AP Music Theory Unit 8: Modes and Form Practice Exam

1. [Skill: 1.B | Topic: 8.2] A notated melody contains two 4-measure phrases in G major. Phrase 1 (mm. 1–4) scale degrees: 3–4–5–6 | 5–4–3–2 | 1–2–3–4 | 5–4–3–2–1 (ends on scale degree 1). Phrase 2 (mm. 5–8) scale degrees: 3–4–5–6 | 5–4–3–2 | 1–2–3–4 | 5–4–2–1 (ends on scale degree 1). Which letter notation best describes the melodic relationship between the two phrases?

2. [Skill: 1.A | Topic: 8.2] A short performed excerpt features two phrases of equal length. The second phrase repeats the first phrase exactly (same rhythm and pitches), and both phrases end in the same way. Which letter notation best represents this melodic relationship?

3. [Skill: 2.A | Topic: 8.2] A notated excerpt shows two consecutive phrases. Phrase 1 ends with a half cadence (HC). Phrase 2 ends with a perfect authentic cadence (PAC). Which statement best identifies the formal function of each phrase?

4. [Skill: 2.A | Topic: 8.2] A notated 8-measure excerpt consists of two 4-measure phrases. • Both phrases begin with the same melodic idea (same rhythm and opening pitches for the first two measures). • Phrase 1 ends with a half cadence (HC). • Phrase 2 ends with a perfect authentic cadence (PAC). What is the best description of this two-phrase unit?

5. [Skill: 2.A | Topic: 8.2] A performed excerpt contains two phrases of equal length. • Phrase 1 ends with a half cadence (HC). • Phrase 2 ends with a half cadence (HC). • The melodic material of Phrase 2 is a clear varied repetition of Phrase 1. Which conclusion is best supported by this information?

6. [Skill: 1.B | Topic: 8.2] A notated excerpt contains two phrases. Phrase 1 and Phrase 2 have clearly different melodic material (different opening gesture and different rhythm), but they are the same length. Phrase 1 ends with a half cadence (HC). Phrase 2 ends with a perfect authentic cadence (PAC). Which description is most accurate?

7. [Skill: 1.A | Topic: 8.2] Which option correctly matches each term with its definition in the context of a period?

8. [Skill: 1.B | Topic: 8.3] A lead sheet excerpt for a song shows the following at the start: - mm. 1–4: 2-bar harmonic vamp repeated (no lyrics; melody line marked "tacet") - m. 5: lyric entrance and the first complete sung phrase begins Which common formal section best describes mm. 1–4?

9. [Skill: 1.A | Topic: 8.3] A listening guide for a recording shows these time-stamped sections: - 0:00–0:12: instrumental opening - 0:12–0:42: Verse 1 (lyrics) - 0:42–1:02: Chorus (lyrics) - 1:02–1:12: instrumental passage based on the chorus accompaniment, with no lyrics - 1:12–1:42: Verse 2 (lyrics) Which common formal section best describes 1:02–1:12?

10. [Skill: 1.B | Topic: 8.3] In a notated pop ballad score, rehearsal letters and measure numbers are marked: - A (mm. 1–8): Introduction - B (mm. 9–24): Verse - C (mm. 25–40): Chorus - D (mm. 41–56): NEW contrasting section with different lyrics and a new harmonic pattern, then it leads back to the final chorus - E (mm. 57–72): Chorus (return) Which common formal section best describes section D (mm. 41–56)?

11. [Skill: 1.B | Topic: 8.3] A score excerpt shows the following layout (measure numbers shown in the margin): - mm. 9–16: Verse 1 text - mm. 17–20: the same 4-bar sung material returns with identical lyrics at the end of Verse 1 - mm. 21–28: Verse 2 text - mm. 29–32: the same 4-bar sung material returns again with identical lyrics at the end of Verse 2 In the excerpt, mm. 17–20 and mm. 29–32 would most appropriately be identified as the:

12. [Skill: 1.B | Topic: 8.3] A notated excerpt near the end of a piece shows: - mm. 73–80: final chorus - mm. 81–84: a brief 4-bar "tag" that repeats the last lyric fragment and ends with the final cadence Which common formal section best describes mm. 81–84?

13. [Skill: 1.A | Topic: 8.3] A student creates the following time map while listening to a song: - 0:00–0:08: instrumental opening - 0:08–0:38: sung section 1 - 0:38–0:58: repeated high-energy hook section - 0:58–1:06: instrumental break - 1:06–1:36: sung section 2 - 1:36–1:56: repeated high-energy hook section (same as 0:38–0:58) - 1:56–2:16: contrasting section with new lyrics and noticeably different harmony - 2:16–2:36: repeated high-energy hook section (return) - 2:36–2:46: extended ending that continues after the final hook Which option correctly matches each time span to a common formal section? I. 0:00–0:08 II. 0:58–1:06 III. 1:56–2:16 IV. 2:36–2:46

14. [Skill: 2.A | Topic: 8.1] A melodic passage uses the pitch collection D–E–F–G–A–B–C–D and consistently emphasizes D as the tonal center (the melody begins and ends on D, with frequent returns to D). Which mode best matches this passage?

15. [Skill: 1.A | Topic: 8.1] A performed melody (described here) emphasizes E as the tonal center and uses only the pitches E–F–G–A–B–C–D. Which mode is being used?

16. [Skill: 1.B | Topic: 8.1] Which of the following pitch collections is A Lydian?

17. [Skill: 2.B | Topic: 8.1] In a melody centered on D, the pitch collection matches D Mixolydian. Compared with D Ionian (D major), which scale degree is altered in D Mixolydian?

18. [Skill: 2.A | Topic: 8.1] A melody is centered on A. Most of its notes match A natural minor, but it consistently uses F# (and not F natural). The pitch collection is A–B–C–D–E–F#–G–A. Which mode best matches this melody?