Comprehensive Exams

Music Theory Study Guide 

I.                      Write on any pitch the following scales and/or modes:  Major, Natural Minor, Harmonic minor, Melodic minor, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Whole-tone, Pentatonic, Octatonic

II.                 Be able to identify the scales and/or modes listed above.

III.            Write a twelve-tone row using an atonal approach.

IV.              Write a matrix for the twelve-tone row.

V.                   Construct and resolve the following chords:  Secondary dominant and secondary leading tone, Neapolitan Sixth, any type of Augmented Sixth

VI.              Construct the following cadences:  Authentic, Half, Plagal, Deceptive, Double leading tone with under third, Phrygian, Tonal with octave leap

VII.         Construct and/or identify chords using the chord symbols.

VIII.    Analyze a Bach chorale using function symbols.

IX.              Analyze a piece from the Classical or Romantic period using function symbols and addressing melody, harmony, rhythm, form and texture.

X.                   Referring to a piece from the 20th century, determine a method for analysis and address form, tonality and rhythm.

XI.              Know the outline and basic tonalities of basic musical forms.

XII.         Be able to trace the history of the sonata-allegro form, using compositions to reference growth and development.

XIII.    Be able to discuss the growth and development of rhythm, chromaticism and tonality from the Classical period through he mid-20th century.

XIV.       Discuss the growth, development and changes in the symphonic orchestra from the Baroque period through the mid-20th century.

XV.            Be able to discuss the above areas using pieces that we have studied as references.

XVI.       List five characteristics of the compositional style of the following composer whom we have studied:  Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, Chopin, Wagner, Debussy, Stravinsky, Schoenberg, Webern, Bartok, Messiaen, Crumb.