TExES Practice Music Exam
- 1.
A music teacher records the concerts presented by his student ensembles. These concerts always include music that is copyrighted. Which of the following best describes how the teacher may legally use the recordings without obtaining permission from the copyright owners?
- A.
Up to 100 copies of the recording may be made for sale to students in the ensemble.
- B.
A single copy of the recording may be made and used for evaluation purposes.
- C.
Unlimited copies of the recording may be made to sell for fundraising purposes.
- D.
One copy of the recording may be made for distribution to each student in the ensemble.
Correct Answer
B. A single copy of the recording may be made and used for evaluation purposes.Explanation
The teacher may legally use the recordings without obtaining permission from the copyright owners by making a single copy of the recording and using it for evaluation purposes. This means that the teacher can listen to the recording to assess the performance and provide feedback to the students. However, the teacher cannot make multiple copies for sale, fundraising, or distribution to students.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Use the excerpt below from a folk song to answer the two questions that follow. Where would movable do be located?
- A.
A
- B.
B
- C.
C
- D.
G
Correct Answer
D. GExplanation
The movable "do" would be located in G.Rate this question:
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- 3.
In the evaluation of the effectiveness of a musical composition, which of the following elements would most typically be described as providing tension and release?
- A.
The repetition and development of melodic motives
- B.
The use of rubato or ritardando
- C.
The use and resolution of nonharmonic tones
- D.
The incorporation of an ostinato or ground bass
Correct Answer
C. The use and resolution of nonharmonic tonesExplanation
Nonharmonic tones are notes that are not part of the underlying harmony of a musical composition, creating tension and dissonance. The resolution of these tones, where they are resolved to a note that is part of the harmony, provides a sense of release and resolution. Therefore, in the evaluation of the effectiveness of a musical composition, the use and resolution of nonharmonic tones would most typically be described as providing tension and release.Rate this question:
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- 4.
During the Baroque period, the revived interest in Greek drama contributed to the development of which of the following musical forms?
- A.
Oratorio
- B.
Villanella
- C.
Opera
- D.
Singspiel
Correct Answer
C. OperaExplanation
During the Baroque period, there was a renewed interest in Greek drama, which played a significant role in the development of opera. Opera, a form of musical theater, incorporates elements of Greek drama such as storytelling through music, singing, and acting. The Baroque period saw the rise of opera as a popular art form, with composers like Monteverdi and Handel creating elaborate and dramatic works that combined music, singing, and theatrical elements. Therefore, the correct answer is opera.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of the following twentieth-century composers incorporated elements of native folk music into compositions?
- A.
Alban Berg
- B.
Béla Bartók
- C.
Samuel Barber
- D.
Pierre Boulez
Correct Answer
B. Béla BartókExplanation
Béla Bartók is the correct answer because he was known for incorporating elements of native folk music into his compositions. He was a Hungarian composer and ethnomusicologist who extensively studied and collected folk music from various regions, especially in Eastern Europe. Bartók's compositions often featured folk melodies, rhythms, and harmonies, which he integrated with his own unique style to create innovative and distinctive works. His dedication to preserving and incorporating folk music into his compositions made him a significant figure in the development of twentieth-century music.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following styles of music most typically features an ostinato?
- A.
Chinese folk music
- B.
Spanish flamenco
- C.
Japanese theater music
- D.
Cuban salsa
Correct Answer
D. Cuban salsaExplanation
Cuban salsa most typically features an ostinato. An ostinato is a repeated musical pattern or phrase that forms the foundation of a piece of music. Cuban salsa often incorporates rhythmic ostinatos, such as the repeated patterns played by the percussion instruments, which create a lively and energetic groove. This repetitive element is a key characteristic of Cuban salsa and helps to drive the music and keep dancers in sync with the rhythm.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which of the following genres of music from the United States most typically incorporates ballad form?
- A.
Gospel
- B.
Rhythm-and-blues
- C.
Rap
- D.
Country-western
Correct Answer
D. Country-westernExplanation
Country-western music from the United States most typically incorporates ballad form. Ballads are narrative songs that often tell a story, and they are a common feature in country-western music. This genre often includes heartfelt and emotional storytelling through lyrics, which aligns with the characteristics of a ballad. Gospel, rhythm-and-blues, and rap genres may also incorporate ballad form in some instances, but it is most commonly associated with country-western music.Rate this question:
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- 8.
In vocal performance, which of the following best describes the desired outcome of the proper mixture of resonance from the pharynx, nasal cavity, and mouth?
- A.
Optimal balance with minimal adjustment
- B.
Maximum sound with minimum effort
- C.
Effective innotation with minimal adjustment
- D.
Cohesive blend with minimal contrast
Correct Answer
B. Maximum sound with minimum effortExplanation
The desired outcome of the proper mixture of resonance from the pharynx, nasal cavity, and mouth in vocal performance is to achieve maximum sound with minimum effort. This means that the singer is able to produce a powerful and resonant sound without straining or exerting excessive effort. By finding the right balance between these resonating spaces, the singer can achieve a full and rich tone while maintaining vocal health and minimizing strain on the vocal cords.Rate this question:
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- 9.
During the final three weeks prior to a concert, a middle school choral music teacher notices that several of the male singers whose voices are changing are no longer able to produce all the upper tones indicated in the music. Trying to balance concern for the vocal well being of the students and the choral preparations for the upcoming concert, the teacher decides not to move the boys to a lower part until after the concert. Which of the following strategies would be most appropriate for the teacher to use in preserving the con- tribution of these singers while protecting their changing voices?
- A.
Teaching the students to use head voice whenever the production of the upper tones causes tension or strain
- B.
Allowing students to sing louder to avoid tension resulting from tightening the throat
- C.
Encouraging students not to sing the upper tones to avoid creating tension in the voice.
- D.
Requiring the students to sing at a softer dynamic level on the upper tones to reduce strain.
Correct Answer
A. Teaching the students to use head voice whenever the production of the upper tones causes tension or strainExplanation
The most appropriate strategy for the teacher to use in preserving the contribution of these singers while protecting their changing voices would be to teach the students to use head voice whenever the production of the upper tones causes tension or strain. This strategy allows the students to continue singing the upper tones while minimizing the strain on their changing voices. By using head voice, the students can produce the desired tones without putting excessive pressure on their vocal cords, thus ensuring their vocal well-being and maintaining their contribution to the choral preparations for the upcoming concert.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Ms. Ramirez, a high school band director, notices that her band's intonation is less accurate when playing crescendos. To correct this performance problem, Ms. Ramirez should instruct the stu- dents to:
- A.
Balance carefully and focus on the lower voices.
- B.
Play louder so that each part can be heard more clearly.
- C.
Play softer and listen to the players near them.
- D.
Tune more carefully at the beginning of rehearsal.
Correct Answer
A. Balance carefully and focus on the lower voices.Explanation
To improve the band's intonation during crescendos, Ms. Ramirez should instruct the students to balance carefully and focus on the lower voices. This means that the students should pay attention to the volume and tone of the lower instruments in the band, ensuring that they are not overpowering the other instruments. By doing so, the students can achieve a better balance of sound and improve the accuracy of their intonation during crescendos.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Improvisation is a performance practice typically associated with which type of instrumental ensemble?
- A.
Jazz combo
- B.
Marching band
- C.
Brass choir
- D.
String orchestra
Correct Answer
A. Jazz comboExplanation
Improvisation is a performance practice that involves creating and playing music in the moment, without prior preparation. It is commonly associated with jazz music, where musicians often take turns improvising solos over a set chord progression. A jazz combo is a small ensemble typically consisting of a few instrumentalists, such as a pianist, bassist, drummer, and possibly a saxophonist or trumpeter. This type of ensemble is well-suited for improvisation due to its smaller size and ability to communicate and interact more easily during performances. Therefore, the correct answer is jazz combo.Rate this question:
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- 12.
A middle school music teacher in Texas is developing a music curriculum for sixth- grade general music classes. When developing this curriculum, it would be most important for the teacher to incor- porate knowledge of:
- A.
Federal and Texas state policies and regulations concerning the use and performance of music in an educa- tional setting.
- B.
A wide repertoire that has been recommended by the Music Educa- tors National Conference (MENC) for classroom instruction.
- C.
Appropriate conducting and rehearsal techniques for large and small performance ensembles.
- D.
The content and standards for music that comprise the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
Correct Answer
D. The content and standards for music that comprise the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).Explanation
The most important knowledge for the music teacher to incorporate when developing a music curriculum for sixth-grade general music classes in Texas is the content and standards for music that comprise the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). This is because TEKS outlines the specific knowledge and skills that students in Texas are expected to learn in the subject of music. By incorporating TEKS into the curriculum, the teacher ensures that they are aligning their instruction with the state standards and providing students with a comprehensive music education that meets the requirements set by the state.Rate this question:
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- 13.
A high school music teacher would like tenth-grade students to design and apply criteria for evaluating the quality of individual instrumental music perform- ances of their peers. The students' ability to complete this task effectively would be most influenced by their knowledge of:
- A.
Concert etiquette during live per- formances.
- B.
The elements of music (e.g., rhythm, pitch, dynamics).
- C.
The instrument being played.
- D.
Specific playing techniques (e.g., slow vibrato, flutter tonguing).
Correct Answer
B. The elements of music (e.g., rhythm, pitch, dynamics).Explanation
The ability to evaluate the quality of individual instrumental music performances would be most influenced by the students' knowledge of the elements of music such as rhythm, pitch, and dynamics. Understanding these elements would allow the students to assess the technical proficiency and musicality of their peers' performances. This knowledge would also enable them to provide constructive feedback and identify areas for improvement in the performances.Rate this question:
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- 14.
An elementary school music teacher would like to develop instructional plans based upon assessments of second- and third-grade students. Which of the following forms of assessment would be most important for the teacher to use in determining the students' musical knowledge and skills?
- A.
Teacher-designed assessments such as classroom observations
- B.
Standardized musical achievement tests
- C.
Evaluation of individual perform- ances at concerts
- D.
Standardized musical aptitude tests
Correct Answer
A. Teacher-designed assessments such as classroom observationsExplanation
Classroom observations would be the most important form of assessment for the music teacher to use in determining the students' musical knowledge and skills. This is because classroom observations allow the teacher to directly observe and assess the students' musical abilities and understanding in a real-life setting. It provides the teacher with valuable insights into each student's progress, strengths, and areas that need improvement. Additionally, teacher-designed assessments can be tailored to the specific curriculum and goals of the music class, making them more relevant and effective in assessing the students' musical knowledge and skills.Rate this question:
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- 15.
A general music teacher introduces the concepts of intervals, music notation, and music forms to seventh-grade students. Which of the following methods would provide the most effective use of instruc- tional time and increase the probability of students' success through immediate feedback?
- A.
Programmed instruction using computers
- B.
Small-group instruction provided by the teacher
- C.
Individual instruction provided by the teacher
- D.
Programmed instruction using audiotapes
Correct Answer
A. Programmed instruction using computersExplanation
Programmed instruction using computers would provide the most effective use of instructional time and increase the probability of students' success through immediate feedback. Computers can provide interactive and engaging lessons that can be customized to each student's pace and level of understanding. The programmed instruction can also include quizzes and assessments that provide immediate feedback, allowing students to identify and correct their mistakes right away. This method allows for independent learning while still providing guidance and support from the computer program.Rate this question:
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- 16.
In managing and documenting the use and condition of musical instruments and other materials in the school music program, it is most important that the music teacher:
- A.
Purchase new instruments to ensure their availability to students.
- B.
Provide a folder for each student.
- C.
Inform the school administration of any damage to equipment.
- D.
Keep accurate inventory records.
Correct Answer
D. Keep accurate inventory records.Explanation
In managing and documenting the use and condition of musical instruments and other materials in the school music program, it is most important that the music teacher keeps accurate inventory records. This is crucial as it allows the teacher to track the availability of instruments, monitor their condition, and ensure that they are properly maintained. By keeping accurate inventory records, the teacher can also identify any missing or damaged instruments and take appropriate actions such as repair or replacement. This helps in efficiently managing the resources of the music program and ensuring that students have access to the necessary instruments.Rate this question:
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