AP Music Theory Flashcards: Embellishing Tones: Identifying and Writing Suspensions; Identifying Retardations
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
What are some specific types of suspensions mentioned as common nonharmonic tones?
Specific types include the rearticulated suspension and the chain of suspensions.
Card 1 of 10
All Flashcards (10)
What are some specific types of suspensions mentioned as common nonharmonic tones?
Specific types include the rearticulated suspension and the chain of suspensions.
How is a suspension often indicated in a figured bass or Roman numeral progression?
A suspension may be indicated by Arabic numerals, such as 4–3, which implies the movement of the nonharmonic tone.
What is the primary task for a student when given a figured bass that indicates nonharmonic tones?
The student must be able to correctly notate the indicated embellishing tones within the progression.
What two skills are required for suspensions on the AP Music Theory exam?
On the AP Music Theory exam, students are required to both identify and notate suspensions.
If a figured bass indicates a 4-3, what type of nonharmonic tone should you notate?
When a figured bass or Roman numeral progression indicates 4–3, you should notate a suspension.
What is the specific skill requirement for retardations on the AP Music Theory exam?
For the AP Music Theory exam, students only need to be able to identify retardations; they are not required to notate them.
What is another term for a nonharmonic tone?
Another term for a nonharmonic tone is an embellishing tone.
In what two contexts must students be able to identify embellishing tones?
Students must be able to identify embellishing tones in both performed music (aural) and notated music (visual).
What is a retardation?
A retardation is a type of nonharmonic (or embellishing) tone that students are only required to identify on the AP exam.
What are suspensions and retardations classified as?
Suspensions and retardations are common classifications of nonharmonic tones, also known as embellishing tones.