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Answer Keys

Full answer key (42 MB)

MP3 files naming conventions

Method for taking a dictation

The recommended method for taking dictation is based on the traditional practice of using pencil and manuscript paper—not to mention the use of a good eraser.  This method has the advantage of having direct contact with what one is writing.

 

  • The melodic dictation must be written on a staff in TREBLE CLEF.
  • The rhythmic dictation, which should be written with a fixed pitch, may be taken on a percussion clef or simply on lined paper.
  • The harmonic dictation must be written on a grand staff with BASS CLEF and TREBLE CLEF.

 

It is important to prepare the manuscript within the framework of the dictation (clef, time signature, key signature, bar lines) prior to the “active” listening to the examples (dictation or fragments).

Number of hearings

The authors recommend actively listening to each dictation or fragment four times in order to capture it on paper.  Listening more than four times could indicate that the listener has had a lapse in concentration or lacks understanding of the subject matter.

  • First hearing:  capture the overall structure of the dictation, and place the most striking features (of the beginning or the ending) on the staff.
  • Second and third hearings:  fill in the rest of the musical elements.
  • Fourth hearing:  verify your work and make corrections as needed.

The audio files containing instructions or complete dictations (see Melodic Dictation Fragments) need only be heard one time each.

Dictation tempi

The tempo of each dictation depends on the type of melody, the note values, or the pattern used.  As a general guide, the dictations have been recorded at the following tempi (metronome markings are in beats per minute):

  • Melodic dictation – simple meters: quarter note = between 69 and 144
  • Melodic dictation – compound meters: dotted quarter note = between 50 and 58
  • Rhythmic dictation – simple meters: quarter note = between 84 and 100
  • Rhythmic dictation – compound meters: dotted quarter note = between 60 and 66
  • Harmonic dictation: rate of chord changes is whole note = 76

Dictation Preparatory beats (the “count-in”)

The preparatory beats that precede each melodic or rhythmic dictation are:

  • One measure if the dictation is in 3/4 or 4/4
  • Two measures if the dictation is in 3/4 at a fast tempo
  • Two measures if the dictation is in 2/4
  • One measure if the dictation is in a compound meter

 

The harmonic dictation does not employ a “count-in.”