take the time to determine which students are talking and discipline those students immediately. C. Tell the class that the rehearsal will not continue until the trumpet section remains quiet. D. Step off the podium and move closer to the trumpet section during instruction.
Option (D) is correct. Closer proximity to the source of the problem is the best course of action. Moving away from the podium creates a less teacher-centered approach to teaching. In addition, the increased proximity to the students allows the director to pinpoint where the issue is coming from and is likely to cause the infractions to stop altogether, since the students perceive the risk of getting caught to have increased.
In general, choral works characterized by which of the following features are likely to require the most conductor preparation and ensemble rehearsal time to master? A. Unison passages B. Homophony C. Call-and-response phrases D. Fugal sections
Option (D) is correct. Fugal sections, which contain imitative lines within a larger vocal texture, are generally more difficult than unisons, homophony, and call-and-response textures.
Which of the following statements about the guitarrón, played in traditional Mexican mariachi ensembles, is correct? A. Its music is notated in the treble clef. B. Its strings are tuned in perfect fifths. C. Its function is to double the vocal melody. D. Its part is primarily played in octaves.
Option (D) is correct. Guitarrón music is notated in bass clef. The lower note of each octave is normally provided, but it is general practice to play both octaves.
After a discussion about using melodic contour as a guide to expressive performance, a band director asks students in a high school trumpet class to add interpretive dynamic markings to the solo étude passage shown above. Which of the following students' work best demonstrates how the passage is typically interpreted in the pianissimo context? A. B. C. D.
Option (D) is correct. In general, the dynamic nuances applied by a performer would follow the phrase contour of the melody. Ascending contours usually become gradually louder and descending gradually softer.
Which of the following is a correct transposition of the melody shown above? A. B. C. D.
Option (D) is correct. In the transposed version of the melody, all pitches are written an augmented ninth higher than the original version.
Which of the following scenarios is the best example of music students in an eighth-grade general music class exhibiting intrinsic motivation? A. Students do not understand the musical purpose of the task but perform the task because it is required. B. Students do not understand the musical purpose of the task; they do not enjoy the task, but they perform the task for a reward. C. Students understand the relevance of the task to achieving musical goals; they do not enjoy the task but perform it to reach the goals. D. Students understand the relevance of the task to achieving musical goals, enjoy the task, and perform the task to reach the goals.
Option (D) is correct. Learners who are intrinsically motivated are more likely to engage willingly in an activity or task because it gives them an internal sense of enjoyment and are more likely to learn effectively.
Which of the following describes the most typical acoustical shortcoming of practice rooms that are self-contained, pre-engineered, and otherwise well made? A.The bass frequencies sound boomy and cause discomfort during extended listening. B.The clarity of the treble frequencies is poor because of excessive flutter echo. C.The rooms provide too little isolation from noises in adjoining learning spaces. D.The rooms have too little reverberation, making them unsatisfactory for music making.
Option (D) is correct. Many schools have practice rooms; if they are well made, the rooms provide a flat acoustic environment and good isolation from external noises. Most students, however, dislike practicing in them because the rooms do not provide a musically satisfying degree of reverberation, reflection, or diffusion, mostly due to their small internal dimensions. Manufacturers have introduced active acoustic technology as an optional room feature to address this problem.
Which of the following is the most appropriate harmony to accompany measure 3 of the melody shown? A. Tonic B. Dominant C. Mediant D. Subdominant
Option (D) is correct. Of the choices provided, only the subdominant harmony (G major) fits the melody in measure 3.
Which of the following is an appropriate teaching strategy for assisting students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) ? A. Avoiding adherence to classroom rules to allow for individuality and creativity B. Approaching learning tasks through only one modality to maintain consistency C. Eliminating reward systems in order to help develop intrinsic motivation D. Interspersing low-interest tasks with high-interest tasks to maintain focus
Option (D) is correct. Providing a change of pace every few minutes is helpful for maintaining focus for students experiencing ADHD.
Which of the following elements are heard in the piano accompaniment? A.Ground bass, block chords B.Ostinato bass, arpeggios C.Melodic doubling, block chords D.Countermelody, arpeggios
Option (D) is correct. The accompanying pianist plays arpeggiated chords and the countermelody. The vocal melody is not doubled. The bass is harmonically strong but is not thematic in nature.
The excerpt consists of the first two phrases of a composition for piano. How are the two phrases related? A.The second phrase is an exact repetition of the first phrase. B.The second phrase is a varied repetition of the first phrase. C.The second phrase is a transposition of the first phrase. D.The second phrase provides material that contrasts with the first phrase.
Option (D) is correct. The excerpt presents a second phrase that contrasts in harmonic and melodic material with the first phrase.
Which rhythm is played? (The excerpt will be played two times.) A. B. C. D.
Option (D) is correct. The notation shown accurately reflects the rhythm that is played.
Grades in a general music class are most appropriately based on the students' A. improvement in attitude toward music B. development of aesthetic preferences C. increased musical aptitude D. mastery of instructional objectives
Option (D) is correct. The primary goal of musical instruction in a general music class is to present a sequential music curriculum for which students should demonstrate mastery. The development of improved attitudes toward music and the development of musical preferences are laudable outcomes as a result of classroom instruction, but they do not constitute the core skills and knowledge upon which students should be graded. Musical aptitude is, by definition, the measured potential for students to learn in music and is not part of music curriculum.
Which of the following best characterizes the genre and period of composition of the excerpt for piano above? A. Mid-twentieth-century boogie-woogie B. Early twentieth-century swing C. Mid-twentieth-century rockabilly D. Early twentieth-century ragtime
Option (D) is correct. The syncopation, bass line, and melodic material of the excerpt are characteristic of the style of American early twentieth-century rags.
What is the texture? A.Imitative polyphony B.Nonimitative polyphony C.Monophony D.Homophony
Option (D) is correct. The texture of this excerpt consists of chords played in a chorale style.
Which of the performances features an Alberti bass accompaniment? Click on a play button to hear an individual performance. Each performance may be played two times. A. B. C. D.
Option (D) is correct. This performance includes the arpeggiated style of chordal accompaniment that is characteristic of an Alberti bass.
Which of the following techniques, when used by the instructor, are likely to improve the effectiveness of choral rehearsals? Select all that apply. A.Rehearsing with the accompanist alone before rehearsing with the choir B.Ensuring that each singer has music and a pencil for each rehearsal C.Singing to model musical ideas D.Having singers change body positions frequently by stretching, moving, sitting, and standing E.Using the same warm-up exercises in each rehearsal throughout the year
Options (A), (B), (C), and (D) are correct. All are essential in assuring effective choral rehearsals.
Which THREE of the following songs are known primarily as action songs? A. "Johnny Works with One Hammer" B. "Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear Turn Around" C. "Rig-a-Jig-Jig" D. "All Through the Night" E. "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep"
Options (A), (B), and (C) are correct. Action songs contain overt or implied instructions for movement within the lyrics.
Which THREE of the following texts are parts of the Ordinary of the Roman Catholic Mass? A.Laude B.Agnus Dei C.Sanctus D.Dies irae E.Gloria
Options (B), (C), and (E) are correct. The parts of the Ordinary of the Mass are the Kyrie eleison, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus, and Agnus Dei.
Which TWO of the following types of warm-ups are specifically useful to energize the voice? A. Head rolling B. Inner-hearing exercises C. Humming D. Ascending and descending scales E. Tongue twisters
Options (C) and (D) are correct because they help develop vocal tone. The other warmups listed are primarily useful for other purposes.
Place the composers listed below in the musical style period that reflects their work. Charles-François Gounod Arcangelo Corelli Josquin des Pres Muzio Clementi Renaissance: Baroque: Classical: Romantic:
The correct answers are des Pres/Renaissance, Corelli/Baroque, Clementi/Classical, and Gounod/Romantic, based on the characteristic compositional style of each composer.
With respect to contemporary usage, put the tempo markings below in order, from slowest to fastest. Largo Allegretto Andante Adagio Moderato Larghetto
The correct order of tempo markings is Largo, Larghetto, Adagio, Andante, Moderato, and Allegretto, based on contemporary usage.
Click the box of each triad that is diatonic in that key. A-flat major triad, B-flat major triad, D-flat major triad Key of E-flat major: Key of F minor: Key of G minor:
The key signature of E-flat major has three flats; therefore, in this key, the chords A-flat major and B-flat major are diatonic. The key signature of F minor has four flats; therefore, in this key, the chords A-flat major and D-flat major are diatonic. The key signature of G minor has two flats; therefore, in this key, the B-flat major chord is diatonic.
