Question 1: Define what a time signature is in music and explain its two main components.

Answer: A time signature is a musical notation that indicates the number of beats in each measure and the note value that represents one beat. Its two components are the numerator (top number), which shows how many beats are in each measure, and the denominator (bottom number), which indicates the note value that equals one beat.

Question 2: Identify the time signature described: a piece has a steady beat with four beats per measure, and the quarter note gets one beat.

Answer: The time signature is 4/4.

Question 3: Listen to a piece of music that has a feeling of a strong, regular pulse divided into groups of three beats, often felt as 'ONE-two-three, ONE-two-three'. What is the most likely time signature?

Answer: The most likely time signature is 3/4.

Question 4: Describe how a 6/8 time signature differs from 3/4 in terms of beat pattern and feel.

Answer: In 6/8, there are six beats per measure, grouped into two main beats, each subdivided into three eighth notes, giving a 'lilting' or compound feel. In 3/4, there are three beats per measure, each represented by a quarter note, creating a simple, waltz-like feel.

Question 5: Sketch a simple rhythmic pattern that could fit into a 4/4 time signature, showing the placement of quarter notes and eighth notes in one measure.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a measure divided into four equal parts with quarter notes on the first and third beats, and eighth notes on the second and fourth beats, or a similar pattern fitting four beats with appropriate note values.

Question 6: Explain what is meant by 'compound time' and give an example of a time signature that is considered compound.

Answer: 'Compound time' refers to time signatures where each beat is divided into three equal parts, giving a lilting rhythm. An example is 6/8, where each beat divides into three eighth notes, creating a compound feel.

Question 7: In a piece with a 2/2 time signature, how many beats are there in each measure and what note value gets the beat?

Answer: There are two beats per measure, and the half note (minim) gets one beat.

Question 8: Identify the time signature where the measure is divided into two beats, each beat subdivided into four sixteenth notes, creating a quick, driving rhythm.

Answer: The time signature is 2/4, but the description suggests a pattern that could also fit into 4/4 with emphasis on subdivisions. However, based on the description, the most precise answer is 2/4 with quick sixteenth notes.

Question 9: Listen to a piece that feels like it has a 'swing' rhythm, with a pattern of long and short notes that don't align with straight subdivisions. What is the likely time signature and rhythmic feel?

Answer: The likely time signature is 4/4 with a swing rhythm, where notes are played with a long-short feel, often associated with jazz or swing music.

Question 10: Draw a bar of music in 3/4 time showing a simple rhythm with a quarter note, followed by two eighth notes, and another quarter note.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a measure divided into three parts: the first with a quarter note, the second with two eighth notes connected by a beam, and the third with a quarter note, all aligned with the time signature.