Piano Piano Music Theory & Harmony 2

Question 1

What does the dynamic marking 'pp' indicate in piano music?

Accepted Answer

Very soft

Answer

'pp' stands for pianissimo, meaning very soft or very quiet.

Question 2

How many beats does a dotted quarter note receive in 4/4 time?

Accepted Answer

1.5

Answer

A dotted quarter note lasts 1.5 beats because the dot adds half the note's original value.

Question 3

What is the dominant chord in the key of G major?

Accepted Answer

D major

Answer

The dominant chord is built on the fifth scale degree; in G major the fifth degree is D, making D major the dominant.

Question 4

Which mode is built starting on the second degree of a major scale?

Accepted Answer

Dorian

Answer

The Dorian mode starts on the second degree of a major scale and has a minor quality with a raised sixth.

Question 5

What is a chromatic scale?

Accepted Answer

A scale using only half steps

Answer

A chromatic scale includes all twelve pitches within an octave, moving entirely by half steps.

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