Question 1: Name the key signature (number of sharps or flats) for a major scale built on the note G.

Answer: One sharp (F#).

Question 2: List the notes in the C major scale in order from lowest to highest.

Answer: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C.

Question 3: Describe the main difference between a major scale and a minor scale.

Answer: A major scale has a bright, happy sound and follows a specific pattern of whole and half steps, while a minor scale has a sadder or more serious sound with a different pattern of intervals.

Question 4: Identify whether the following pattern of intervals is more typical of a major or minor scale: whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step, half step.

Answer: Major scale pattern.

Question 5: A scale starts on the note D and has the following notes: D, E, F, G, A, B, C, D. What type of scale is this? Explain your reasoning.

Answer: This is a D minor scale because the note F indicates a minor third interval from D, and the pattern of notes matches a natural minor scale.

Question 6: Listening analysis: Imagine a piece of music that uses a scale where the notes sound bright and happy, and the scale starts on C. Which scale is most likely being used?

Answer: C major scale.

Question 7: Sketch a diagram of a major scale pattern on a musical staff, starting on the note G. Label the notes and indicate the pattern of whole and half steps.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a G major scale: G, A, B, C, D, E, F#, G, with the pattern of intervals: whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half. The notes should be aligned on the staff, with the intervals marked accordingly.

Question 8: Write a short explanation of why scales are important in music composition and performance.

Answer: Scales form the basis of melodies and harmonies, help musicians understand key signatures, and provide a foundation for improvisation and improvising within a key.

Question 9: Identify the scale type: A scale that has the notes A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A, and sounds somewhat 'sad' or 'serious.'

Answer: A natural minor scale.

Question 10: Describe how a pentatonic scale differs from a major scale in terms of notes used.

Answer: A pentatonic scale uses only five notes per octave and typically omits the fourth and seventh degrees of the major scale, resulting in a simpler, more consonant sound.

Question 11: Imagine you are listening to a piece that shifts from a bright, happy sound to a darker, more melancholic mood. Which type of scale change might be responsible for this effect?

Answer: A change from a major scale to a minor scale or the use of minor mode.