Theory Exam Flashcards
UNIT 1: C Clef
Middle line indicates Middle C
(Also known as moveable C clef)
Baritone, Tenor, Alto, Mezzo-Soprano & Soprano C clef placements
Baritone: middle C-top line
Tenor: 4th line
Alto: middle line
Mezzo-Soprano: 2nd line
Soprano: 1st line
Tenor Clef Allowance
In sharp key signature, F# and G# are low
Transposing Instruments:
Clarinet in B Flat: per 2 below concert pitch (concert key: C, Clarinet in B Flat: D)
French Horn: per 5 below concert pitch (concert key: D, French Horn: G)
Vocal Short Score & Modern Vocal Score
Vocal Short Score: treble for soprano and alto, bass for tenor and bass. Fermatas are used upside down for bass clef.
Modern Vocal Score (Open Score): every voice has a staff. Fermatas always upright.
* an 8 below the clef symbol indicates that the part is sung 1 octave LOWER than written.
UNIT 2: 5/8 Time
2 beats: 1 dotted, 1 undotted
Can be 3 + 2 or 2+3 grouping
Top Number 7 & 8 Time Signature
1 dotted, 2 undotted
3+2+2
2 dotted, 1 undotted
3+3+2
Top Number is 9, 10 & 11
9: 1 dotted, 3 undotted
10: 2 dotted, 2 undotted
11: 3 dotted, 1 undotted
Ionian
WWHWWWH
Elated
Dorian
WHWWWHW
Watered down minor 
Phrygian
HWWWHWW
Aladdin 
Lydian
WWWHWWH
Sci-fi
Mixolydian
WWHWWHW
Rock Music
Aeolian
WHWWHWW
Minor scale
Locrian
HWWHWWW
Dim triad, punish ears
UNIT 4: Naming A Compound Interval
Either maj 10 or C maj 3
Inverting
Remember…
Maj = min
Dim = Aug
Per = Per
UNIT 5: Major Scale Functional Chord Symbols for I - I
I ii iii IV V vi vii0 I
Minor Harmonic Scale Functional Chord Symbols
i ii0 III+ iv V VI vii0 i
Minor Melodic Scale Functional Chord Symbols
i ii0 III iv v VI VII i
Root quality, cord symbols, indicating inversions
Cord name with slash then base note
When writing in choral style
It’s best to double the root
Vocal Ranges
Soprano- C to G
Alto - G to C
Tenor- C to G
Bass - E to C
UNIT 6: 3 Options for writing a contrasting period
(1) retain original rhythm with altered melodic intervals and underlying harmony
(2) retain original rhythm with new melodic shape & direction
(3) contrasting rhythm, new motive repeated sequentially.
[(4)] contrasting rhythm, new motive repeated sequentially.
Tips for Creating Contrasting Material
(1) Imply or outline logical harmonic progressions
(2)maintain a harmonic rhythm in the consequent phrase similar to that established in the antecedent phrase
(3) approach the final stable pitch with stepwise motion
Steps in writing a contrasting Period
1- name key, and indicate implied harmony
2- create a harmonic plan for the first and second phrases
3-compose Melody using the harmonic plan
Harmonic rhythm
How frequently the harmony changes in a measure
* Harmonic changes occur more often as the cadence approaches
Five types of motion
1 – PARALLEL motion occurs when two lines ascend or descend, the distance of the same interval
2- SIMILAR motion occurs when two lines ascend or descend together, but not the distance at the same interval
3- CONTRARY motion occurs when two lines move in different directions
4- OBLIQUE motion when one line remains same while the other line ascends or descends
5- STATIC motion no motion at all
Quartal, poly and Cluster Chords
Quartal- based on 4ths
Poly- 2 different chords played at the same time
Cluster- combination of three or more adjacent pitches
Degrees & Their Corresponding Chords
1- I, IV
2- V
3- I
4- IV
5- I, V
6- IV
7- V
Ordo Virtutum
Composer: Hildegard von Bingen
Period: medieval
Type of Piece: Monophonic Plainchant
Instrumentation: 17 female voices, 1 male voice, improv instruments
Associated Style Traits: Latin, morality play, modal melody
Sumer Is Icumen In (Reading Rota)
Composer: Anonymous
Period: 13th century
Genre: English round/rotal canon
Performing Forces: 6 voices
Associated Style Traits: Polyphonic texture, ostinato
El Grillo
Composer: Josquin de Prez
Period: Renaissance
Genre: Frottola
Performing Forces: 4 male voices
Associated Style Traits: Homophonic texture, word painting, a cappella
Gamelan, Metallophones, Raga, Tala and Sitar
Gamelan: Indonesian instrumental ensemble music (3-25 players)
Metallophones: instruments with tuned metal bars struck with mallets (6-14 pitches)
Raga: Like a western scale, over 100
Tala: a metric cycle or regularly repeating rhythmic phrase that can include 3-100+ rhythmic units
Sitar: five strings are used to play melodies while two strings are used for drone and percussive effects
