Theory Flashcards
7 cards from real Online Music Lessons practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Theory flashcards as text
What is a 'leading tone' in a major scale?
Answer: The seventh scale degree, a half step below the tonic
The leading tone is the seventh degree of the major scale, only a half step below the tonic, creating strong pull toward resolution.
Which term describes gradually getting louder?
Answer: Crescendo
Crescendo is the Italian term and symbol (hairpin opening to the right) indicating a gradual increase in volume.
What is the function of a 'coda' in a piece of music?
Answer: A concluding passage that brings the piece to an end
A coda is a concluding section, often marked with a target symbol (⊕), that provides a definitive ending to the piece.
In chord notation, what does a lowercase 'm' after a letter indicate?
Answer: Minor chord
A lowercase 'm' (e.g., Am, Dm) indicates a minor chord, built with a minor third above the root.
What is 'voice leading' in music theory?
Answer: The smooth movement of individual voices from one chord to the next
Voice leading refers to the way individual melodic lines or voices move smoothly and efficiently between chords.
Which interval is considered the most consonant after the unison?
Answer: Octave
The octave is considered the most consonant interval after the unison because the frequencies are in a 2:1 ratio.
What does the term 'syncopation' refer to?
Answer: Accenting beats that are normally weak or off the beat
Syncopation places emphasis on normally weak beats or off-beats, creating rhythmic tension and forward momentum.