Question 1: Define the term 'legato' and describe how it affects the way a piece of music is played.

Answer: Legato means to play or sing smoothly and connectedly, with no noticeable breaks between notes. It creates a flowing, seamless sound.

Question 2: Identify the musical term used to describe a gradual increase in volume, and explain how it might be expressed in a performance.

Answer: Crescendo. It is expressed by gradually increasing the volume of the music, often indicated by a hairpin symbol opening wider.

Question 3: Listen carefully to the described scenario: a piece features a repeated pattern where the music gets softer over time. What term describes this dynamic change?

Answer: Decrescendo or diminuendo.

Question 4: Explain the difference between 'allegro' and 'adagio' in musical tempo markings.

Answer: 'Allegro' indicates a fast, lively tempo, typically around 120-168 beats per minute, while 'adagio' indicates a slow, leisurely tempo, around 66-76 beats per minute.

Question 5: Describe what is meant by a 'syncopated rhythm' and give an example of how it might sound in music.

Answer: Syncopation involves placing emphasis on normally weak beats or off-beats, creating a sense of rhythmic surprise. It might sound like accents on the 'off-beats' rather than the main beats.

Question 6: Sketch a simple musical staff with four notes: a C, E, G, and C in ascending order. Label each note with its pitch name.

Answer: A correct sketch would show five lines with four notes positioned on the lines/spaces: C (bottom line), E (second line), G (third line), C (top line). Each note should be clearly labeled.

Question 7: Identify the musical term that describes a sudden, sharp accent on a note, often indicated with a symbol above or below the note.

Answer: Marcato.

Question 8: In your own words, explain what a 'modulation' is in music and give an example scenario when it might occur in a piece.

Answer: Modulation is a change from one key to another within a piece of music. For example, a piece might shift from C major to G major to create variety or build tension.

Question 9: Listen to a passage described as having a rapid alternation between two notes a whole step apart. What term describes this technique?

Answer: Trill.

Question 10: Write a brief paragraph explaining the importance of understanding musical terms when analyzing a piece of music.

Answer: Understanding musical terms helps performers interpret the music accurately, allows listeners to better appreciate the composer’s intentions, and improves overall musical communication and analysis.