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Theory > Theory Exam > Flashcards

Theory Exam Flashcards

1
Q

UNIT 1: C Clef

A

Middle line indicates Middle C
(Also known as moveable C clef)

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2
Q

Baritone, Tenor, Alto, Mezzo-Soprano & Soprano C clef placements

A

Baritone: middle C-top line
Tenor: 4th line
Alto: middle line
Mezzo-Soprano: 2nd line
Soprano: 1st line

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3
Q

Tenor Clef Allowance

A

In sharp key signature, F# and G# are low

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4
Q

Transposing Instruments:

A

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: C, French Horn: G)

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5
Q

Vocal Short Score & Modern Vocal Score

A

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.

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6
Q

UNIT 2: 5/8 Time

A

2 beats: 1 dotted, 1 undotted
Can be 3 + 2 or 2+3 grouping

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7
Q

Top Number 7 & 8 Time Signature

A

1 dotted, 2 undotted
3+2+2
2 dotted, 1 undotted
3+3+2

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8
Q

Top Number is 9, 10 & 11

A

9: 1 dotted, 3 undotted

10: 2 dotted, 2 undotted
11: 3 dotted, 1 undotted

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9
Q

Ionian

A

WWHWWWH
Elated

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10
Q

Dorian

A

WHWWWHW
Watered down minor 

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11
Q

Phrygian

A

HWWWHWW
Aladdin 

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12
Q

Lydian

A

WWWHWWH
Sci-fi

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13
Q

Mixolydian

A

WWHWWHW
Rock Music

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14
Q

Aeolian

A

WHWWHWW
Minor scale

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15
Q

Locrian

A

HWWHWWW
Dim triad, punish ears

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16
Q

UNIT 4: Naming A Compound Interval

A

Either maj 10 or C maj 3

17
Q

Inverting

A

Remember…
Maj = min
Dim = Aug
Per = Per

18
Q

UNIT 5: Major Scale Functional Chord Symbols for I - I

A

I ii iii IV V vi vii0 I

19
Q

Minor Harmonic Scale Functional Chord Symbols

A

i ii0 III+ iv V VI vii0 i

20
Q

Minor Melodic Scale Functional Chord Symbols

A

i ii0 III iv v VI VII i

21
Q

Root quality, cord symbols, indicating inversions

A

Cord name with slash then base note

22
Q

When writing in choral style

A

It’s best to double the root

23
Q

Vocal Ranges

A

Soprano- C to G
Alto - G to C
Tenor- C to G
Bass - E to C

24
Q

UNIT 6: 3 Options for writing a contrasting period

A

(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.

25
Q

Tips for Creating Contrasting Material

A

(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

26
Q

Steps in writing a contrasting Period

A

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

27
Q

Harmonic rhythm

A

How frequently the harmony changes in a measure
* Harmonic changes occur more often as the cadence approaches

28
Q

Five types of motion

A

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

29
Q

Quartal, poly and Cluster Chords

A

Quartal- based on 4ths
Poly- 2 different chords played at the same time
Cluster- combination of three or more adjacent pitches

30
Q

Degrees & Their Corresponding Chords

A

1- I, IV
2- V
3- I
4- IV
5- I, V
6- IV
7- V

31
Q

Ordo Virtutum

A

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

32
Q

Sumer Is Icumen In (Reading Rota)

A

Composer: Anonymous
Period: 13th century
Genre: English round/rotal canon
Performing Forces: 6 voices
Associated Style Traits: Polyphonic texture, ostinato

33
Q

El Grillo

A

Composer: Josquin de Prez
Period: Renaissance
Genre: Frottola
Performing Forces: 4 male voices
Associated Style Traits: Homophonic texture, word painting, a cappella

34
Q

Gamelan, Metallophones, Raga, Tala and Sitar

A

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

Theory (4 decks)

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