Tempo, Metre and Rhythm: Music Quiz
Test your knowledge of Tempo, Metre and Rhythm, with this quiz.
This quiz consists of 15 questions, including multiple-choice and short-answer questions on the topic of Tempo, Metre and Rhythm for GCSE Music.
For multiple-choice questions, choose the correct answer. Scroll down to begin the quiz.
Questions
What does the term "tempo" refer to in music?
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Which of the following terms indicates a fast tempo?
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What is the meaning of "metre" in music?
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A piece of music in 3/4 time has how many beats per bar?
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What is syncopation?
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What is the difference between simple time and compound time?
Simple time has beats that divide evenly into two (e.g., 2/4, 3/4, 4/4).
Compound time has beats that divide into three (e.g., 6/8, 9/8, 12/8).
What does the term "rubato" mean, and how is it used in music?
Rubato means "stolen time" and allows performers to slightly speed up and slow down the tempo for expressive effect.
Describe two rhythmic features commonly found in Baroque music.
Motor rhythms (continuous, driving rhythms)
Ornamented rhythms (trills, mordents, and other embellishments that add rhythmic complexity)
What is polyrhythm, and in which musical traditions is it commonly found?
Polyrhythm is the use of multiple contrasting rhythms played simultaneously. It is commonly found in African drumming, jazz, and minimalist music.
Explain the difference between anacrusis and on-the-beat phrasing.
Anacrusis is a pick-up note or upbeat before the first strong beat of the bar (e.g., "Happy Birthday" starts on an anacrusis).
On-the-beat phrasing starts directly on the first beat of the bar.
How does a time signature affect the feel of a piece of music?
It determines how many beats are in a bar and whether the rhythm feels regular (e.g., 4/4) or has a lilting feel (e.g., 6/8). It also influences how musicians count and emphasise beats.
What is a triplet, and how does it change the rhythm of a piece?
A triplet is when three notes are played in the time of two, creating a more flowing or swung rhythm.
Name and describe two common rhythmic features of jazz music.
Swing rhythm: The second quaver in a pair is lengthened, creating a "long-short" feel.
Syncopation: Emphasis is placed on weak beats or offbeats, making the rhythm more unpredictable.
What does the term "augmentation" mean in rhythm?
Augmentation means lengthening the note values in a musical phrase, making it sound slower.
What is a hemiola, and in which period of music was it commonly used?
A hemiola is a rhythmic device where the music shifts between duple and triple feel, often found in Baroque music, particularly in cadences.
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