Music Transcription Timbre and Instrumentation 4

Question 1

Which notation symbol is used to indicate a brass player should use a straight mute?

Accepted Answer

con sord.

Answer

Con sordino (con sord.) is the standard notation to instruct a brass player to insert a straight mute.

Question 2

What is the primary acoustic difference between a violin and a viola?

Accepted Answer

Viola is larger and tuned a fifth lower

Answer

The viola is physically larger than the violin and is tuned a perfect fifth lower (C3-G3-D4-A4 vs. G3-D4-A4-E5).

Question 3

In music transcription, 'extended techniques' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Non-traditional methods of producing sound on an instrument

Answer

Extended techniques are unconventional methods of playing that go beyond standard performance practice, such as multiphonics, flutter-tongue, or col legno.

Question 4

Which brass instrument is a non-transposing instrument that sounds as written?

Accepted Answer

Trombone

Answer

The trombone is a non-transposing instrument written in concert pitch, unlike trumpet, horn, or some tubas which transpose.

Question 5

When transcribing a banjo part for guitar, the transcriber should be aware that a 5-string banjo's 5th string is:

Accepted Answer

A short drone string that starts at the 5th fret

Answer

The 5th string of a banjo is a short drone string that begins at the 5th fret and is typically tuned to G, creating the instrument's characteristic sound.

Music Transcription Practice Test

Music Transcription Practice Test

Music Transcription Timbre and Instrumentation 4