Question 1: Define the term 'melody' in your own words. Give an example of a simple melody you know.

Answer: A melody is a sequence of musical notes that are perceived as a single, coherent tune. For example, the main tune of 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.'

Question 2: Listen carefully to a piece of music and identify whether it is in a major or minor key. Describe the main characteristic that helped you decide.

Answer: A major key tends to sound bright and happy, whereas a minor key sounds somber or sad. The characteristic I used was the overall mood and the type of scale used in the music.

Question 3: Explain what a 'tempo' is in music. How would a piece sound if played at a very slow tempo versus a very fast tempo?

Answer: Tempo is the speed at which a piece of music is played. A slow tempo makes the music sound relaxed or sad, while a fast tempo makes it sound energetic or exciting.

Question 4: Describe the difference between 'loud' and 'soft' dynamics in music. How might a composer use these to create mood?

Answer: Loud dynamics mean the music is played strongly or forcefully, while soft dynamics are gentle or quiet. Composers can use loud passages to create excitement and soft passages to create calm or intimacy.

Question 5: Identify the term that describes a repeated section of music. How does repetition affect a piece?

Answer: The term is 'refrain' or 'chorus.' Repetition helps make the music memorable and emphasizes key themes.

Question 6: Listen to a short description of a music piece: it has a steady beat, a moderate speed, and a cheerful mood. What musical term describes this tempo?

Answer: The musical term is 'moderato,' which indicates a moderate speed.

Question 7: Draw a simple sketch of a musical staff with five lines and label each line and space. Indicate where a typical note like 'C' would be placed.

Answer: A correct sketch would show five horizontal lines with four spaces between them. The note 'C' is usually placed on the space just below the bottom line of the staff.

Question 8: What does the term 'crescendo' mean in music? How would a performer show this in their playing?

Answer: Crescendo means gradually getting louder. A performer shows this by increasing volume slowly over a passage.

Question 9: Identify the musical term that describes a sudden loud sound. How is this used in music?

Answer: The term is 'forte' (f). It is used to make a particular note or section stand out by playing loudly.

Question 10: Describe what 'syncopation' is and how it creates interest in a piece of music.

Answer: Syncopation is when the emphasis is placed on normally weak beats or off-beats, creating a rhythmic surprise that makes the music more interesting.

Question 11: Think of a song you know. Does it use a fast or slow tempo? How does this affect the mood of the song?

Answer: For example, a fast tempo makes the song feel lively and energetic, while a slow tempo can make it feel calm or sad.