Music Theory and Songwriting Fundamentals

Comprehensive practice questions covering Major scale formulas, the Circle of Fifths, and songwriting principles.

What is the formula used to create a Major Scale?

$$T - T - ST - T - T - T - ST$$

In music theory, what do the symbols $T$ and $ST$ represent in terms of semitones?

$T = \text{Tone (2 semitones)}$ and $ST = \text{Semitone (1 semitone)}$

What is the memory helper for the order of sharps in Major Scales?

Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle

What is the memory helper for the order of flats in Major Scales?

Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles Father

What does the term "diatonic" mean?

Using only the notes that belong to a particular key or scale.

According to "Songwriting 101," what three elements does every song have?

An author, a message, and an intended audience.

What are the five skills or benefits promoted by song analysis?

Identification/interpretation of music elements and concepts, critical thinking, imagination/creativity, active listening/focus, and objectivity.

Which song theme is defined as taking an existing song and re-writing the lyrics?

Parody

Which song theme is politically charged or expresses an opinion related to politics?

Current event/protest

In the "house of songwriting" metaphor, which elements represent the foundation, the roof, and the door?

Foundation: harmony (chords); Roof: Melody; Door: Lyrics

What are the "bricks" in the house of songwriting?

Dynamics, tonality, tempo, instrumentation, hook, style/genre, production value, theme & variation, and tension & release.

In the Circle of Fifths, which direction do you move for sharp keys and flat keys?

Clockwise for sharp keys; counterclockwise for flat keys.

Which major scale has 3 sharps, and what are those sharps?

A Major ($F\#$, $C\#$, $G\#$)

Which major scale has 6 sharps, and what are those sharps?

$F\#$ Major ($F\#$, $C\#$, $G\#$, $D\#$, $A\#$, $E\#$)

Which major scale has 6 flats, and what are those flats?

$Gb$ Major ($Bb$, $Eb$, $Ab$, $Db$, $Gb$, $Cb$)

How many flats are in the $Cb$ Major scale, and what is the last flat added?

7 flats; the last flat is $Fb$

What are the three specific pairs of enharmonic keys mentioned in the notes?

$F\#$ Major = $Gb$ Major; $C\#$ Major = $Db$ Major; $B$ Major = $Cb$ Major