Music Transcription Melodic and Interval Dictation 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes the 'contour' of a melody in transcription?
- The speed at which the melody moves
- The overall shape — whether it rises, falls, arches, or stays level (Correct answer)
- The key in which the melody is written
- The dynamic markings on the melody
Correct 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.
Question 2: A melody in C major ends on the pitch E. On which scale degree does it end?
- Scale degree 1
- Scale degree 2
- Scale degree 3 (Correct answer)
- Scale degree 5
Correct answer: Scale degree 3
In C major, E is the third note of the scale, so the melody ends on scale degree 3 (Mi).
Question 3: You hear an interval that matches the opening two notes of 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.' What interval is it?
- Major second (Correct answer)
- Minor third
- Perfect fourth
- Perfect fifth
Correct answer: Major second
The first two notes of 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' move by a major second (whole step) from C to D.
Question 4: In a melodic dictation exercise, you hear a motive repeated but starting on a different scale degree. What technique is being used?
- Augmentation
- Inversion
- Sequence (Correct answer)
- Retrograde
Correct answer: Sequence
A sequence repeats a melodic motive at a higher or lower pitch level, a common compositional device and dictation challenge.
Question 5: What is the quality of the interval between scale degrees 2 and 6 in a natural minor scale?
- Perfect fifth
- Diminished fifth (Correct answer)
- Major fifth
- Augmented fifth
Correct 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).
Question 6: When taking melodic dictation, why is it recommended to listen to the entire melody once before writing anything?
- To count the total number of notes
- To establish tempo and overall phrase shape before committing pitches to paper (Correct answer)
- To identify the time signature immediately
- To memorize every pitch in order
Correct 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.
Question 7: An interval of a major seventh ascending spans how many half steps?
- 10
- 11 (Correct answer)
- 12
- 9
Correct answer: 11
A major seventh spans 11 half steps, one half step short of an octave.
Music Transcription Melodic and Interval Dictation 4
Which of the following best describes the 'contour' of a melody in transcription?