Multiple Choice
Which major key has one flat in the key signature?
A. B♭ major
B. C major
C. F major
D. G major
In key signatures with sharps, the key is
A. one half step up from the last sharp.
B. the next to last sharp.
C. one half step up from the last flat.
D. one whole step up from the last sharp.
Which is true of a key signature with flats?
A. The next to last flat is the same as the key signature.
B. You do not refer to the flat with the key signature.
C. The first flat is the key when there are more than two flats.
D. The last flat is the same as the key signature.
The tuning systems were not always reliable during the Baroque period. Why did composers use key signatures?
A. to encourage use of percussion
B. to avoid harsh-sounding keys
C. to avoid creating harmonies in a piece
D. to encourage use of opera
Which sentence helps you remember the lines in treble clef?
A. Every good boy does fine.
B. Good boys do fine always.
C. All cows eat grass.
D. Fat cows go down alleys eating butter.
The treble clef is also known as .
A. F clef
B. G clef
C. grand staff
D. ledger line
What type of mood does a minor key usually create in a composition?
A. exciting
B. happy
C. sad
D. emotionless
What is one reason certain key signatures are used?
A. to confuse performers
B. to match with other pieces of the time period
C. to satisfy a client
D. to fit the instruments that will be playing the piece
What is the missing interval in the pattern for a major scale?
W W H W __ W H
A. W (whole step)
B. H (half step)
C. W (whole step)
The answers to the multiple-choice questions are as follows:
1. C. F major
2. D. one whole step up from the last sharp.
3. A. The next to last flat is the same as the key signature.
4. B. to avoid harsh-sounding keys
5. A. Every good boy does fine.
6. B. G clef
7. C. sad
8. D. to fit the instruments that will be playing the piece
9. A. W (whole step)
To find the answer to the first question, one would need to know the key signatures of the major keys. The key signature of a major key is found by following a specific pattern of sharps or flats. In this case, the question is asking for a major key with one flat. By looking at the key signature chart, one can see that the key with one flat is F major. Therefore, the correct answer is C. F major.
To find the answer to the second question, one would need to know the rules for determining the key based on sharps in the key signature. The key signature is represented by sharps or flats at the beginning of the staff. In the case of sharps, the key is one whole step up from the last sharp. This means that the next sharp in the key signature will indicate the key of the music. Therefore, the correct answer is D. One whole step up from the last sharp.
To find the answer to the third question, one would need to know the rules for determining the key based on flats in the key signature. In the case of flats, the first flat in the key signature is the key when there are more than two flats. This means that the key will be determined by the first flat. Therefore, the correct answer is C. The first flat is the key when there are more than two flats.
To find the answer to the fourth question, one would need to understand the historical context of the Baroque period and the role of key signatures. The Baroque period was characterized by a lack of standardized tuning systems, which meant that different keys could sound slightly different. Composers used key signatures to indicate the tonality of their compositions and to avoid writing in keys that were considered harsh-sounding. Therefore, the correct answer is B. To avoid harsh-sounding keys.
To find the answer to the fifth question, one would need to know a mnemonic device for remembering the lines in treble clef. Mnemonic devices are memory aids that help people remember information. The sentence "Every good boy does fine" is a common mnemonic device for remembering the lines in treble clef. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Every good boy does fine.
To find the answer to the sixth question, one would need to know the alternative names for the treble clef. The treble clef is also known as the G clef because it wraps around the G line on the staff. Therefore, the correct answer is B. G clef.
To find the answer to the seventh question, one would need to understand the characteristics of a minor key in music. Minor keys often create a sad or melancholic mood in a composition. Therefore, the correct answer is C. Sad.
To find the answer to the eighth question, one would need to know the purpose of using specific key signatures in music. Key signatures are used for various reasons, such as matching with other pieces of the time period or fitting the instruments that will be playing the piece. Therefore, the correct answer is D. To fit the instruments that will be playing the piece.
To find the answer to the ninth question, one would need to understand the pattern for constructing a major scale. The pattern for a major scale is whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step, half step. In this pattern, the missing interval is the fourth step, which is a whole step. Therefore, the correct answer is A. W (whole step).