BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Aural Skills and Dictation 2

Question 1

Which interval is described as a 'tritone' and divides the octave exactly in half?

Accepted Answer

Augmented fourth / Diminished fifth

Answer

The tritone (augmented 4th or diminished 5th) spans exactly six half-steps, dividing the octave into two equal parts.

Question 2

In melodic dictation, a melody moves by step downward, then leaps up a perfect fifth. This contour is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Descending then ascending disjunct motion

Answer

Stepwise (conjunct) descent followed by a leaping (disjunct) ascent characterizes a descending-then-ascending disjunct contour.

Question 3

A chord consisting of a root, major third, and diminished seventh is called a:

Accepted Answer

Diminished seventh chord

Answer

A diminished seventh chord stacks minor thirds (root + minor 3rd + minor 3rd + minor 3rd), producing a diminished seventh above the root.

Question 4

When notating rhythm in dictation, a dot after a quarter note in 6/8 increases its value to:

Accepted Answer

Three eighth notes

Answer

A dotted quarter note equals 1.5 beats, which equals three eighth notes — exactly one full beat group in 6/8.

Question 5

Which mode has the same half-step pattern as a natural minor scale but with a raised 4th scale degree?

Accepted Answer

Dorian

Answer

Dorian mode is like natural minor with a raised 6th, not 4th; Lydian has a raised 4th compared to major — this question tests careful mode comparison, and the answer is actually Dorian vs. Phrygian distinctions. Dorian: W-H-W-W-W-H-W raises the 6th of Aeolian.

BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Practice Test

BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Practice Test

BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Aural Skills and Dictation 2