CAN YOU ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?

By WILBUR FOLLETT UNGER

THE following questions have been prepared as a specimen examination in pianoforte and musical knowledge for piano pupils who have passed the elementary grades. It is a fine thing for the teacher to test his pupils now and then and find out how much they really do know. Some educators have a way of making fun of examinations and declaring them worthless. As a matter of fact, all through life we are called upon to use our store of information without any previous warning. It must be ready, on our lips, as it were. We must give the answer at once when the application comes. Otherwise, of what service are the hours spent in learning? The writer believes in a good test now and then. The answers to these questions will not be presented in THE ETUDE. They are given here as questions, pure and simple and nothing else. Many teachers will find them useful in conducting examinations of their own and in making up similar examinations. In fact, the teacher may examine his own teaching work by finding out what percentage of the advanced pupils are able to answer questions of this kind. Student readers of THE ETUDE who cannot answer questions of this kind will find an incentive for new study in these. Again, the questions will not be answered in any subsequent issue of THE ETUDE.

NOTATION, TIME, RHYTHM, ETC.

1. What is the effect of a dot after a note?
2. What is a tie?
3. Explain a 'triplet.'
4. How many different clefs are there? Write and name them.
5. What is "rhythm"?
6. Where is the accent in 4/4 time?
7. What is the difference between a measure of six eighth notes in 3/4 time and a measure of six eighths in 6/8 time?
8. Explain syncopation
9. Write the following example in another way, changing to 4/4 time, retaining the syncopation without using tied notes:

SCALES, KEYS, ETC.

1. Write the "model" or plan of construction for every major scale.
2. State difference in meaning between "diatonic," "chromatic," and enharmonic."
3. How many minor scales are there in modern use? Name them, and give the construction of each.
4. Explain Relative Minor," and state difference between that and the 'Tonic-Minor'
5. What is the signature of C minor, G minor, C# minor, Bb minor?
6. Give the technical names of each step of the scale.
7. What is an interval?
8. Name all kinds you know. Name the following intervals:
9. 
10. Above each of the following notes write the intervals indicated: