Rhythm/tempo/metre

Question 1

What is the term for a note lasting 4 beats?

Answer 1

Semibreve

A semibreve is the longest note value commonly used in music notation, representing four beats in a 4/4 time signature.

Question 2

What is the term for a note lasting 2 beats?

Answer 2

Minim

A minim is equivalent to two beats in a 4/4 time signature.

Question 3

What is the duration of a crotchet?

Answer 3

One beat

A crotchet is also known as a quarter note.

Question 4

What is the duration of a quaver?

Answer 4

1/2 of a beat

A quaver is also referred to as an eighth note.

Question 5

What is the duration of a semiquaver?

Answer 5

1/4 of a beat

A semiquaver is also known as a sixteenth note.

Question 6

What does adding a dot to a note do?

Answer 6

Increases its length by half the value

This creates a jumpy long/short pattern known as a ‘dotted rhythm’.

Question 7

What is syncopation?

Answer 7

When the strong accent is placed on a normally weak beat

This creates an unexpected rhythmic feel.

Question 8

What is a triplet?

Answer 8

When 3 equal note values are played in the time of 2 note values

Triplets create a unique rhythmic division.

Question 9

What is chaal?

Answer 9

An 8 note dotted rhythm pattern found in BHANGRA

Chaal is characteristic of certain South Asian music styles.

Question 10

What are rests in music?

Answer 10

Musical symbols denoting silence instead of notes

Rests indicate pauses in the music.

Question 11

What does ‘driving rhythms’ refer to?

Answer 11

Energetic, driving the music on

These rhythms propel the music forward.

Question 12

What are dance rhythms?

Answer 12

Typical rhythms of any kind of dance

These rhythms vary widely across different dance styles.

Question 13

What defines rock rhythms?

Answer 13

Rhythmic riffs and patterns associated with ‘rock’ music

These are crucial for the genre’s identity.

Question 14

What does allegro mean?

Answer 14

Fast/lively/quick

Allegro indicates a brisk tempo in music.

Question 15

What does vivace mean?

Answer 15

Lively/brisk

Vivace is a tempo marking that suggests a lively pace.

Question 16

What is allegretto?

Answer 16

Moderately fast

Allegretto is slightly slower than allegro.

Question 17

What does moderato indicate?

Answer 17

At a moderate pace

Moderato is a standard tempo marking.

Question 18

What does andante mean?

Answer 18

At walking speed

Andante suggests a slow, relaxed tempo.

Question 19

What is adagio?

Answer 19

Slow/leisurely

Adagio indicates a slower tempo than andante.

Question 20

What does lento mean?

Answer 20

Slow tempo

Lento is often used to indicate a very slow pace.

Question 21

What does accelerando mean?

Answer 21

Gradually getting faster

This term indicates a gradual increase in tempo.

Question 22

What does ritardando mean?

Answer 22

Slowing down

Ritardando indicates a gradual decrease in tempo.

Question 23

What is dotted rhythm?

Answer 23

A jumpy long/short pattern created by adding a dot to a note

This rhythm adds variety and interest to the musical line.

Question 24

What does ‘on the beat’ refer to?

Answer 24

When the accents are on the strong beats

This creates a sense of stability in the rhythm.

Question 25

What does 'off the beat' refer to?

Answer 25

An off-beat rhythm ## Footnote This creates a sense of tension and surprise in the music.

Question 28

What does Rallentando mean?

Answer 28

Slowing down ## Footnote Rallentando is a musical term indicating a gradual decrease in tempo.

Question 29

What is Rubato?

Answer 29

A 'freer' interpretation of the tempo ## Footnote Rubato allows for expressive timing, where the tempo can be stretched or compressed.

Question 30

What is a Pause in music?

Answer 30

A symbol which means the note must be held for longer than its original value ## Footnote Pauses create moments of silence in music, emphasizing the preceding or following notes.

Question 31

Define Regular time signatures.

Answer 31

Time signatures that divide nicely into 2s or 3s ## Footnote Regular time signatures include 4/4, 3/4, and 2/4.

Question 32

Define Irregular time signatures.

Answer 32

Time signatures that won't divide nicely eg. 5/4 and 7/8 ## Footnote Irregular time signatures create unique rhythmic patterns.

Question 33

What is an Accent in music?

Answer 33

Emphasis put on a single beat ## Footnote Accents help to create dynamics and highlight certain notes or beats.

Question 34

How do we describe when there are 2 beats of the pulse in a bar?

Answer 34

Duple ## Footnote Duple time signatures include 2/4 and 2/2.

Question 35

How do we describe when there are 3 beats of the pulse in a bar?

Answer 35

Triple ## Footnote Triple time signatures include 3/4 and 3/8.

Question 36

How do we describe when there are 4 beats of the pulse in a bar?

Answer 36

Quadruple ## Footnote Quadruple time signatures include 4/4 and 4/8.

Question 37

What is Simple time?

Answer 37

Each beat of the pulse can divide into 2 ## Footnote Simple time signatures are characterized by a straightforward rhythmic division.

Question 38

What is Compound time?

Answer 38

Each beat of the pulse can divide into 3 ## Footnote Compound time signatures include 6/8 and 9/8, creating a different rhythmic feel.