Course outline
Module 1
Module 1: Introduction to Music Theory
Introduction to Music Theory
Knowledge check
Q1. What is the term for the basic unit of music that represents a single note or rest?
- A. Measure
- B. Note ✓
- C. Scale
- D. Chord
Why: A note is the basic unit of music that represents a single pitch and duration.
Q2. Which of the following is a whole note?
- A. Oval with a stem
- B. Filled-in oval ✓
- C. Empty oval
- D. Oval with a flag
Why: A whole note is represented by a filled-in oval without a stem or flag.
Q3. How many beats does a quarter note receive in 4/4 time?
Why: In 4/4 time, a quarter note receives one beat.
Q4. What is the name of the symbol that indicates the start of a piece of music?
- A. Clef ✓
- B. Key signature
- C. Time signature
- D. Staff
Why: The clef is the symbol that indicates the start of a piece of music and defines the pitch of the notes on the staff.
Q5. Which of the following is a natural note?
Why: A natural note is a note that is not altered by any accidental, such as D.
Module 2
Module 2: Musical Notation and Staff Lines
Musical Notation and Staff Lines
Module 3
Module 3: Notes, Rhythms, and Time Signatures
Notes, Rhythms, and Time Signatures
Module 4
Module 4: Intervals and Scales
Module 5
Module 5: Chords and Triads
Chords and Triads
Knowledge check
Q1. What is the root of a C major triad?
Why: The root of a triad is the note upon which the triad is built, which in this case is C.
Q2. Which of the following is a triad?
- A. C
- B. C-E-G ✓
- C. C-E-F
- D. C-D-E
Why: A triad consists of three notes stacked in thirds. C-E-G is a C major triad.
Q3. What interval is between the root and the third of a major triad?
- A. Minor third
- B. Major third ✓
- C. Perfect fourth
- D. Perfect fifth
Why: In a major triad, the interval between the root and the third is a major third.
Q4. What is the quality of a triad made up of C, E, and G?
- A. Diminished
- B. Major ✓
- C. Minor
- D. Augmented
Why: The interval between C and E is a major third, and between E and G is a minor third, making it a major triad.
Q5. Which triad is formed by the notes A, C, and E?
- A. A major
- B. A minor ✓
- C. C major
- D. E minor
Why: The interval between A and C is a minor third, and between C and E is a major third, forming an A minor triad.
Module 6
Module 6: Key Signatures and Scales
Key Signatures and Scales
Knowledge check
Q1. What is the key signature for the key of G major?
- A. One sharp ✓
- B. Two sharps
- C. Three sharps
- D. No sharps
Why: The key of G major has one sharp, which is F#.
Q2. Which scale has no sharps or flats in its key signature?
- A. C major ✓
- B. D major
- C. F major
- D. G major
Why: The key of C major has no sharps or flats in its key signature.
Q3. How many flats are in the key of B flat major?
- A. Two ✓
- B. One
- C. Three
- D. Four
Why: The key of B flat major has two flats: B flat and E flat.
Q4. What is the relative minor of C major?
- A. A minor ✓
- B. B minor
- C. C minor
- D. D minor
Why: The relative minor of C major is A minor, as they share the same key signature.
Q5. Which key has three sharps in its key signature?
- A. A major ✓
- B. D major
- C. F# major
- D. E major
Why: The key of A major has three sharps: F#, C#, and G#.
Module 7
Module 7: Basic Harmony and Progressions
Basic Harmony and Progressions
Knowledge check
Q1. What is the most common chord progression in Western music?
- A. I - IV - V - I
- B. I - V - vi - IV ✓
- C. ii - V - I
- D. vi - IV - I - V
Why: The I - V - vi - IV progression is widely used in many popular songs and is considered one of the most common in Western music.
Q2. Which chord is the dominant chord in the key of C major?
- A. C major
- B. G major ✓
- C. F major
- D. D minor
Why: In the key of C major, the dominant chord is G major, which is the fifth scale degree.
Q3. What is the function of the tonic chord?
- A. To create tension
- B. To provide resolution ✓
- C. To modulate to a new key
- D. To introduce a new theme
Why: The tonic chord provides a sense of resolution and stability, as it is the home chord of the key.
Q4. What is the Roman numeral for the subdominant chord in any key?
Why: The subdominant chord is the fourth scale degree, represented by the Roman numeral IV.
Q5. In the key of A minor, what is the relative major key?
- A. C major ✓
- B. D major
- C. E major
- D. F major
Why: The relative major key of A minor is C major, as they share the same key signature.