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
Which of the following best describes the 'contour' of a melody in transcription?
Answer: The overall shape — whether it rises, falls, arches, or stays level
Melodic contour describes the general direction and shape of the pitch movement throughout the phrase.
A melody in C major ends on the pitch E. On which scale degree does it end?
Answer: Scale degree 3
In C major, E is the third note of the scale, so the melody ends on scale degree 3 (Mi).
You hear an interval that matches the opening two notes of 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.' What interval is it?
Answer: Major second
The first two notes of 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' move by a major second (whole step) from C to D.
In a melodic dictation exercise, you hear a motive repeated but starting on a different scale degree. What technique is being used?
Answer: Sequence
A sequence repeats a melodic motive at a higher or lower pitch level, a common compositional device and dictation challenge.
What is the quality of the interval between scale degrees 2 and 6 in a natural minor scale?
Answer: Diminished fifth
In a natural minor scale, the interval from scale degree 2 up to scale degree 6 spans a diminished fifth (six half steps).
When taking melodic dictation, why is it recommended to listen to the entire melody once before writing anything?
Answer: To establish tempo and overall phrase shape before committing pitches to paper
A first full listen reveals tempo, phrase length, and contour, giving context that makes subsequent hearings easier to notate accurately.
An interval of a major seventh ascending spans how many half steps?
Answer: 11
A major seventh spans 11 half steps, one half step short of an octave.