BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Aural Skills and Dictation 4

Question 1

You are transcribing a melody and hear scale degree 4 raised by a half step. This chromatic alteration most strongly implies motion toward:

Accepted Answer

The dominant chord

Answer

Raised scale degree 4 (#4) functions as a secondary leading tone pointing toward scale degree 5 (the dominant), often part of a #IV° or V/V chord.

Question 2

Which type of motion between two voices always maintains a constant interval size?

Accepted Answer

Parallel motion

Answer

In parallel motion both voices move in the same direction by the same interval size, keeping the distance between them constant.

Question 3

In rhythm dictation, a passage is notated with a time signature of 5/4. The most common way to feel this meter is:

Accepted Answer

As 2+3 or 3+2 quarter-note groupings

Answer

5/4 is typically felt as either 2+3 or 3+2 pulse groupings, which performers use to maintain rhythmic stability.

Question 4

A Neapolitan chord (N or bII) in C major consists of which pitches?

Accepted Answer

Db-F-Ab

Answer

The Neapolitan is a major triad built on the lowered second scale degree; in C major that is Db–F–Ab.

Question 5

When dictating a melody, you notice every phrase ends on scale degree 1. This most likely indicates the piece is:

Accepted Answer

Strongly tonal with clear cadential closure

Answer

Repeated phrase endings on scale degree 1 (tonic) signal strong tonal closure and clear cadential articulation.

BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Practice Test