Question 1: Define the term 'crescendo' and explain how it affects the music when performed.

Answer: Crescendo means gradually getting louder. It creates a sense of building intensity or excitement in the music.

Question 2: Identify the musical term that describes a rapid, smooth sequence of notes that are sung or played quickly and connectedly. Provide an example of a situation where this might be used.

Answer: The term is 'legato'. It might be used in a lyrical vocal line or a melodic passage played on a violin to create a smooth, connected sound.

Question 3: Describe the difference between a 'major' and a 'minor' scale in terms of their sound and mood.

Answer: A major scale generally sounds bright, happy, and cheerful, while a minor scale sounds darker, sadder, or more somber.

Question 4: Listen to a piece of music where the dynamics change from loud to soft multiple times. Which musical term describes these sudden or gradual changes in loudness?

Answer: The term is 'dynamics'. Changes in dynamics are indicated by terms like forte, piano, crescendo, or decrescendo.

Question 5: Explain what a 'syncopation' is and how it might affect the feel of a rhythm.

Answer: Syncopation is when the accent or emphasis is placed on normally weak beats or off-beats, creating a more lively or uneven rhythmic feel.

Question 6: Sketch a simple rhythmic pattern that includes a syncopation. Label the beats and off-beats clearly. (Describe what a correct sketch should include.)

Answer: A correct sketch would show a sequence of note heads on a standard 4/4 staff, with the emphasis placed on an off-beat or weaker beat, such as the second or fourth beat, indicating syncopation.

Question 7: Identify the term used to describe a musical change where the tempo gradually speeds up. What is this technique called?

Answer: The term is 'accelerando'. It indicates gradually increasing the tempo.

Question 8: Describe what is meant by 'timbre' and give two examples of how it can be distinguished between different instruments.

Answer: Timbre refers to the unique quality or tone colour of a sound that allows us to distinguish between different instruments or voices. For example, a violin has a bright, warm sound, while a flute has a clear, airy tone.

Question 9: Listen carefully to a described passage where the music shifts from a slow, peaceful section to a fast, energetic section. What term might describe this change in mood or pace?

Answer: The change could be described as a 'modulation' or 'section change', but specifically in mood or pace, it might be called a 'contrast' or 'climax'.

Question 10: Draw a musical staff and sketch a simple melody with four notes that ascend stepwise. Label each note with its pitch name.

Answer: A correct sketch would show four notes on a staff, each higher than the previous, such as C, D, E, F, with the pitch names written underneath.