Question 1: Define the term 'melody' in music. Provide a brief explanation of its importance in a song.

Answer: A melody is a sequence of musical notes that are perceived as a single, cohesive tune. It is important because it is the main theme or memorable part of a piece of music.

Question 2: Listen carefully to a piece of music. Describe what the term 'dynamics' refers to and give two examples of dynamic markings you might hear in sheet music.

Answer: Dynamics refer to the loudness or softness of the music. Examples of dynamic markings are 'p' for piano (soft) and 'f' for forte (loud).

Question 3: Explain the difference between 'tempo' and 'rhythm'.

Answer: Tempo is the speed at which a piece of music is played, usually indicated in beats per minute. Rhythm refers to the pattern of sounds and silences in the music.

Question 4: Identify and describe the musical term that means gradually getting louder. Include what symbol or marking might be used in sheet music.

Answer: The term is 'crescendo'. It indicates that the music should gradually increase in loudness and is often marked with a hairpin symbol opening outward.

Question 5: Sketch a simple rhythmic pattern using quarter notes and eighth notes in a 4/4 time signature. Label each note type in your sketch.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a sequence of four quarter notes (each occupying one beat) and a sequence of eighth notes (each occupying half a beat), arranged to demonstrate a basic rhythmic pattern in 4/4 time.

Question 6: What does the term 'harmony' mean in music? How does it differ from 'melody'?

Answer: Harmony refers to the combination of different musical notes played or sung together to support the melody. It differs from melody, which is a single, main tune.

Question 7: Identify the musical term that describes a gradual decrease in loudness and explain when a composer might use it.

Answer: The term is 'decrescendo' or 'diminuendo'. A composer might use it to create a softer, more subdued ending or to build tension.

Question 8: Describe what 'syncopation' means in music. How does it affect the overall feel of a rhythm?

Answer: Syncopation is when the emphasis or accent is placed on beats that are usually weak or off-beats, creating a sense of surprise and making the rhythm more interesting.

Question 9: Listen carefully to a piece of music. Identify whether the tempo is fast, slow, or moderate, and justify your answer based on the music's character.

Answer: The student should describe the music's pace, e.g., 'the music is fast because the notes are played quickly and the rhythm feels energetic,' or similar reasoning.

Question 10: Sketch a simple diagram showing the difference between a 'major' and a 'minor' scale. Indicate the key differences in the pattern of whole and half steps.

Answer: A correct sketch would show two scales: the major scale with a pattern of whole and half steps (whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half), and the minor scale with its characteristic pattern (whole, half, whole, whole, half, whole, whole).