Melodic and Interval Dictation Flashcards
7 cards from real Music Transcription practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Melodic and Interval Dictation flashcards as text
When transcribing a descending minor third, which solfège movement are you notating?
Answer: Sol down to Mi
A descending minor third spans 3 half steps, and Sol down to Mi in a major scale covers exactly that distance.
A melody begins on scale degree 5 and moves stepwise down to scale degree 2. How many notes does it pass through in total, including the start and end?
Answer: 4
Moving stepwise from 5 down to 2 passes through 5, 4, 3, 2 — four notes total.
In melodic dictation, what does it mean when a pitch is said to 'skipped' rather than 'stepped'?
Answer: It moves by an interval larger than a second
A skip (or leap) in melodic motion means the melody moves by an interval of a third or larger.
You hear an ascending interval that sounds like the opening of 'Here Comes the Bride.' What interval is it?
Answer: Perfect fourth
The opening interval of 'Here Comes the Bride' (Bridal Chorus) is an ascending perfect fourth.
When writing out a dictated melody, you notice the same pitch repeated three times in a row. What rhythmic device might this suggest?
Answer: Repeated notes on a rhythmic pattern
Three repeated pitches indicate a rhythmic pattern on a single pitch, which is common in melodic dictation exercises.
A major sixth ascending is best recognized by which familiar tune?
Answer: 'My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean'
'My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean' opens with an ascending major sixth, making it a classic ear-training reference.
In melodic transcription, why is it important to identify the tonal center before writing individual pitches?
Answer: To know which key signature governs the accidentals
The tonal center determines the key signature, which tells you whether notes are sharp, flat, or natural without extra accidentals.