VPA NOTES

MUSIC

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Compiled by Mr Dziwanyika. 0717 232 0876 / 0779 501 137
[email protected]

1. How to Read Music?

Step 1: Learn the Basic Symbols of Musical Notation

Music is made up of a variety of symbols, the most basic of which are the staff, the clefs, and the notes. All
music contain these fundamental components. To learn how to read music, you must first familiarize yourself
with these basics.

The Staff

The staff consists of five lines and four spaces. In plural, it is called the starve. Each of those lines and each of
those spaces represents a different letter, which in turn represents a note. Sheet music notes, represented by
lines and spaces, are named A-G, and the note sequence moves alphabetically up the staff.

Ledger lines.

Ledger lines (sometimes spelled ‘leger’) are those little lines with notes on them that appear above or below a
musical staff. Let’s see. We can put a note on any one of the 5 lines, plus any of the four spaces in between the
lines, so that’s 9, plus the two spaces immediately above the top line and below the bottom line. So all together,
that’s 11 possible note positions. This is what ledger lines are for. The purpose of these lines is to extend the
staff in both directions, up and down.

Clefs

There are two main clefs with which to familiarize yourself; the first is a treble clef. The treble clef has the
ornamental letter G on the far left side. The G’s inner swoop encircles the “G” line on the staff. The treble clef
notates the higher registers of music, so if your instrument has a higher pitch, such as a flute, violin, or
saxophone, your sheet music is written in the treble clef. Higher notes on a keyboard also are notated on the
treble clef.

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We use common mnemonics to remember the note names for the lines and spaces of the treble clef. For lines,
we remember EGBDF by the word cue “Every Good Boy Does Fine.” Similarly, for the spaces, FACE is just like
the word “face.”

Bass Clef

The line between the two bass clef dots is the “F” line on the bass clef staff, and it’s also referred to as the F
clef. The bass clef notates the lower registers of music, so if your instrument has a lower pitch, such as a
bassoon, tuba, or cello, your sheet music is written in the bass clef. Lower notes on your keyboard also are
notated in the bass clef.

A common mnemonic to remember note names for the lines of the bass clef is: GBDFA “Good Boys Do Fine
Always.” And for the spaces: ACEG, “All Cows Eat Grass.”

Exercise.

1. The staff is made up of ---- lines and ---- spaces.

2. What are ledge lines?
3. With the aid of a diagram, draw two lower and two ledger lines on the starve.
4. Draw two diagrams to show the treble and the bass clefs.
5. In the bass clef, the two dots put line number ----- between them.
6. The musical alphabet starts from letter---- and ends at letter----.
7. G B A C D E F G. Can you correct this musical alphabet according to the G clef.

Music Symbols and Notes on a Staff

Notes placed on the staff tell us which note letter to play on our instrument and how long to play it. There are
three parts of each note, the note head, the stem, and the flag.

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All music notes have a note head, either filled (black) or open (white). Where the note head sits on the staff
(either on a line or space) determines which note you will play. Sometimes, note heads will sit above or below
the five lines and four spaces of a staff. In that case, a line (known as a ledger line) is drawn through the note,
above the note or below the note head, to indicate the note letter to play, as in the B and C notes above.
The note stem is a thin line that extends either up or down from the note head. The line extends from the right
if pointing upward or from the left if pointing downward. The direction of the line doesn’t affect how you play
the note but serves to make the notes easier to read while allowing them to fit neatly on the staff. As a rule,
any notes at or above the “B” line on the staff have downward pointing stems, those notes below the “B” line
have upward pointing stems.
The note flag is a curvy mark to the right of the note stem. Its purpose is to tell you how long to hold a note.
We’ll see below how a single flag shortens the note’s duration, while multiple flags can make it shorter still.

Now that you know the parts to each note, we’ll take a closer look at those filled and open note heads discussed
above. Whether a note head is filled or open shows us the note’s value, or how long that note should be held.
Start with a closed note head with a stem. That’s our quarter note, and it gets one beat. An open note head
with a stem is a half note, and it gets two beats. An open note that looks like an “o” without a stem is a whole
note, and it gets held for four beats.

Dotted notes and their values.

A dotted note is a note plus a half of its original value. For example,

There are other ways to extend the length of a note. A dot after the note head, for example, adds another half
of that note’s duration to it. So, a half note with a dot would equal a half note and a quarter note; a quarter
note with a dot equals a quarter plus an eighth note. A tie may also be used to extend a note. Two notes tied
together should be held as long as the value of both of those notes together, and ties are commonly used to
signify held notes that cross measures or bars.

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The opposite may also happen. We can shorten the amount of time a note should be held, relative to the quarter
note. Faster notes are signified with either flags, like the ones discussed above, or with beams between the
notes. Each flag halves the value of a note, so a single flag signifies 1/2 of a quarter note, a double flag halves
that to 1/4 of a quarter note, et cetera. Beams do the same while allowing us to read the music more clearly
and keep the notation less cluttered. As you can see, there’s no difference in how you count the eighth and 16th
notes above. But what happens when there isn’t a note taking up each beat? It’s easy, we take a rest! A rest,
just like a note, shows us how long it should be held based on its shape.

Exercise.

1. The other name for the semi breve is -----.

2. How many crotchets make up a semi breve?
3. Explain how dotted notes function.
4. Sixteen sixteenth notes are equivalent to….. minims.
5. Two minims are equivalent to…….
6. Draw the semi-quaver as well as the crotchet and show their rests.
7. Explain what you understand by the term rests, in music.
8. Beaming in musical notes means-----

Note values and rests.

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Step 2: Pick Up the Beat

To play music, you need to know its meter, the beat you use when dancing, clapping, or tapping your foot
along with a song. When reading music, the meter is presented similar to a fraction, with a top number and a
bottom number. We call this the song’s time signature. The top number tells you how many beats are in
a measure, the space between each vertical line (called a bar). The bottom number tells you the note value
(the length) of each beat.

Time signatures.

Simple and compound time signatures.

In the example above, the time signature is 4/4, meaning there are four beats per bar and that every quarter
note gets one beat., In the example below, the time signature is 3/4, meaning there are three beats per bar
and that every quarter note gets one beat.

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Let’s look again at the above examples. Notice that even though the 4/4 time signature in “Twinkle, Twinkle
Little Star” calls for four beats per bar, there aren’t four notes in the second bar. That’s because you have two
quarter notes and one half note, which added together equal four beats.

In addition to your note values and time signature, the last piece to feeling the rhythm is knowing your tempo,
defined by the beats per minute. Tempo tells you how fast or slow a piece is intended to be played, and often
is shown at the top of a piece of sheet music. For example, a tempo of 60 BPM (beats per minute) means you
play 60 of the signified notes every minute or a single note every second. Likewise, a tempo of 120 doubles the
speed to two notes every second. You may also see Italian words like “Largo,” “Allegro,” or “Presto” at the top
of your sheet music, which signifies common tempos. Musicians use a tool called a metronome to help them
keep tempo while practicing a new piece.

Compound time signatures.

Close look at compound time signature musical symbol above

In a compound time signature, the upper number of the beat is evenly divisible by three (e.g. 6/8, 12/8, and
9/4). It signifies that the beats in the piece are broken down into three-part rhythms, with the exception of time
signatures with three as the upper number.

Other examples.

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Exercise.

1. Write any two examples of simple time signatures.

2. 12 on top and an 8 below is an example of------- time signature.
3. In time signatures, the number on top means-----
4. In compound time signature, the number on top must be a multiple of……. and the number below shows
that…..
5. Distinguish between simple and compound time signatures.
6. Compound duple is written as…….
7. In compound quadruple, the 12 below the top number means…..

Dynamics.

Step 3: Play a Melody

Congratulations, you’re almost on your way to reading sheet music! Next, let’s look at scales. A scale is made
of eight consecutive notes. For example, the C major scale is composed of C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C. The interval
between the first note of the C major scale and the last is an example of an octave. We recommend practicing
the C major scale as much as possible, since knowing it makes it easier to learn the other major scales. Each of
the notes of the C major scale corresponds with a white key on your keyboard. Here’s how the C major scale
looks on a staff and how that corresponds to the keys on your keyboard:

Scale.

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Notice that as the notes ascend the staff, and move to the right on your keyboard, the pitch of the notes become
higher. But what about the black keys? Musically, whole tones, or whole steps between the note letters, would
limit the sounds we’re able to produce on our instruments. Let’s consider the C major scale you just learned to
play. The distance between the C and the D keys in the C scale is a whole step. However, the distance between
the E and the F keys in the C scale is a half-step. Do you see the difference? The E and the F keys don’t have a
black key in between them, thus they’re just a half step away from one another. Every major scale has the same
pattern: whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half. There are many other types of scales, each with unique
sounds, like minor scales, modal scales, and more that you’ll come across later. For now, let’s focus only on
major scales and the major scale pattern. Look at the C major scale again on the keyboard below.

Accidentals.

A sharp, denoted by the ♯ symbol, means that note is a semitone (or half step) higher than the note head to
its right on sheet music. Conversely, a flat, denoted by a ♭ symbol, means the note is a semitone lower than
the note head to its right and natural (♮) symbols, among others, mark such notes—and those symbols are also
called accidentals.

There’s one more symbol to learn regarding semitones, and that’s the natural, denoted by a ♮. If a note is
sharp or flat, that sharp or flat extends throughout the measure, unless there’s a natural symbol. A natural
cancels a sharp or flat within a measure or a song. Here’s what playing C to E would look like with natural
symbols.

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 The last key to learning how to read music is understanding key signatures. As an example, the C major scale
you learned above was in the key of C. Scales are named after their tonic, the preeminent note within the scale,
and the tonic determines what key you play in. You can start a major scale on any note, so long as you follow
the whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half pattern. Following that pattern in keys other than the key of C will
require you to use sharps and flats. Since that’s the case, we place the sharps or flats for your song’s key
signature right before the meter, after the clef, on your sheet music. That tells you to maintain those sharps or
flats throughout the music unless there’s a natural symbol to override it. You will begin to recognize the key
signatures of pieces based on which sharps or flats are shown. Here’s a quick glimpse at some key signatures
using sharps and flats:

Exercise.

1. Draw the three accidentals that you know.

2. Sharp means that the tone is------
3. Flat means that the note is-----
4. Explain how naturals work in music.
5. Draw the:
a. G major
b. C major
c. F major
d. G major

Triads.

 A triad consists of three notes stacked in consecutive thirds. A triad is also called a chord as well as a harmony.
(Harmony also refers to chord progressions.) The lowest note of a triad when it is stacked in thirds is called
the root. When a triad is stacked in its most compact form in thirds, the lowest note is called the root, the
middle note is called the third, and the highest note is called the fifth.

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 There are four qualities of triad. A major triad's third is major and its fifth is perfect, while a minor triad's third
is minor and its fifth is perfect. A diminished triad's third is minor and its fifth is diminished, while an augmented
triad's third is major and its fifth is augmented.

Intervals

In music theory, an interval is a difference in pitch between two sounds. An interval may be described as
horizontal, linear, or melodic if it refers to successively sounding tones, such as two adjacent pitches in a melody,
and vertical or harmonic if it pertains to simultaneously sounding tones, such as in a chord.

Exercise.

1. Triads consists of-------

2. In triads, what is a root?
3. Write three components of triads.
4. Explain four qualities of a triad.
5. What is an interval?
6. In intervals, we start to count the ---- note.
7. When we start with F major in intervals, we go on and end at----, which is now called the octave.

Octave.

An octave is the distance between one note (like C#) and the next note bearing its same name (the next C#
that's either higher or lower).

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TONIC SOLFA

Music Dynamics

Below is a list of all the different dynamic markings that you’re likely to come across in a piece of music along
with the symbol and the definition.

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 Dynamics Chart

In italian Symbol Definition

pianississimo very, very quiet

pianissimo very quiet

piano Quiet

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 Dynamics Chart

In italian Symbol Definition

mezzo piano moderately quiet

mezzo forte moderately loud

forte Loud

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 Dynamics Chart

In italian Symbol Definition

fortissimo very loud

fortississimo very, very loud

crescendo gradually getting louder

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 Dynamics Chart

In italian Symbol Definition

decrescendo gradually getting quieter

diminuendo gradually getting quieter

Summing up Dynamics

I hope that helps you make a bit more sense of dynamics and how we notate volume in music.

Other highlights

Pianississimo
Extremely soft. Softer dynamics occur very infrequently and would be specified with
additional ps.
Pianissimo
Very soft.
Piano
Soft; louder than pianissimo.
Mezzo piano
Moderately soft; louder than piano.
Mezzo forte
Moderately loud; softer than forte. If no dynamic appears, mezzo-forte is assumed to be the
prevailing dynamic level.

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 Forte
Loud.
Fortissimo
Very loud.
Fortississimo
Extremely loud. Louder dynamics occur very infrequently and would be specified with
additional fs.
Sforzando
Literally "forced", denotes an abrupt, fierce accent on a single sound or chord. When written out
in full, it applies to the sequence of sounds or chords under or over which it is placed.
Sforzando is not to be confused with rinforzando.
Fortepiano
Indicates that the note is to be played with a loud attack, and then immediately become soft.
Crescendo
A gradual increase in volume.
Can be extended under many notes to indicate that the volume steadily increases during the
passage.
Diminuendo
Also decrescendo
A gradual decrease in volume. Can be extended in the same manner as crescendo.
Niente
Meaning "nothing". May be used at the start of a crescendo to indicate "start from nothing" or at
the end of a diminuendo to indicate "fade out to nothing".

Exercise.

1. What do these mean?

a. pp
b. p
c. mp
d. f
e. ff

f. pianississimo
g. crescendo
h. decrescendo
i. diminuendo

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Elements of music.

Melody

The definition of a melody is a series of pitches that make a tune. In most popular music today, the melody is
like an egg, it is the binding agent that holds all the elements of music together in a piece of music. The melody
is the part that people remember and will sing along to when listening.

The melody determines the harmony and tonality of the piece of music. The main melody can be heard when it
is played by an instrument that has a unique timbre or tone color/quality. If the melody is meant to be happy
or sad, it can drive the rhythm of the piece of music and set the tempo.

Rhythm

Rhythm in music includes several different aspects, and some prefer to use the term duration. A simple definition
of this musical term is to describe how long or short a sound is. This means describing the notes of any given
instrument in a piece of music as mainly long or sustained, or short.

Within this musical element, other terms are included. Tempo for example refers to the speed or pace of music.
The term meter refers to the type of time signature used in the music. All these terms will be explained in further
detail in another blog post.

Texture

Texture in music refers to the number of instruments or voices that contribute to the overall density of the
music. If there are only a few instruments playing, like a duet for example, then the music can be described as
thin or sparse. On the other hand, if there are several instruments performing together, like in an orchestra, the
piece can be described as either thick or dense. Texture also refers to the layers of sound in a piece of music,
these layers are named by their role within a piece of music.

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There are several specialized terms that are used to describe the type of texture used in a piece of music. These
include monophonic, homophonic, heterophonic and polyphonic.

Timbre

Timbre in music refers to the unique sound quality of an instrument. For example, a nylon string guitar and a
steel string guitar each have a unique sound, and just by hearing them we can determine the instrument. Timbre
can also be described using the term tone color. Just like in a painting and the use of different color creates
different images, the “color” of an instrument is like painting sound for our ears to hear. Every instrument and
voice have their own unique sound, and it is this quality that makes a piece of music unique.

Under the banner of timbre and tone color, is another term – performing media. Performing media refers to the
instruments used in a piece of music and the action used to produce a sound. This action is then used to classify
an instrument into groups like the string family, brass family, woodwind family, percussion family and voices.
There are several other ways to classify instruments with other terms like aerophone, chordophone,
membranophone, idiophone and electronic sound.

Timbre, performing media and tone color also describes the role of the instrument in a piece of music. Is the
instrument performing the melody, beat, rhythmic accompaniment, chordal accompaniment or harmonic
accompaniment?

Tonality/tone

Tonality in music refers to the overall sound of the music. Is the music mainly pleasant sounding (consonant) or
unpleasant sounding (dissonant)? Or is the music in a major, minor key? Often a lot of world music has a tonality
based on an unusual scale like the medieval modes, or Indian raga.

The Concepts of Music

Depending on where you are in the world, some people use the term “Concepts of Music” instead of the Elements
of Music. In this case, the Concepts of Music are, in alphabetical order – Duration, Dynamics and Expressive
Techniques, Pitch, Structure, Texture and lastly Tone Colour.

If you are studying music using these terms, below is a brief definition of each.

 Duration – how long or short a sound is. This is the same as Rhythm in the Elements of Music.
 Dynamics and Expressive Techniques – dynamics refers to how loud or soft the music is. Expressive
techniques refers to the articulation and unique sound production methods of an instrument. For this
concept of music, mostly Italian terms are used, such as forte, pianissimo, rallentando, pizzicato,
mordent, trill, crescendo and many, many more.
 Pitch – how high or low a sound is. Under the umbrella of this concept of music are the musical elements
of harmony, melody and tonality.
 Structure – the order and arrangement of the parts of the piece of music. The element of music
equivalent is the musical term – form.
 Texture – how sparse or dense the music is. It is the same as the Element of Music – texture.
 Tone Colour – the instruments used in a piece of music. This concept of music uses the element of
music Timbre, but also includes performing media.

ELEMENTS OF DANCE.

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The components of the dance are very dependent on each other, since each one depends to a great extent on
the others so that the final execution of a dance piece is perfect.

1- Body
The center of any dance is the dancer, who is in charge of executing the movements with the rhythm and
tenacity necessary to convey a feeling to those who witness the dance.

Each part of the body is important in the dance; the trunk, the extremities, the easy expressions and the postures
must be complemented correctly to obtain a natural and pleasant movement in sight.

2- Action
The dance itself consists in the realization of movements. The action refers to these movements, which can be
as subtle as turning the neck or a hand, or as elaborate as jumping, tumbling and even running around the
stage.

There must be a balance between action and pause; Many times the pause is necessary to create a sufficiently
noticeable contrast with the movement, and in this way highlight this even more.

3- Time
The rhythm and repetition patterns of a dance are called time. It is this element that dictates not only the
duration of a dance, but the speed in the execution of its steps.

The rhythm of a dance can be previously choreographed or be free, giving the dancer freedom to move at will.

4- Energy
In combination with time and action, the energy corresponds to the degree of tension or fluidity with which the
steps are executed. Energy is considered as the most complex of the elements of dance, it can take years to
develop.

Even if a dance is performed with an appropriate rhythm and movements according to it, the energy can convert
the dance from rigid to fluid and with naturalness. The talent of the dancer has a great influence on this aspect.

5- Space
The scenario or context where the dance takes place will affect the viewer's vision. The space may vary in color,
composition and size.

The decorative elements or allusive to the dance reverberate in the necessary harmony between dance, dancer
and stage.

Elements of theatre.

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 Theatrical Elements
 Elements of Drama.
 Action.
 Focus.
 Mood.
 Role.
 Situation.
 Climax
 Space.
 Symbol.

Elements of design

1. 1. Color: Color helps establish a mood for your composition. When light waves strike an object and
reflect back to the optic nerve in a human’s eyes, the sensation they perceive is called color. Artists and
designers use color to depict and describe the subject. Color is used by designers to portray mood, light,
depth, and point of view. Designers use the color wheel and the tenets of color theory—a set of guidelines
for mixing, combining, and manipulating colors—to create color schemes.
2. 2. Line: Line refers to the way that two points in space are connected. Whether they’re horizontal lines,
diagonal lines, or vertical lines, lines can help direct the eye toward a certain point in your composition.
You can also create texture by incorporating different types of lines such as curved or patterned lines
instead of just straight lines.
3. 3. Value: In design, value refers to the lightness or darkness of a color. The values of a color are often
visualized in a gradient, which displays a series of variations on one hue, arranged from the lightest to
the darkest. Artists can use the various values of color to create the illusion of mass and volume in their
work.
4. 4. Space: Making proper use of space can help others view your design as you intended. White space
or negative space is the space between or around the focal point of an image. Positive space is the space
that your subject matter takes up in your composition. The spacing of your design is important because
a layout that’s too crowded can overwhelm the viewer’s eye.
5. 5. Shape: In its most basic form, a shape is a two-dimensional area that is surrounded by an outline.
Graphic artists can use other elements including line, color, value, and shadow to give a shape the
appearance of a three-dimensional shape. There are three types of shapes: organic shapes which occur
naturally in the world, geometric shapes which are angular and mathematically consistent,
and abstract shapes that represent things in nature but aren’t perfectly representative.
6. 6. Form: Form pertains to the way that a shape or physical configuration occupies space. Instead of
creating form through three-dimensional physical shape, designers create the appearance of form on a
flat surface by using light, shadow, the appearance of an object’s contours, negative space, and the
surrounding objects around the subject matter.
7. 7. Texture: Texture is one of the elements of design that is used to represent how an object appears
or feels. Tactile texture is a physical sense of touch, whether it’s rough, smooth, or ribbed. Visual texture,

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 on the other hand, refers to the imagined feel of the illustrated texture, which can create more visual
interest and a heightened sensory experience.

What Are the Differences Between the Elements and Principles of Design?
The elements of design refer to the basic building blocks of any composition. The principles of design refer to
how the elements are used, like the symmetrical and asymmetrical balance, pattern, emphasis, movement, and
proportion. The principles of design are a set of cardinal rules and techniques for composing the various elements
of design.

Exercise.

1. Write any four elements of music and explain them.

2. Timbre shows that------
3. What is the difference between elements and principles of design?
4. Give any three elements of theatre.
5. Explain any four elements of dance.
6. in music, texture means…..
7. What is theatre?
8. Define dance.
9. Write any five contemporary dance styles.
10. Give any five pre-colonial dances and explain their attire and functions.

REVISION EXERCISES
TEST 1.

Theory Paper

Duration 1½ hours

Candidates should answer ALL questions.

Answers must be written clearly and neatly – otherwise marks may be lost.

1 (a) Add the time signature to each of these three examples. 10

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 (b) Add a rest at each of the two places marked * to make the bars complete.

Berlioz
* *

2 (a) Draw a circle around the lower note of each of these pairs of notes. 10

(b) Draw a circle around the higher note of each of these pairs of notes.

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 3 Above each note write a higher note to form the named harmonic interval, as shown in the
10
first answer. The key is C major.

7th 3rd 8th/8ve

4th 5th 6th

4 Name the key of each of these scales. Also draw a bracket ( ) over each pair of notes
making a semitone, as shown in the first scale. 10

Key
………………………………………………
…

Key
………………………………………………
…

Key
………………………………………………
…

5 (a) Name the degree of the scale (e.g. 2nd, 3rd, 4th) of the notes marked *, as shown in the first 10
answer. The key is C major.

* * * * * * * * *
Haydn

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 …5…th
… ……… ……… ……… ……… ……… ……… ……… ………

(b) Give the letter name of the lowest note in the melody. ………

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6 Name the key of each of these tonic triads, as shown in the first answer. 10

C major
…………………………… ……………………………
……………………………

…………………………… ……………………………
……………………………

7 Write the dynamics # % ! ( ) $ in the correct order,

from the loudest to the quietest. The first answer is given. 10

…………… …………… …………… …………… …………… ……………

8 Tick one box for each term/sign, as shown in the first answer. 10

Andante means: Adagio means: means:

quick held back quiet

at a medium speed fairly quick accent the note
slow gradually getting slower gradually getting quieter
gradually getting quicker slow gradually getting quicker

means: da capo (D.C.) means: #means:

tie; detached repeat from the beginning moderately quiet

slur; detached the end quiet

slur; perform smoothly repeat from the sign % moderately loud

Grade 1X 3 Turn the page

 tie; hold for the value of in time very quiet
both notes

Grade 1X 3 Turn the page

9 Look at this melody by Mendelssohn and then answer the questions below.

Adagio

Write your answer to question (b) on the stave below.

(a) (i) Answer TRUE or FALSE to this statement: 10

The notes in bar 8 will sound the quietest. ………………………

(ii) Give the letter name of the highest note in the melody. ………

(iii) This melody is in the key of D major. Name the degree of

the scale (e.g. 2nd, 3rd, 4th) of the first note in the melody. …………

(iv) Give the number of a bar that contains all the notes
of the tonic triad. Remember that the key is D major. Bar ………

(v) How many bars contain a dotted crotchet (dotted quarter-note)? ………

(b) Copy out the music from the start of the melody to the end of bar 6, exactly as it is written 10
above. Don’t forget the clef, key signature, time signature, tempo marking, dynamic and all
other details. Write the music on the blank stave above question (a).
 TESTS 2

Theory Paper

Duration 1½ hours

Candidates should answer ALL questions.

Answers must be written clearly and neatly – otherwise marks may be lost.

1 Add the time signature to each of these five examples. 10

2 Above each note write a higher note to form the named harmonic interval, as shown in the 10
first answer. The key is F major.

6th 5th 3rd

4th 7th 8th/8ve

3 Add the correct clef and any necessary sharp or flat signs to make each of the scales 10
named below. Do not use key signatures.

A major

E minor

Which form of the minor scale have you used? ………………………………………

4 (a) Give the letter name of each of the notes marked *, including the sharp or flat sign 10
where necessary. The first answer is given.

C. G. Tag
* * * * * * * * *

Bb
……… ……… ……… ……… ……… ……… ……… ……… ………

(b) How many bars contain only crotchets (quarter notes)? ………

5 Write the time values 10

in the correct order, from the longest to the shortest. The first answer is given.

…………… …………… …………… …………… …………… ……………

6 Name the keys of these tonic triads. 10

…………………………… ……………………………
……………………………

…………………………… ……………………………

7 Rewrite the following in notes and rests of twice the value, beginning as shown. 10
Remember to group (beam) the notes correctly where necessary.

Devienne

8 Tick one box for each term/sign, as shown in the first answer. 10

dolce means: allargando means: means:

solemn broadening gradually getting quieter

slow very slow, solemn accent the note

stately gradually getting quicker loud

sweet slow, stately gradually getting louder

 means: Vivo means: U means:

strong accent fairly quick perform an octave higher

Staccato lively, quick legato; smoothly

slight pressure gradually getting quicker pause on the note or rest

Sforzando at a medium speed staccato; detached

9 Look at this melody, adapted from a piece by Johann Strauss II, and then answer the
questions below.
Andantino

Write your answer to question (b) on the stave below.

(a) (i) This melody is in the key of C major. Give the number of a 10
bar that contains all the notes of the tonic triad in this key. Bar ………

(ii) Name the degree of the scale (e.g. 1st, 2nd) of the
first note in the melody. Remember that the key is C major. …………

(iii) Give the letter name of the lowest note in the melody. ………

(iv) How many times does the rhythm occur? ………

(v) Underline one of the following words that best describes how
bars 1–3 of this melody should be played:

legato (smoothly) or staccato (detached)

 (b) Copy out the music from the start of bar 5 to the end of the melody, 10
exactly as it is written above. Don’t forget the clef, dynamics and all
other details. Write the music on the blank stave above question (a).

TEST 3

VPA GRADE SEVEN TEST

1. Name any Rhythm and Blues artist. A.

R Kelly B. Bob Marley C. Lucky Dube D. Don Williams
2. Identify an idiophone. A. Xylophone B. Flute C. Banjo D. Chipendani
3. In which class of instruments is the harmonica classified? A.
Idiophones B. Membranophones C. Chordophones D. Aerophones
4. Which music developed during the period 1890 and 1979?
A. Mbira B. Raggae C. Chimurenga D. Kanindo
5. A song from our community that tells a story and is passed on by oral tradition is called.... A.
folksong B. Folklore C. Folktale D. Taboo
6. 6. During the colonial era music was recorded on ....
A. Compact disc B. MP3 C. USB D. Vynil
7. 7. What is the function of the calabash on nhare mbira? A.
Beautifying B. Increasing sound C. Decreasing sound D. Control sound
8. 8. Which one is a music career? A. Curator B. Umpire C. Ajudicator D. Listener
9. 9. Copyright protect the rights of ...... A. Viewers B. Audience C. Managers D. Artists
10. 10. What is the set of numbers found at the beginning of a musical phrase called?

A. G clef B. Bar C. Time signature D. rest

11. Which of the following is not an element of dance?

A. time B. pathways C. space D. variety

12. A choreography in which a leader makes moves and others repeat is called...

A. canon B. Call and response C. Opposing D. Mirroring

13. What is the area that surrounds the dancer but cannot be reached called?

A. negative space B. Personal space C. Stage D. Ground

14. What are the tools and skills needed to produce a dance style called?

A. Dance pattern B. Dance sequence C. Dance tools D. Dance techniques

15. A dance performed by three dancers is called...... A. Duo B. Trio C. Quarter D. Soloist

16. Identify a male entertainment dance from Matebeleland.

A. Isitshikitsha B. Amabhiza C. Nguzu D. Sibhaca

17. What is the other name for Mhande is ?

A.Mbakumba B. Dinhe C. Chimtale D. Hosana

18. Which dance style shows agitated moves and jerking of arms?

A. Muchongoyo B. Mhande C. Mbende D. Chimtale

19. Which on e is not a dancing skill?

A. Discipline B. Leading C. Following D. Communication

20. Dance movements showing activities that tell a story are called dance .....

A. phrases B. Sequences C. Patterns D. Styles

21. In which period was the motor and pestle designed?

A. stone age B. Post colonial C. Iron age D. Colonial

22. What is a building for the marketing artworks called?

A. Museum B. Gallery C. Stage D. warehouse

23. Which method is best for preserving a photograph?

A. cleaning B. Framing C. Painting D. Vanishing

24.identify a natural visual art which is a tourist attraction in Zimbabwe.

A. Great Zimbabwe monuments B. Khami monuments C. Inyangani mountain D. Statues

25. Which pattern at the Great Zimbabwe represents fertility?

A. chevron B. Zigzag C. Herringbone D. Dry stone walling

26. Identify a natural media for printing. A. Rubber B. Bottle tops C. Corks D. stalks

27. Which of the following is an element of design?

A. variety B. harmony C. value D. unity.

28. Which of the following is a correct tertiary colour?

A. yellow green B. Purple blue C. Blue red D. Orange red

29. Free-form and irregular shapes are called ....

A. 2 dimensional B. Organic C. Geometric D. Flat

30. What is the process of collecting and processing waste materials to produce artworks is

A. replacing B. reducing C. recycling D. cleaning

31. The type of theatre in which the actor uses the body alone to communicate is ..

A. poetry B. physical theatre C. dance D. Public speaking

32. A puppet that is made of wood wire and strings is called ........

A. rod puppet B. cantastoria C. shadow puppet D. Carnival

32. A type of comedy that combines tragedy and comedy is called ....

A. comedy B. tragedy C. tragicomedy D. Melodrama

33. A form of theatre with bad endings is called .......

A. comedy B. tragedy C. melodrama D. Tragicomedy

34. Which of the following is an element of drama

A. performance B. texture C. rhythm D. Pathways

35. Which of the following is a conventional stage? A. Open air B. stage specific C. thrust D.
Hippodrome

36. What is the light that focuses solely on the actor called?
A. point lighting B. flood lighting C. infinite lighting D. Spot lighting

37. sound that accompanies action in theatre is called ......

A. sound effects B. light effects C. weapons D. Music

38. Which instrument can be used to create the sound of an elephant in theatre?

A. bass guitar B. trumpet C. hands D. Whistle

39. A ..... is an example of a dangerous sound effect.

A. explosion B. fight C. whistle D. Rattling

40. Which musical instrument is common among all African ethnic groups?

A. ngoma B. chipendani C. mbira D. Marimba

41. What is the proper attire for a dance performance is called .......

A. attire B. props C. costume D. Fashion

42. Which instrument belongs to the string quartet?

A. tambourine B. drum C. saxophone D. Violine

43. .......... was common during the period 1890 to 1979 in Zimbabwe.

A. moon walk B. kongonya C. clarks D. Waltz

44. Which historical period is music used to restore black pride and history?

A. stone age B. iron age C. colonial period D. Post colonial period

45. The ...... are known for rock painting?

A. Great Zimbabwe B. Matopo hills C. Victoria falls D. Shona

46. Which of the following is an art tool?

A. paint B. wax C. charcoal D. Feathers

47. sitting on a log of fire is a ......

A. belief B. taboo C. culture D. Language

48. A play write ....... A . presents poems B. writes plays C. performs in plays D. Sings
in a play

49. The second stage of art criticism is the .....

A. evaluation B. interpretation C. evaluation D. Description

50. The best set for a thanks giving ceremony is ...

A. kraal B. cemetery C. under a tree D. Mountain

TEST 4

VPA. Gr 7

VPA Revision

1. Which people diluted/affected our music?

2. Write down three genres of music.

3. Which modern type of Zimbabwean music became popular in the 1980s?

4. The other name for museve music is ..............

5. Which artist is referred to as the king of Sungura music?

6. Ephraim Joe is the pioneer for .......... music.

7. Jiti is believed to have borrowed styles from ......... and .......... music.

8. Name the music genre which was named after Olouch Kanindo.

9. Name two countries where Kanindo originated.

10. Which music genre is renowned for showing the culture and tradition of Zimbabwe?

11. Mbira music is different from other types of music because .......

A. it is slow

B. it has a dual meaning

C. it is from USA

D. it no longer exists.

12. One type of mbira is .........

A. Nyunganyunga

B. Piano

C. Piccolo

D. Hosho

13. Rythm and Blues is a type of music that is abbreviated.............

A. RnKelly

B. Rihanna and Brian

C. RnB

D. RnBarn

14. ......... music is referred to as Old Time Music.

A. Rhumba

B. Sungura

C. RnB

D. Country

15. Name one function where mbira music can be performed.

A. Bira

B. In a bank

C. At a white people's funeral procession

D. During a Christmas Carols Concert

16. Michael Jackson is an ........ artist.

A. Rhumba

B. RnB

C. Mbira

D. Kwaito

17. Sam Mangwana was a Zimbabwean ............ artist.

A. Rhumba

B. Mbira

C. Kwaito

D. Raggae
18. Classical music has its roots in ........... cultures.

A. African

B. Arabic

C. Western

D. Rhumba

19. A trumpet is classified under...........

A. membranophones

B. Aerophones

C. Chordophones

D. Idiophones

20. Charles Charamba is a ........ artist.

A. Rhumba

B. Kwaito

C. Raggae

D. Gospel

TEST 5

VPA PAPER 1

GRADE 7

Instructions to candidates.
Answer all questions on a separate sheet provided. Choose the correct letter for the answer. Write
clearly and legibly in capital letters. Two or more answers selected per question will all be
considered as wrong.
1. Which type of music is also a form of a musical instrument?

A. jazz B. reggae C. mbira D. piano

2. Which song fights against gender based violence?

A. Kanjiwa B. Tozeza baba C. Egypita Egypita D. Chemutengure

3. One of the famous comedian and musician who performed in Zimbabwe was….
A. Stella Chiweshe B. Safirio Mazikatire C. Thomas Mapfumo D. Charles Mungoshi

4. One of the roles of music in colonial Zimbabwe was to

A. encourage the freedom fighters fight the enemy. B. support colonialists.

C. thank ancestors for colonization. D. promote division among the masses.

5. Who entertained the liberation war fighters during the Chimurenga war war?

A. mujibhas and chimbwidos B. television drama C. Kapfupi D. Dyson

6. Which country is associated with Rhumba music?

A. South Africa B. Malawi C. Zimbabwe D. Democratic Republic of Congo

7. Which musician is known as the ‘Princess of Africa’?

A. Brenda Fasi B. Fungisai Zvakavapano C. BusiNcube D. Yvonne Chaka-chaka

8. Which dance is performed in secret and closely guarded?

A. gule wamkulu B. Lwindi C. inxwala D. mukwerera

9. The Amabhiza dance is common among the

A. ndau B. Ndebele C.Kalanga D. Zezuru

10. Which dance is a rain making dance?

A. Amabhiza B. Muchongoyo C. Isitshikithsa D. Mbende

11. What do dancers imitate in the Amambhiza dance?

A. women B. donkeys C. horses D. baboons

12. Which other name is the Amabhiza dance known as?

A. B. C. D.

13. The people who designed the Great Zimbabwe monuments were

A. great painters B. great hunters C. great architects D. sculptors

14. Which pair is true about traditional hunting tools?

A. guns and arrows B. bows and guns C. bombs and arrows D. bows and arrows

15. Art can be defined as ….

A. a way of experience B. a way of exporting

C. a way of expression D. a way of examining.

16. Traditional drums are made of …

A. wood and plastic B. wood and leather C. wood and metal D. wood and rubber
17. The San used to wear clothes made of …

A. rubber B. leather C. leaves D. nylon

18. In traditional societies costumes for funerals are …

A. white B. green C. red D. black

19. Props used in pre-colonial Zimbabwe visual arts included..

A. guitars B. spears C. cellphones D. aeroplanes

20. When the audience laugh during a performance it means the play is …

. a tragedy B. a sad story C. exciting D. sorrowful

21. The Victorian age refers to

A. time after Queen Victoria B. time before Queen Victoria

C. Time during Queen Victoria D. time slightly after Queen Victoria

22. Which statement is true about traditional theatre in Zimbabwe?

A. theatre did not exist until the whites came

B. theatre can be traced to festivals and ceremonies held in pre-colonial era

C. theatre was meaningless

D. theatre was disorganized

23. Theatre is important in

A. making people cry

B. hiding the truth

C. teaching people to be creative and express themselves effectively

D. wasting time

24. Performing arts involves,

A. drawing and painting

B. making crafts and sculpture

C. shouting at people to gain attention

D. use of the body and voice or inanimate objects to convey an artistic expression.

25. In pre-colonial era during which time of the day was theatre mostly done?

A. early morning B. midnight C. evening D. in the afternoon

26. Stories can be recorded and shown to the audience as

A. books B. films C. drama D. history

27. Why is it important to study traditional theatre?

A. to learn from our past B. to improve the past C. to ignore the past D. to worry about it

28. Songs are sung on social functions such as …

A. eating B. sleeping C. hunting D. funeral

29. How many letters make the music alphabet?

A. 5 B.7 C.8 D. 26

30. The traditional instrument called hwamanda is played

A. using thumbs B. blowing air C. beating with sticks D. by pulling strings

31. In traditional societies costumes for funerals are …

A. white B. green C. red D. black

32. Props used in pre-colonial Zimbabwe visual arts included..

A. guitars B. spears C. cellphones D. aeroplanes

33. What is the name of the person who makes costumes?

A. Designer B. choreographer C. director D. mixer

34. A famous sculptor in Zimbabwe is

A. Dominic Benhure B. Dr Oliver Mutukudzi C. Safirio Madzikatire D. Aleck Macheso

35. What does the ‘Gano’ in Mhande dance symbolize?

A. chasing evil spirits B. chasing enemies C. frightening the audience D. strength

36. Which of the following is a membranophone ?

A. guitar B. marimba C. drum D. piano

37. Which statement is true about poems?

A. poems are a not a form of art B. poems are performing arts

C. poems are better that drawings D. poems are the easiest form of art

38. Which marketing group promotes theatre productions in Zimbabwe?

A. Chibuku Road to Fame B. Red Cross Association

C. Zimbabwe Republic Police D. W.H.O

39. Which group used theatre to dominate others in colonial Zimbabwe?

A. whites B. Blacks C. Natives D. Arabs

40. Pick an example of visual art.

A. dance B. mass displays C. textiles D. singing

41. What is the beginning of a painting called?

A. center B. point C. space D. direction

42. Identify a secondary colour.

A. green B. blue C. red D. yellow

43. What do we call colours that are opposite each other on the colour wheel?

A. analogues B. composition C. complementary colours D. monochromatic colours

44. Which lines shows motion in artwors?

A. horizontal lines B. contour lines C. cross hatched lines D. diagonal lines.

45. Which sculpture is a product of casting?

A. Zimbabwe bird B. Mbuya Nehanda statue C. coins D. mother and child

46. Which of the following is an example of observational drawing?

A. drawing what has never been seen before B. still life drawing

C. Drawing from memory D. tracing

47. Which artwork is mainly made by women in Zimbabwe?

A. pottery B. sculpture C. bows and arrows D. stone buildings

48. Which one is an example of textiles?

A. stones B. fabrics C. plastics D. sculpture

49. Performing arts involves,

A. drawing and painting

B. making crafts and sculpture

C. shouting at people to gain attention

D. use of the body and voice or inanimate objects to convey an artistic expression.

50. What is not true about dance movements?

A. some dance movements are bad.

B. dance movement communicate messages

C. dance can tell a story

D. all dance movements are good.

 TEST 6

VPA PAPER 2

GRADE 7

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES.
Answer all questions using spaces provided.
SECTION A: HISTORY and CULTURE of Visual arts, dance and theatre.
1. Name two heritage sites in Zimbabwe?

_________________________________________________________________________ {2}

2. What the material that was used to make the head rest (Mbira mutsago)

_________________________________________________________________________ {1}

3. Name any natural visual art form that is a tourist attraction in Zimbabwe.

_________________________________________________________________________ {1}

4. State any two rain making dances.

_________________________________________________________________________ {2}

5. Which dance imitates a mouse?

_________________________________________________________________________ {1}

6. State any two functions of storytelling long ago.

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________ {1}

7. What are taboos?

__________________________________________________________________________ {1}

8. What is animation?

__________________________________________________________________________ {1}

TOTAL {10}

SECTION B: CREATIVE PROCESSES AND PERFORMANCE

9. What are 3D artworks?

_________________________________________________________________________ {1}
10. State two elements of design.

_________________________________________________________________________ {1}

11. What is form in 3D artworks?

________________________________________________________________________ {1}

12. What is characterization?

_________________________________________________________________________ {1}

13. What is a theme?

_________________________________________________________________________ {1}

14. State two roles of the director in theatre.

________________________________________________________________________ {1}

15. What is locomotion in dance?

________________________________________________________________________ {1}

16. State one non-locomotion movement in dance.

________________________________________________________________________ {1}

17. State any two dance skills.

________________________________________________________________________ {1}

TOTAL {10}

SECTION C: AESTHETIC VALUES AND APPRECIATION

18. State any artifact that was found at great Zimbabwe monuments.

________________________________________________________________________ {1}

19. Give one word which means aesthetics.

________________________________________________________________________ {1}

20. Name any artifact that symbolizes pride among the Shona.

________________________________________________________________________ {1}

21. Name any profession in dance.

________________________________________________________________________ {1}

22. State two dance elements.

________________________________________________________________________ {1}

23. What is a duet?

_________________________________________________________________________ {1}

24. What is an Island stage?

_________________________________________________________________________ {1}

25. State two importance of dance.

_________________________________________________________________________ {2}

26. What do we call a villain who opposes the main actor in theater?

________________________________________________________________________ {1}

TOTAL {10}

SECTION D: ARTS TECHNOLOGY

27. What does DVD stand for?

________________________________________________________________________ {1}

28. What is to upload music or videos?

________________________________________________________________________ {1}

29. State 2 materials for making ceramics.

________________________________________________________________________ {2}

30. What is the process of producing artworks using computers called?

________________________________________________________________________ {1}

31. State 2 equipments that can be used to produce light in theater.

________________________________________________________________________ {2}

32. Why are visual effects important in theater

________________________________________________________________________ {2}

33. State any two careers in theater.

________________________________________________________________________ {1}

SECTION E: ENTREPRENEURSHIP SKILLS.

34. What is an exhibition?

_______________________________________________________________________ {1}

35. If Takura is downloading theater videos and selling them on the street. What law is Takura
breaking?

_______________________________________________________________________ {1}
36. What do we call the money paid by audience to watch a concert?

_______________________________________________________________________ {1}

37. What is a curator?

________________________________________________________________________ {1}

38. State two costumes won in any traditional dances.

________________________________________________________________________ {2}

39. Where does a person who writes books can have his work?

_______________________________________________________________________ {1}

40. Name any publishing company that publishes books in Zimbabwe.

_______________________________________________________________________ {1}

TOTAL {10}

TEST 7

PESMD VPA TEST

1. How many players make up a volley ball team?
A. 7 B. 8 C. 9 D. 10
2. What type of game is played in the water ?
A. fishing B. Water polo C. Sky diving D. diving
3. What type of game is netball?
A. invasion game B. net game C. aquatic game D. track event
4. The stages run up, take off, flight and landing relate to
A. sprints B. swimming C. long jump D. serving the ball
5. Servicing in volley ball can be done through
A. kicking B. digging C. throwing D. bouncing
6. Which skill is not used in a volley ball game?
A. digging B. spiking C. heading D. catching.
7. Which of the following is not a net game?
A. handball B. volleyball C. tennis D. table tennis
8. Which list contains games that are played using rackets?
A. soccer and rugby B. tennis and squash C. rugby and golf D. golf and hockey
9. Which list contains net games?
A. tennis, basketball and squash B. tennis, volleyball and squash
C. tennis, basketball and volleyball D. volleyball, tennis and soccer
10. Identify the list in which bats are used?
A. golf, cricket and hockey B. cricket, baseball and softball
C. golf, hockey and cricket D. cricket, golf and tennis
11. The……….officiates a game of tennis.
A. umpire B. leader C. manager D. referee
12. The ……… officiates a game of rugby.
A. umpire B. team manager C. team captain D. referee
Use the picture below to answer question 10 and 11.

12. Which sport is played using the ball above?

A. cricket B. tennis C. basketball D. rugby
13. The act of purchasing and using trade names that are already registered is called
A. copying B. cyber-squatting C. cyber bullying D. photocopying
14. Dancers can market themselves through the following except?
A. social media B. marketing companies C. posters D. being quiet
15. Who protects the rights of dancers?
A. manager B. fans C. audience D. viewers
16. The mangers signs
A. suggestions B. contracts C. tickets D. supporters
17. Money paid to watch a theatre performance is called
A. fee B. fare C. prize D. cost
18. Dancing is important for the following
A. generating enmity B. portraying indecents
C. preserving privacy D. preserving cultural heritage
19. Copyright protection is
A. bad B. encourages piracy C. discourages piracy D. protects the audience
20. Which offence is committed by a person downloading videos on U tube recording and selling
them?
A. fogging B. copyright law C. copying D. cyber bulling
21. If you wish to have your videos watched on U Tube you can
A. download your video on U Tube B. upload your video on U Tube
C. attach your video on U Tube D. re-load your video on U Tube
22. The …… is the highest point of a plot.
A. climax B. epilogue C. exposition D. crisis
23. Which one is not an element of a plot?
A. climax B. exposition C. crisis D. melody
24.. The soccer World Cup is held after how long?
A. two years B. three years C. ten years D. four years
25. How many minutes does a game of soccer last?
A. 45 minutes B. 90 minutes C. 60 minutes D. 100 minutes.

TEST 8

Grade 7 VPA EXERCISE (WITH ANSWERS)

1. Give two types of Zimbabwean m

usic. (Sungura, jiti,dendera)
2. State two sungura artists. (Alick Macheso, Ephraim Joe,John Chibadura, Nicholas Zacharia,
Simon Chimbetu, Naison Chimbetu.)
3. Name one jiti musician. (Baba Harare,Bhundu Boys, Paul Mpofu.)
4. Where did kanindo music originate from? (East Africa-Tanzania and Kenya)
5. Two mbira players are….and…. (Dumisani Maraire,Stella Chiweshe,Mbuya Dyoko,Chiwoniso
Maraire,Ephet Joe and Tendai Mavengeni.)
6. Country music originated from.. (USA)
7. Two country music artists are…and.. (Don Williams,Kenny Rogers, Porter Wagoner, Dolly
Parton and Hank Williams.)
8. RnB stands for… (Rhythm and Blues)
9. Two RnB artists are…and… (Robert Kelly, Steve Wonder, Michael Jackson and Mariah Carey.)
10. Rhumba music originated from.. (Cuba.)
11. State any two Jazz musicians (Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Louis Mhlanga, Prudence
Katomeni Mbofana, Dudu Manhenga,Ernest Tanga Sando.)
12. Give two examples of membranophones (drums and kazoos.)
13. ….and….are chordophones. (Guitar, banjo, harp, lute, piano, lyre, violin, zithers and dulamer.)
14. What are aerophones? (Instruments that produce sound through vibration of mass of air.)
15. Gumboots dance originated from………………… (South Africa)
16. Nyau dance is of the Chewa people of Malawi and…….(Zambia)
17. How many notes make up the tonic ladder? (8)
18. One example of an un-tuned musical instrument is..(drum,conga,cymbal,gong)
19. One element of design is….(line,color,value,form,texture and space)