What do repeat signs in written music tell the performer to do?
APlay faster
BSkip ahead to the end
CGo back and play a section again
DPlay the section louder
Repeat signs tell the performer to go back and play a section of music again, either from the beginning or from a matching repeat sign.
Question 2 True / False
When you see a repeat sign, you always go back to the very beginning of the piece.
TTrue
FFalse
Answer: False
A forward-facing repeat sign can mark a different starting point. You go back to the matching repeat sign, not necessarily the beginning.
Question 3 True / False
Repeat signs and the form of the music are the same thing.
TTrue
FFalse
Answer: False
Repeat signs are a notation shortcut that saves space on the page. The form of the music describes its overall structure, which is a separate concept.
Question 4 Short Answer
What are first and second endings used for in music?
Think about your answer, then reveal below.
Model answer: They let a repeated section have a different ending the second time through.
A good answer explains that first and second endings allow the music to end differently on the repeat, so the first time you play ending 1, and the second time you skip to ending 2.
Question 5 Multiple Choice
Why would a composer use repeat signs instead of writing the same music out twice?
ATo make the music more confusing
BTo save space and make the sheet music shorter
CBecause they forgot to write the second part
DTo make the music play faster
Repeat signs are a notation shortcut that saves space on the page. Writing the same section twice would make the sheet music longer without adding new information.