The Music StemFree courses

The Musician’s Ear Library

Pitch Direction and Contour

Up, down, or the same

A Rising Pair of Notes

Does the second note rise, fall or repeat?

Choices

  • Rising
  • Falling
  • Repeated

A Falling Pair of Notes

Which way does the line move, and how far?

Choices

  • Falling perfect fourth
  • Falling perfect fifth
  • Rising perfect fourth
  • Rising perfect fifth

Repeated Pitch

Does the second note move?

Choices

  • Rising
  • Falling
  • Repeated

Small Ascending Step

Does it rise, and by how much?

Choices

  • Repeated pitch
  • Rising semitone
  • Rising whole tone

Large Ascending Leap

Which way does it move, and how far?

Choices

  • Rising perfect fifth
  • Rising major sixth
  • Rising octave
  • Falling major sixth

Arch Contour

What shape does the melody trace?

Choices

  • Arch: up then down
  • Valley: down then up
  • Steady rise
  • Steady fall

Valley Contour

Which note is the lowest point?

Choices

  • G4
  • E4
  • C4

Alternating Notes

Which contour repeats?

Choices

  • Up–down–up
  • Down–up–down
  • Up–up–up

Step Versus Leap

Which move is larger?

Choices

  • C4 to D4
  • D4 to G4

Contour Memory

Which contour did you hear?

Choices

  • Up–down–up
  • Up–up–down
  • Down–up–down

Other chapters: Intervals · Rhythm and Meter · Triads and Seventh Chords · Harmonic Motion · Scales and Modes · Tone and Color · Articulation and Expression · Polyphony and Texture · Applied Musicianship

Headphones help with the quieter differences.

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