AGO Music Theory & Sight-Reading 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which mode is built on the second degree of the major scale?
- Dorian (Correct answer)
- Phrygian
- Lydian
- Mixolydian
Correct answer: Dorian
Dorian mode is built on the second scale degree and features a raised 6th compared to natural minor.
Question 2: In figured bass, what does the figure '6' beneath a bass note indicate?
- First inversion triad (Correct answer)
- Second inversion triad
- Root position seventh chord
- Third inversion seventh chord
Correct answer: First inversion triad
The figure '6' (shorthand for 6/3) indicates a first inversion triad where the third is in the bass.
Question 3: What is the enharmonic equivalent of G-sharp major?
- A-flat major (Correct answer)
- F-sharp major
- A major
- B-flat major
Correct answer: A-flat major
G-sharp major and A-flat major are enharmonically equivalent, sharing the same pitch content but written differently.
Question 4: A melody written in 6/8 time with notes grouped as dotted-quarter, eighth, dotted-quarter, eighth represents which rhythmic feel?
- Compound duple meter (Correct answer)
- Simple triple meter
- Simple duple meter
- Compound triple meter
Correct answer: Compound duple meter
6/8 is compound duple meter: two beats per measure, each subdivided into three eighth notes.
Question 5: When sight-reading an unfamiliar piece, which strategy best helps maintain tempo?
- Keep eyes slightly ahead of the note being played (Correct answer)
- Look at each note immediately before playing it
- Memorize the piece one measure at a time
- Focus on fingering over pitch accuracy
Correct answer: Keep eyes slightly ahead of the note being played
Reading ahead allows the performer to anticipate upcoming notes and maintain rhythmic continuity.
Question 6: Which interval is formed between C and A-flat?
- Minor sixth (Correct answer)
- Major sixth
- Diminished sixth
- Augmented fifth
Correct answer: Minor sixth
C to A-flat spans six letter names and is one half step smaller than a major sixth, making it a minor sixth.
Question 7: What does the term 'augmentation' mean when applied to a melodic theme?
- The note values are doubled in duration (Correct answer)
- The melody is transposed up a step
- The intervals are inverted
- The theme is played in retrograde
Correct answer: The note values are doubled in duration
Augmentation doubles (or multiplies) the rhythmic values of a theme, making it sound slower.
AGO Music Theory & Sight-Reading 2
Which mode is built on the second degree of the major scale?