Name_______________________________Teacher______________________

Virginia Music Teachers Association Theory Test LEVEL VIII - Sample

SCORE ___________________ 1. Write the following scales and cadences using key signatures in both clefs: 2 pts a. Eb minor, melodic form, ascending and descending

b. Authentic cadence in Eb minor 4 pts

c. Eb major, ascending, with a plagal cadence 5 pts

d. C minor harmonic form, ascending, with an authentic cadence 5 pts

VMTA Level VIII Theory Test - Sample Page 2 2. Identify the following intervals. 7 pts

3. Write the following modes. 4 pts a. Locrian b. Mixolydian

c. Phrygian d. Lydian

4. Fill in the missing time signatures, write in the counts, and identify 9 pts as simple duple, simple triple, simple quadruple, compound duple, compound triple, compound quadruple, or asymmetrical.

VMTA Level VIII Theory Test - Sample Page 3 5. Identify the following triads written in open harmony by quality and 6 pts inversion. The first one is given as an example.

6. Match the following terms on the left with their most correct definitions. 17 pts

a. tranquillo ______ singing

b. con dolore ______ harmony built on fifths instead of thirds

c. asymmetrical rhythm ______ under (subdued)

d. comodo ______ when a melody, theme or motif is given proportionately

longer duration values

e. poco a poco stringendo ______ majestically

f. quartal harmony ______ comfortable

g. a piacere ______ simultaneous use of two scales in different keys

h. contrametrics ______ little by little pressing ahead

i. diminution ______ singing and gracefully

j. maestoso ______ harmony built on fourths instead of thirds

k. cantando e grazioso ______ to use your own discretion – at pleasure

l. assai agitato ______ with sadness

m. quintal harmony ______ when a melody, theme or motif is given proportionately

shorter duration values

n. sotto ______ rhythmic patterns or meters that mix triple and duple

o. bitonality ______ very restless

p. augmentation ______ calm

q. cantabile ______ rhythmic patterns that go against the meter

VMTA Level VIII Theory Test - Sample Page 4

7. Analyze the following phrase. Write the name of the key under the key 9 pts signature. Write the correct Roman numeral and indicate the inversion under each chord.

8. Analyze the following phrase. Write the name of the key on the line below the 8 pts grand staff (look at accidentals). Write the correct Roman numerals and indicate the inversion under each chord.

9. ANALYSIS See music on pages 5 – 6. 7 pts

a. What is the key of this piece? ____________

b. What is the form of this piece? ____________

c. Analyze the chords in mm. 1 – 2, 13 – 14.

d. Is there a modulation? If so, to what key does it modulate? ____________

e. Analyze the cadences in measure 12 and 22.

f. EXTRA CREDIT – What is the name of the accompaniment pattern

in the bass clef in mm. 27 – 29? ____________

VMTA Level VIII Theory Test - Sample Page 5

VMTA Level VIII Theory Test - Sample Page 6

VMTA Level VIII Theory Test - Sample Page 7 10. This excerpt can best be described as a use of (circle one): 1 pt a. polyrhythm b. contrametrics c. hemiola

Sibelius, Romance Op. 24 No. 9

11. The boxed portion of this example can best be described as a use of (circle one): 1 pt a. quartal/quintal harmonies b. bintonality c. contrametrics

Debussy, Le fille aux cheveaux de lin

VMTA Level VIII Theory Test - Sample Page 8 12. LISTEN !!! A. Identify the following triads as major (M), minor (m), diminished (o), 6 pts or augmented (+). The triads will be in both root and inverted positions. Identify the inversion for extra credit. a. c. e. b. d. f. B. Complete the following melody. The key signature, time signature, 4 pts bar lines, and first note are given.

C. Identify the following intervals and their quality (major, minor, 6 pts perfect, and the tritone). They will be played ascending or descending. a. c. e. b. d. f. D. Identify the cadences you hear as authentic or plagal. 4 pts a. c. b. d. E. You will hear scales played in unison – they will either be part of the same 4 pts Major or minor scale, or they will be bitonal. Write Major, minor, or bitonal. a. c. b. d.

100 pts