Music Theory Quiz

What is a Time Signature?

• A symbol that indicates the number of beats in each measure and the type of note that receives one beat

• A marking that shows how many sharps or flats are in a key

• The speed at which a piece should be played

• The number of times a middle schooler can say “wait, what measure are we on?”

What is a Key Signature?

• A marking indicating how many notes to tie

• A notation at the beginning of a musical staff indicating which notes are always to be played as either sharps or flats throughout the piece

• A set of instructions for rhythm

• The official license to play in band

What is the Staff?

• The area where lyrics are written

• The 5 lines on which music is written

• The instrument rack

• The group of flute players arguing about which one is actually playing melody

What is a Ledger Line?

• A line that connects staves

• Extra lines above or below the staff

• A notation used only in jazz

• Where the clarinet section keeps all their spare reeds

What does Tempo describe?

• The structure of the composition

• A musical word describing volume

• A musical word describing the speed of the beat

• How fast a trumpet player starts playing... even if it’s not their turn

What does Forte indicate?

• A tempo that gets faster

• A dynamic marking indicating strong

• A rest in music

• The default volume for the trombone section

What does Piano indicate in music?

• A note that must be repeated

• A dynamic marking indicating soft

• A measure that is quiet

• What euphonium players call “too quiet to bother”

What does Mezzo mean in musical dynamics?

• A dynamic marking indicating medium

• A fast tempo

• A note played sharply

• A term used when percussionists can’t decide if they’re supposed to play loud or soft

What does a Repeat Sign indicate?

• Change keys and play again

• A musical symbol with two dots and two lines indicating to repeat

• A type of breath mark

• A great excuse for trumpet players to play even more

What is a Breath Mark?

• A musical symbol that looks like an apostrophe indicating to take a breath

• A tempo marking for slow pieces

• A symbol showing where to add volume

• A reminder that yes, clarinet players also need to breathe sometimes