Music Terms
What does "poco" mean?
A little
Which major scale has no sharps or flats?
C Major
How many keys are on most baby grand pianos?
88 keys
What is a "grace" note?
A music a note printed in small type to indicate that it is melodically and harmonically nonessential.
What is a "polyrhythm?"
A combination of two or more rhythms played simultaneously while moving at the same linear tempo.
What term means "gradually getting quiet?"
Decrescendo, diminuendo
Which minor scale has no sharps or flats?
A Minor
Which electronic musical instrument emits the eeriest of sounds and is the only instrument played without touching it?
Theramin
Define "enharmonic" and give an example.
Notes that are the same in pitch (in modern tuning) though bearing different names. Ex: F# and Gb
How long is a dotted eighth note held out for?
Three sixteenth notes.
What is the passage that brings a piece or movement to an end called? In rock, it would be considered the "outro."
Coda
Which scale only has one flat?
F Major
How many valves does a trumpet have?
3
If you want a note or short phrase played loudly at first, but then almost instantly quieter, how would you notate that?
fp
How many 32nd notes equal one beat?
Eight.
What is a grouping of seven-sixteenth notes called?
A septuplet
What is the correct order of sharps, and what is the correct order of flats?
F,C,G,D,A,E,B
B,E,A,D,G,C,F
Which inventor developed the solid-body electric guitar that made rock 'n roll possible?
Les Paul
What is the difference between a key change and a modulation?
A modulation is a prepared key change involving a pivot chord, while a key change is an abrupt change.
How many individual quarter note triplets can you fit in one measure of 4/4?
Six.
What is the musical term for "slow?"
Adagio
What is the difference between a harmonic minor scale and a natural minor scale?
In the natural minor scale, the seventh degree is minor, while in the harmonic minor scale, the seventh degree is major.
Which instrument began in China, originally called a "Sheng," but was later modernized into instrument with 10 holes and two reed plates, which gave the capability of making sounds from inhaling and exhaling?
Harmonica
What is a counter-melody?
A sequence of notes, perceived as a melody, written to be played simultaneously with a more prominent lead melody; a secondary melody played in counterpoint with the primary melody. A counter-melody performs a subordinate role, and is typically heard in a texture consisting of a melody plus accompaniment.
What is a "herta?"
The “Herta” is a four-note sticking that is made up of two notes (usually played fairly fast) which are immediately followed by two more at half the speed.