Piano Piano 4

Question 1

What type of motion occurs when both hands of a pianist move toward each other?

Accepted Answer

Contrary motion

Answer

Contrary motion is when both hands move in opposite directions — one ascending while the other descends.

Question 2

What is an 'arpeggio' in piano playing?

Accepted Answer

Playing the notes of a chord in rapid succession rather than simultaneously

Answer

An arpeggio is a broken chord where the notes are played one after another in sequence rather than at the same time.

Question 3

Which clef is most commonly used for the left hand in piano music?

Accepted Answer

Bass clef

Answer

The bass clef (also called the F clef) is used for the left hand in standard piano notation, representing lower pitches.

Question 4

What does 'pp' (pianissimo) mean in piano music?

Accepted Answer

Very soft

Answer

Pianissimo (pp) is a dynamic marking meaning 'very soft,' quieter than piano (p).

Question 5

What is the interval between C and G called?

Accepted Answer

Perfect fifth

Answer

The interval from C to G spans five letter names (C-D-E-F-G) and is called a perfect fifth.

Piano Practice Test