Piano Piano 5

Question 1

What does 'sight-reading' mean for a pianist?

Accepted Answer

Performing a piece of music from written notation without prior rehearsal

Answer

Sight-reading is the ability to perform a written piece of music on first reading, without prior practice of that specific piece.

Question 2

What is the name of the decorative note played quickly before the main note in piano music?

Accepted Answer

Acciaccatura (grace note)

Answer

An acciaccatura (grace note) is a very short ornamental note written in small notation, played rapidly just before the principal note.

Question 3

What is 'muscle memory' in the context of piano practice?

Accepted Answer

The automatic execution of physical movements through repeated practice

Answer

Muscle memory refers to the process by which repeated practice embeds motor patterns so deeply that the hands can execute passages automatically.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes a 'pentatonic scale'?

Accepted Answer

A scale with 5 notes per octave

Answer

A pentatonic scale contains five notes per octave and is found across many musical traditions worldwide.

Question 5

What is the term for the gradual increase in tempo during a piano passage?

Accepted Answer

Accelerando

Answer

Accelerando (often abbreviated accel.) instructs the performer to gradually increase the speed of the music.

Piano Practice Test