General Concepts

Question 0

Variation

Answer 0

The addition of notes to a melody to change it. Eg Ornaments, Passing Notes. Other methods of variation are possible

Question 1

Theme

Answer 1

A tune which is important within the overall framework of a piece

Question 2

Imitation

Answer 2

Where the melody is immediately copied in another part. It need not be an exact copy

Question 3

Ornament

Answer 3

A decoration of an individual note

Question 8

Pentatonic Scale

Answer 8

A 5 note scale (CDEGA) common in ethnic music. Eg Scottish & Oriental

Question 9

Tone

Answer 9

A full step consisting of 2 semitones. Eg C-D and E-F#

Question 10

Semitone

Answer 10

Half a tone. From one note to its immediate neighbour. Eg E-F & C-C#

Question 11

Scat Singing

Answer 11

Singing without using specific words (ie vocalising). Used often in Jazz when words would prevent improvisation

Question 12

Major Scale

Answer 12

CDEFGABC

DF#GABC#D

Question 13

Minor Scale

Answer 13

ABCDEFG#A (Harmonic)

ABCDEF#G#AGFEDCBA (Melodic)

Question 14

Chromatic Scale

Answer 14

A 12 note scale consisting entirely of semitones

Question 15

Modulation

Answer 15

When a composer starts a piece of music in a particular key and wants it to move it into another key