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Quizzes > Music

Music Theory Quiz: Practice II

Quick, free music theory practice test. Instant results and next steps.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Emily FordUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 15
Study OutcomesAdditional Reading
3D voxel art representing Music Theory and Practice II course content

This music theory quiz helps you sharpen melody, counterpoint, part writing, tonal analysis, harmonization, phrase structure, and keyboard skills. Answer 15 quick questions to see your strengths and gaps, with instant results. For more practice, try our music theory practice test, a basic music theory quiz, or a note identification quiz.

Which chord is the tonic triad in the key of C major?
G major triad
C major triad
A minor triad
F major triad
In C major, the tonic triad is built on the first degree of the scale, which is C. The C major triad, consisting of the notes C, E, and G, clearly establishes the tonal center.
What is the correct key signature for the key of G major?
One sharp
One flat
No sharps or flats
Two sharps
G major has one sharp, which is F#. This key signature defines the scale and sets the necessary accidentals for the key.
What interval is formed from the note C to the note E?
Minor third
Major third
Perfect fifth
Perfect fourth
The interval from C to E spans four half steps, making it a major third. This interval is essential in constructing major chords and defining tonal harmony.
Which description best fits first-species counterpoint?
Note-against-note counterpoint
Two notes against one note
Homophonic texture with chordal accompaniment
Free rhythm counterpoint
First-species counterpoint pairs one note in the counterpoint with each note of the cantus firmus. This exact alignment emphasizes consonance and clear voice independence.
What defines a musical phrase in tonal music?
A repeated rhythmic pattern
A complete musical idea ending with a cadence
A dissonant cluster resolving to silence
A sequence of unrelated notes
A musical phrase is a coherent segment that expresses a complete idea, typically ending with a cadence that provides a sense of closure. This forms the basis for understanding musical structure in tonal music.
Which chord in a major key typically serves a dominant function, creating a strong resolution to the tonic?
IV (subdominant) chord
V (dominant) chord
vi (submediant) chord
ii (supertonic) chord
The V chord is well-known for its dominant function, which creates tension that is typically resolved by the tonic chord. This resolution is a fundamental aspect of tonal harmony.
Which motion is most effective in avoiding parallel perfect intervals in species counterpoint?
Direct motion
Contrary motion
Similar motion
Oblique motion
Using contrary motion, where voices move in opposing directions, is most effective in avoiding parallel perfect intervals such as fifths and octaves. This motion helps maintain the independence of the voices.
In four-voice part writing, which voice typically carries the leading tone in a major key?
Soprano
Alto
Tenor
Bass
The soprano voice is commonly assigned the leading tone because it is best positioned to resolve stepwise to the tonic. This placement enhances the overall clarity and direction of the harmonic progression.
Which interval is especially managed in counterpoint to maintain voice independence and avoid unwanted parallels?
Whole tone
Perfect fifth
Minor sixth
Major third
Perfect fifths, if used consecutively between the same voices, can compromise the independence of each line. Avoiding parallel perfect fifths is a key rule in counterpoint, ensuring clarity and contrast between the voices.
What is the main purpose of using passing tones in a harmonization exercise?
To interrupt the harmonic progression
To emphasize dissonance and tension
To create smooth linear motion between chord tones
To prolong the dominant function
Passing tones help to bridge chord tones with stepwise motion, thereby ensuring smooth melodic lines. Their proper use enhances voice leading and helps maintain the logical flow of harmony.
In tonal analysis, what does the term 'cadence' specifically refer to?
The overall key signature of a composition
A rapid sequence of notes in a melodic line
A harmonic progression that concludes a phrase
A repeated rhythmic motive
A cadence functions as a conclusion to a musical phrase or section, providing a sense of closure. It is a key element in tonal analysis that marks the end or pause in musical thought.
What distinguishes species counterpoint from free counterpoint in terms of structure?
Species counterpoint follows strict rhythmic and intervallic rules
Species counterpoint emphasizes simultaneous chordal progressions
Species counterpoint allows for improvisatory dissonance
Species counterpoint lacks any prescribed rules
Species counterpoint is noted for its strict guidelines on rhythm and intervals against a static cantus firmus. This contrasts sharply with free counterpoint, which is more lenient and allows for improvisatory elements.
Which description best defines second-species counterpoint?
It involves two counterpoint notes for every one note of the cantus firmus
It requires note-against-note alignment only
It utilizes syncopated rhythms and non-harmonic tones
It is characterized by free, improvisatory melodies
Second-species counterpoint introduces a rhythmic complexity by setting two notes against each note of the cantus firmus. This approach requires careful handling of dissonance and consonance while maintaining overall harmonic balance.
When composing for keyboard, what is a primary consideration in effective part writing?
Using only the lower registers to support bass lines
Ensuring clear voice separation through appropriate register and spacing
Emphasizing loud dynamics over smooth voice leading
Writing all parts in a single hand position
Effective keyboard composition requires that each voice or part is distinct and easily identifiable. Proper use of register and spacing is critical to avoid muddiness and ensure the clarity of the musical texture.
What term describes the process of adding harmonies to a pre-existing melody?
Counterpoint
Harmonization
Modulation
Orchestration
Harmonization is the technique of creating accompanying chords and progressions that support a given melody. This process involves careful voice leading and harmonic function considerations to complement the melodic line.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Analyze fundamental tonal theory concepts and notation.
  2. Evaluate melodic structures and phrase forms within compositions.
  3. Apply species counterpoint rules and part writing techniques to harmonize melodies.
  4. Compose short pieces that demonstrate effective tonal analysis and keyboard application.

Music Theory And Practice II Additional Reading

Ready to dive into the world of music theory? Here are some top-notch resources to guide you through the intricacies of tonal harmony, counterpoint, and more:

  1. This comprehensive textbook delves into elementary harmonization, the Rule of the Octave, diatonic sequences, secondary dominants, modulation, melodic analysis, and an introduction to musical form. It's a treasure trove for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of music theory. ([works.bepress.com](https://works.bepress.com/mark_zanter/11/?utm_source=openai))
  2. Explore a wealth of study materials, including overviews of elementary chromatic harmony, summaries of strict note-against-note counterpoint in two and four voices, and theme draft workshop music. These resources are perfect for honing your analytical and compositional skills. ([ocw.mit.edu](https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/21m-302-harmony-and-counterpoint-ii-spring-2005/pages/study-materials/?utm_source=openai))
  3. This chapter offers a step-by-step method for learning to write melodies and combine them, focusing on species counterpoint. It covers key concepts like consonance and dissonance, types of two-part motion, and composing a cantus firmus. ([pressbooks.nebraska.edu](https://pressbooks.nebraska.edu/openmusictheory/chapter/species-counterpoint/?utm_source=openai))
  4. This course covers diatonic harmony through secondary dominants and diminished sevenths, modulations to dominant and relative keys, writing of four-part chorales, style composition in baroque dance forms, and an introduction to figured bass notation. It's a comprehensive guide to advancing your music theory knowledge. ([schoolofmusic.ucla.edu](https://schoolofmusic.ucla.edu/courses/music-theory-ii/?utm_source=openai))
  5. This resource introduces the concept of species counterpoint as taught in Johann Joseph Fux's seminal text, Gradus ad Parnassum. It focuses on writing for two voices and provides examples to illustrate the principles of contrapuntal composition. ([musictheory.pugetsound.edu](https://musictheory.pugetsound.edu/mt21c/SpeciesCounterpoint.html?utm_source=openai))
Happy studying!
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