FREE Music Transcription Harmonic Dictation and Analysis Questions and Answers

Question 1

In a harmonic dictation exercise in a major key, you hear a four-chord phrase that ends with the progression V - vi. The final chord creates a sense of surprise, avoiding the expected resolution to the tonic. Which type of cadence have you identified?

Accepted Answer

Deceptive Cadence

Answer

A Deceptive Cadence occurs when the dominant chord (V) resolves to the submediant chord (vi) instead of the expected tonic (I). This creates a feeling of surprise or 'deception' because it avoids the strong sense of finality associated with an authentic cadence.

Question 2

You are analyzing a four-part chorale. In one measure, over a C major chord (C-E-G), the soprano voice moves from E to F and then back to E, while the harmony remains unchanged. The F occurs on a weak beat. How would you classify the non-chord tone F?

Accepted Answer

Neighbor Tone

Answer

A Neighbor Tone is a non-chord tone that is approached by step from a chord tone and then returns by step to the same chord tone. In this case, the F is a step above the chord tone E and resolves back down to the same E.

Question 3

During dictation, you identify a chord containing the notes D, F-sharp, A, and C in the key of C major. The chord resolves to a G major triad. Which of the following is the most accurate Roman numeral analysis for this D chord?

Accepted Answer

V⁷/V

Answer

The chord is a D dominant seventh (D-F#-A-C), which is not diatonic to C major. Its function is to act as the dominant (V) of the G major chord (the V of C major). Therefore, it is analyzed as a secondary dominant, specifically 'five-seven of five' (V⁷/V).

Question 4

A seventh chord is played, and you must distinguish whether it is a half-diminished seventh (ø⁷) or a fully-diminished seventh (o⁷). Which interval from the root to the seventh is the key differentiator between these two chords?

Accepted Answer

The quality of the seventh (minor vs. diminished)

Answer

Both half-diminished and fully-diminished seventh chords have a diminished triad (root, minor third, diminished fifth). The defining difference is the seventh. A half-diminished seventh chord has a minor seventh above the root, while a fully-diminished seventh chord has a diminished seventh above the root.

Question 5

You are transcribing the bass line and harmonies of a passage. You identify a G7 chord, and the bass note is F. What is the correct figured bass symbol for this chord?

Accepted Answer

4/2

Answer

A G7 chord consists of the notes G (root), B (third), D (fifth), and F (seventh). When the seventh of the chord (F) is in the bass, the chord is in third inversion. The abbreviated figured bass symbol for a third inversion seventh chord is 4/2.

Music Transcription Practice Test

Music Transcription Practice Test

FREE Music Transcription Harmonic Dictation and Analysis Questions and Answers