AGO Music Theory & Sight-Reading 3

Question 1

Which chord quality is built by stacking a major third, then a minor third, then another minor third above a root?

Accepted Answer

Major-minor seventh chord (dominant seventh)

Answer

A dominant seventh chord consists of a major triad plus a minor third on top, creating intervals M3–m3–m3 from the root.

Question 2

What is the function of a Neapolitan chord (N6) in tonal harmony?

Accepted Answer

Pre-dominant, typically resolving to the dominant

Answer

The Neapolitan sixth is a pre-dominant chord built on the lowered second scale degree in first inversion.

Question 3

In Renaissance polyphony, what is a 'cantus firmus'?

Accepted Answer

A pre-existing melody used as the structural basis of a composition

Answer

A cantus firmus is a fixed melody, often borrowed from chant, around which other voices are composed.

Question 4

How many sharps are in the key signature of B major?

Accepted Answer

5

Answer

B major has five sharps: F#, C#, G#, D#, and A#.

Question 5

When sight-reading four-part chorale style on the organ, what is the recommended approach to handling an unfamiliar key signature?

Accepted Answer

Scan the key signature before beginning and silently name the altered pitches

Answer

Identifying the key signature before playing allows the sight-reader to internalize which pitches are altered throughout.

(AGO) American Guild of Organists Certification Practice Test