LICENSURE EXAMINATION FOR TEACHERS (LET)

Refresher Course
WHAT TO EXPECT
MAJORSHIP
Area: MAPE
Focus: Foundation of Music and Philippine Music
LET Competencies:
1. Define the different parameters of elements of music.
2. Analyze the folksongs from different regions of the Philippines
3. Reflect on the totality of human experiences in formulating a human
perspective that integrates all areas of knowledge.
4. Integrate the areas of humanities in different human experiences
Prepared by: Prof. Minerva Atanacio

PART I CONTENT UPDATE

I.

MUSICAL ELEMENTS

A. RHYTHM is the flow of music through time.

Beat is a regular, recurrent pulsation that divides music into equal units of time.
Meter the organization of beats into regular groups.
1. Simple Meter is division of time where the fundamental pulses subdivide into
groups of two, four, etc.
2. Compound Meter is a division in which the fundamental pulses subdivide into
groups of three, six, twelve, etc.
3. Polymeter is double meter to indicate that two meters are combined or there is
constant change from one meter to the other back and both.
Time Signatures consist of two numbers that the upper number indicates the number
of beats for every measure and the lower number indicates what kind of note receive
one beat.
Rhythmic Pattern is the division of beats into patterns of sound. A combination of notes
and rests found in one measure of a given time signatures.
Syncopation - is a musical process that involves adding an unexpected element to the
basic beat of a musical composition. A dislocation of the strong accents within a
measure.
Accent stress or added emphasis given to a note.
B. MELODY is a series of single notes that add up to a recognizable whole. It is also defined
as a succession of related single tones expressing an idea. Melodic directions of movement
are going up, going down and repeated.
Pitch the highness or lowness of a sound.
Key signatures consists of sharps and flats.
Scale - is a group of musical notes collected in ascending and descending order.
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TEMPO rate or speed in music.

Andante moderately slow
Allegro fast
Moderato moderately
Lento slow
Vivace lively
Presto very fast
Accelerando gradually becoming faster
Ritardando gradually becoming slower
C. DYNAMICS the loudness and softness in music.
Fortissimo (ff) very loud
Pianissimo (pp) very soft
Mezzo Piano (mp) half soft
Mezzo Forte (mf) half loud
Crescendo gradually becoming louder
Decrescendo gradually becoming softer
D. FORM the structure or framework of a composition.
Tone smallest unit of a composition
Figure smallest characteristic group of a tone
Motive is a tone group that may be identified with a particular composition
Phrase is a succession of tones arranged in such a way as to give a musical thought
Period a complete musical thought consisting of two phrases in Question and Answer
Section a combination of periods
Unitary consist of one part
Binary consist of two parts
Ternary consist of three parts
Rondo consist of more than three parts
E. TIMBRE is the qualifying difference between one tone and another. The color of sound
produced by the voice and different instruments.
Soprano
Alto
Tenor
Bass
Orchestral Instruments
Rondalla Instruments
F. TEXTURE is the relationship of melodies (horizontal) and harmonic (vertical) elements in
music. Produce qualities of lightness or heaviness, thickness or thinness.
Monophonic single unaccompanied melodic line.
Polyphonic - consist of two or more melodic lines.
Homophonic one main melody accompanied by chords.
G. HARMONY is the simultaneous sounding of a group of tones. The vertical relationship
between a melody and its accompanying chords or between melodies simultaneously
played or sung.
Triad consists of three notes: the root, 3rd and 5th
Chord a musical sonority consisting of three or more tones sounded simultaneously

II. PHILIPPINE MUSIC

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Geographically, the Philippines belongs to the East, it has absorbed considerable cultural
influences from West due primarily to 333 years of Spanish rule and 45 years of American
domination. Its oriental background still remains in highland and lowland barrios were indigenous
cultures thrive with little Western influence. In the urban areas, Spanish and American influences
are highly evident in the social, economic and political aspects of life. Shaped by cross-cultural
contacts with Western and Non-Western traditions, Philippine music of today consists of several
streams: Indigenous, Spanish influenced and American influenced.
Ethnic Traditions
The indigenous and Islamic influenced traditions are practiced by about 10% of the entire
population. Eight percent of this minority is represented by more than 100 language groups living
in the mountains of Northern Luzon and in the island of Mindanao, Palawan and Mindoro in
Southern and Western Philippines.
Indigenous music may be instrumental or vocal. Among the indigenous common musical
instruments are the following:
a) Saggeypo small pipes of different pitches (kalinga)
b) Kollitong poly chordal zither (kalinga)
c) Patatag xylophone blades (isneg)
d) Tongatong stamping tube (kalinga)
e) Bangibang yoke beam (ifugao)
f) Bungkaka bamboo buzzers (isneg)
g) Lantoy bamboo flute (manobo)
h) Gangsa Pattung with stick (kalinga)
i) Gangsa Toppaya bare palms (kalinga)
j) Kubing jaws harp (tiruray)
k) Palendag long flute (tiruray)
l) Suling short ring flute (tiruray)
m) Gandingan set of four narrow rimmed gongs (maguindanao)
n) Dabakan drum (maguindanao)
o) Babandil narrow rimmed gong with shallow boss (maguindanao)
p) Kutyapi stringed lute (maguindanao)
q) Kulintang a set of graduated gongs (mindanao)

Agong

Gangsa

Diwdiwas

Dabakan

Gandingan

Kulintang

Spanish Tradition
In 1521, the accidental discovery of the Philippines by Ferdinand Magellan brought about
Spanish colonization and Christianization that also planted seeds of European harmonic music,
totally unknown to Asia at that time. In 300 years, these seeds took shape and produced religious
music both connected to and outside the liturgy of the Catholic Church, secular music from Europe
and European type of music adapted by Filipinos, folksongs and music of string and brass
ensemble. Among the common music and practices are:
a) Pabasa lenten season
b) Pasyon chanting
c) Flores de mayo procession in honor of the Blessed Virgin
d) Panunuluyan sung dialogue on the streets
e) Sinulog dance ritual
Numerous instrumental groups performed actively, particularly in the second half of the 19 th
century. These included orchestras, bands and rondalla.
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American and Contemporary Traditions

The three centuries of Spanish musical influence gave way to changing more introduced by
the American regime from 1901 to 1946. Through the new system of public education, American
teachers introduced the singing of Philippine songs in Western style as other hymns and simple
tunes from Europe and America.
The three types of music: 1. the classical music which includes both Western classical
music and the art music composed by Filipinos in the Western classical or modern idiom. 2. the
semiclassical music which encompasses stylized folk songs, sarswela music, hymns and
marches, band and rondalla music. 3. the popular music which includes music created by
Filipinos using Western pop forms and/or local music traditions.
Classification of Songs
1. Art Song is one that meets the requirements of the musical and poetic arts.
2. Folk Song is a song of the people and consists of simple melodic, harmonic, and metric
fundamentals.
3. National Song is one that belongs to the nation. The national anthem or hymn, with a
martial theme, is a national song.
4. Popular Song is a song of trivial musical and poetic value, usually written by laymen for
popular mass appeal. It is a song of the people.
5. Strophic Song is a folk or art song consisting of two or more stanzas, each of them set to
an identical tune. A strophic song falls under the mood song category.
6. Non-strophic Song a non-strophic song is one in which the melody changes according to
the thought of each verse.
7. Ballad is a class of song particularly common in England and is derived from ballata, a
song with dance.
8. Plain Song is a piece of unisonous vocal music popularly used in Christian church rituals.
Traditional Melodies of the Filipinos
1. Hila-hila a dramatic song, sung when paddling a banca.
2. Oyayi a kind of cradle song, sung to make babies go to sleep.
3. Tagumpay a victory song to commemorate a battle won or to honor the victors.
4. Tagulaylay a monotonous melody portraying grief over someones death.
5. Kumintang an ancient native dance and melody of the Christian Pilipinos is an authentic
example of pre-Spanish music in the Tagalog areas. Originally a war song, it was later
adapted into a love song and still later into a song of repose.
6. Kundiman a passionate lyrical song with a theme professing true love.
7. Balitaw is song and dance common among Tagalogs and Visayans.
Composers
1. Nicanor Abelardo Father of Kundiman (Nasaan Ka Irog, Mutya ng Pasig, Bituing Marikit,
Himutok, Kung Hindi Man)
2. Julian Felipe Composer of National Anthem (Jose Palma lyricist)
3. Antonio Molina Hatinggabi violin solo impressionistic style
4. Dolores Paterno Composer of La Flor De Manila 1897 (Sampaguita)
5. Lucio San Pedro 1991 National Artist (Sa Ugoy ng Duyan, Sa Mahal Kong Bayan, Sa
Lupang Sarili)
6. Francisco Santiago Composer of Pilipinas Kong Mahal, Kundiman (Akoy Anak ng Dalita),
Madaling Araw, Pakiusap, Ano Kaya ang Kapalaran, The Dignity of Labor

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PART II ANALYZING TEST ITEMS

1. La Flor de Manila or Sampaguita is the composition of _________?

A. Julian Felipe
C. Dolores Paterno
B. Jose Palma
D. Atang dela Rama
The correct answer is C.
La Flor de Manila or Sampaguita is a song for our country in the period of Spanish by
Dolores Paterno. At first it was written in Spanish then English and later in tagalog
language. It is played by the rondalla as part of the repertoire or house music in slow danza
habanera tempo and fast tempo.
Option A. Julian Felipe is the composer of National Anthem.
Option B. Jose Palma is the lyricist of the National Anthem.
Option D. Atang dela Rama is the reyna of Zarzuela.
2. Who are the Creative Nationalist Filipino Composers and the National Artist of 1991?
A. Restie Umali
C. Levi Celerio
B. Lucio San Pedro
D. George Canseco
3. The Impressionistic composer of Hatinggabi is __________.
A. Nicanor Abelardo
C. Antonio Molina
B. Lucio San Pedro
D. Francisco Santiago
4. Kung Hindi Man is an example of ___________?
A. Folksong
C. Kumintang
B. Balitaw
D. Kundiman
5. This is the period of the pabasa, pasyon and flores de mayo in the Philippines.
A. Ethnic period
C. American period
B. Spanish period
D. Japanese period
6. The reyna of Zarzuela is ___________.
A. Sylvia La Torre
C. Dolores Paterno
B. Conching Rosal
D. Atang dela Rama
7. The reyna of Kundiman is __________.
A. Sylvia La Torre
C. Dolores Paterno
B. Conching Rosal
D. Atang dela Rama
8. It consists of 3 to 4 pieces of gongs with shallow bossed.
A. Agong
C. Gandingan
B. Babandil
D. Gangsa
9. From what province is the song Sarungbanggi?
A. Tagalog
C. Visaya
B. Ilocano
D. Bicol
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10. Is a song and dance common among the Tagalogs and Visayans.
A. Kumintang
C. Balitaw
B. Danza
D. Habanera
11. From what province is the song Dandansoy?
A. Tagalog
C. Visaya
B. Ilocano
D. Bicol
12. The composer of Pilipinas Kong Mahal is _________?
A. Antonio Molina
C. Lucio San Pedro
B. Nicanor Abelardo
D. Francisco Santiago
13. Sa Ugoy ng Duyan is a composition by _______?
A. Antonio Molina
C. Lucio San Pedro
B. Nicanor Abelardo
D. Francisco Santiago
14. La FLor de Manila or Sampaguita is the composition of ___________?
A. Julian Felipe
C. Dolores Paterno
B. Jose Palma
D. Atang de la Rosa
15. Who is the composer of National Anthem of the Philippines?
A. Julian Felipe
C. Dolores Paterno
B. Jose Palma
D. Atang de la Rama
16. Who is the Creative Nationalist Filipino Composer and the national Artist of 1991?
A. Restie Umali
C.Levi Celerio
B. Lucio San Pedro
D.George Canseco
17. The impressionistic composer of Hatinggabi is____________
A. Nicanor Abelardo
C. Antonio Molina
B. Lucio San Pedro
D. Levi Celerio
18. What becomes of the tone when a perfect interval is lowered half step?
A. Minor
C. Augmented
B. Diminished
D. Flat
19. How many notes are needed to form a diatonic scale?
A. 3
C. 5
B. 7
D. 8
20. Which of the following elements is applied when a musical sign that indicates the speed of
a song composition has to be sung or played?
a. Sonority
C. Monophonic
b. Register
D. Tempo
21. What chord is fa la do in the key of F?
A. Diminished
B. Minor

C.Augmented
D. Major

22. The relative loudness or softness of tonal effect is determined by the size of vibrations of the
sound waves. What do you call this numerical effect?
A. Dynamics
C. Intensity
B. Timbre
D. Duration
23. What do you call the grouping of beats in a measure?
A. Tempo
C. Rhythm
B. Pulse
D. Meter

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24. The Ifugao ceremonious occasion with dancing, drinking of bubud or fermented rice,
butchering of pigs and speeches is called __________.
A. Ayoweng
C. Pagpag
B. Sua-sua
D. Canao
25. It refers to the dislocation of the strong accents within the measure
A. Rhythm
C.Tempo
B. Pulse
D.Syncopation
1. C
2. B
3. C
4. D
5. B
6.
7. A
8. C
9. D
10.
11. C
12. D
13. C
14. C
15. A
16.
17.
18. B
19. C
20. D
21. D
22. A
23. C
24. D
25. D

PART III ENHANCING TEST TAKING SKILLS

1. It consists of two numbers that tells the number of beats in every measure and the kind of
notes that received one beat.
A. Key Signature
C. Time Signature
B. Scale
D. Key
2. It refers to the element of music which consists of two or more notes played or sung
together
A. Trio
C. Harmony
B. Triad
D.Seventh Chord
3. The song and courtship dance of Jolo.
A. Ayoweng
B. Sua-sua

C. Papag
D. Canao

4. What do you call this ensemble consists of kulintang, a set of eight small gongs of
graduated sizes, dabakan, gandingan and babandil?
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A. Saggong
C. Gangsa
B. Palabunyibunyan
D. Luntang
5. What do you call the scale composed of all the twelve tones progressing by half step
consistently?
A. Diatonic Scale
C. Pentatonic Scale
B. Chromatic scale
D. Minor scale
6. From what province is the folksong Sarong Banggi?
A. Tagalog
C. VIsaya
B. Ilocano
D. Bicol
7. Produce qualities of lightness or heaviness, thickness or thinness
A. Timbre
C. Tenor
B. B. Texture
D. Soprano
8. The instrument played by the Kalinga.
A. Saggong
C. Gangsa
B. Palabunyibunyan
D. Luntang
9. It is a succession of eight consecutive tones arranged in whole and half step
A. Melody
C.Phrase
B. Scale
D. Octave
10. Kung Hindi Man is an example of ______?
A. Folksong
C. Kundiman
B. Balitaw
D. Kumintang
11. What chord is do mi so in the key of C?
A. Diminished
C.Augmented
B. Minor
D. Major
12. Where is the location of Do in the staff in the key of E flat?
A. 2nd line
C. 5th line
st
B. 1 line
D. 3rd line
13. This is the period of the pabasa, pasyon and flores de Mayo in the Philippines.
A. Ethnic period
C. American Period
B. Spanish Period
D. Japanese Period
14. The complete musical thought consisting of two phrases in Question and Answer
A. Period
C. Section
B. B. Tone
D. Motive
15. It is a tone group that may be identified with a particular composition.
A. Period
C. Section
B. Tone
D. Motive
16. Organization of beats into groups of three or larger units
A. Beat
C. Rhythm
B. Meter
D. Melody
17. What is the scale composed of seven tones-each is whole tone from its nearest neighbor?
A. Major scale
C. Pentatonic Scale
B. Whole scale Tone Scale
D. Minor scale
18. It is a group of tones of different pitches which are vertically arranged.
A. Minor
C. Chord
B. Major
D. Augmented
19. The simultaneous sounding of a group of tones
A. Timbre
C. Harmony
B. Texture
D. Melody
20. Two notes of the same pitch but different pitch names
A. Movable do
C. Enharmonic Tones
B. Sol-fa Syllable
D. Progression
21. The highest female voice
A. Alto
C. Tenor
B. Bass
D. Soprano
22. The time signature of the song Kundansoy is_____?
A. 4
C. 2
4
4
B. 3
6
4
8
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23. The color of sound produced by the voice and different instruments
A. Timbre
C. Tenor
B. Texture
D. Soprano
24. It is composed of soprano, alto, tenor and bass
A. Mixed Choir
C. Childrens Choir
B. TTB
D. Atang de la Rosa
25. It is a song that belongs to a nation.
A. Ballad
C. Plainsong
B. Kumintang
D. National Song
1. C
2. C
3. B
4.
5. C
6.
7.
8.
9. B
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24. A
25. -

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