Harmony / Tonality

Question 1

Tonic

Answer 1

The first note (or chord) of a key; the “home” note or chord

Question 2

Dominant

Answer 2

The fifth note of the scale; often leads back to the tonic and creates tension

Question 3

Subdominant

Answer 3

The fourth note of the Cale; often moves to the dominant

Question 4

Cadence

Answer 4

A sequence of chords that ends a phrase or piece of music

Question 5

Perfect cadence

Answer 5

Chords V-I; sounds final and complete

Question 6

Imperfect Cadence

Answer 6

Ends on chord V; sounds unfinished

Question 7

Plagal cadence

Answer 7

Chords IV-I

Question 8

Interrupted cadence

Answer 8

Chords V-VI; an unexpected ending - sounds surprising or “interrupted”

Question 9

Consonance

Answer 9

Notes or chords that sound pleasant or stable together

Question 10

Dissonance

Answer 10

Clashing or unstable sounds that create tension

Question 11

Modulation

Answer 11

A change of key within a piece

Question 12

Major key

Answer 12

Generally sounds happy or bright

Question 13

Minor key

Answer 13

Generally sounds sad, dark, or serious

Question 14

Atonal

Answer 14

Music with no key; sounds unpredictable or dissonant