Cadences in Major Keys: JAMB Music Questions, Answers & Notes

What Cadences in Major Keys covers in the JAMB Music syllabus

A cadence is a resting/closing point — usually two chords — at the end of a musical phrase, helping to punctuate the music. There are four main types. A perfect (authentic) cadence moves from the dominant (V) to the tonic (I) and gives a strong feeling of completion; in C major this is G major to C major. A plagal cadence moves from the subdominant (IV) to the tonic (I) and is often called the 'Amen' cadence (heard at the end of hymns); in C major this is F major to C major. An imperfect (half) cadence usually ends on the dominant (V) and sounds unfinished, as if the music must continue. An interrupted (deceptive) cadence moves from V to an unexpected chord (often VI), surprising the listener by avoiding the expected tonic. The main point: cadences (perfect, plagal, imperfect, interrupted) mark the endings of musical phrases.

For Cadences in Major Keys, JAMB expects you to be able to:

• Define a cadence (two-chord closing at a phrase end) and its four types
• Explain perfect (V-I, final), plagal (IV-I, 'Amen'), imperfect (ends on V), interrupted (V-VI)
• Recall the primary chords in C major (I=C, IV=F, V=G)

Key facts & revision notes: Cadences in Major Keys

These are the recurring points our Cadences in Major Keys questions test — revise them until each feels automatic, then practise the questions above to lock them in.

• A cadence is a resting/closing point (a chord progression) at the end of a phrase.
• A cadence is usually made up of two chords at the end of a phrase.
• A perfect (authentic) cadence moves from the dominant (V) to the tonic (I).
• A perfect cadence gives a strong feeling of completion or finality.
• A plagal cadence moves from the subdominant (IV) to the tonic (I).
• The plagal cadence is often called the 'Amen' cadence (heard at the end of hymns).
• An imperfect (half) cadence usually ends on the dominant (V), sounding unfinished.
• An imperfect cadence sounds incomplete, as if the music must continue.
• An interrupted (deceptive) cadence moves from V to an unexpected chord, often VI.
• An interrupted cadence surprises the listener by avoiding the expected tonic.
• The dominant chord in C major is G major (G, B, D).
• The tonic chord in C major is C major (C, E, G).
• The subdominant chord in C major is F major (F, A, C).
• The perfect cadence (V-I) sounds most conclusive.
• A cadence helps to shape and punctuate the phrases of the music.
• V-I is the perfect cadence.
• IV-I is the plagal cadence.
• The imperfect (half) cadence ends on the dominant.
• A cadence occurs at the end of a phrase.
• The main point is that cadences (perfect, plagal, imperfect, interrupted) mark the endings of musical phrases.

Worked examples

Three Cadences in Major Keys questions with the answer and a short explanation, so you can see how the topic is set before you practise the full set.

How Cadences in Major Keys is tested in JAMB Music

Our Cadences in Major Keys bank holds 20 questions (1 easy, 11 medium, 8 hard). JAMB Music typically returns to Cadences in Major Keys year after year, so steady practice on this topic is high-value revision. Questions are multiple-choice with four options, and at UTME pace you get roughly 40 seconds each — which is why timed practice matters.

How to answer Cadences in Major Keys questions

Work the stem first and predict the answer before you look at the options; then eliminate the ones that contradict the key facts above. Watch for “which is not…”, “all of the above” and “except” style stems, which are where rushed candidates lose easy marks on Cadences in Major Keys. If a calculation or a precise definition is involved, work it from first principles rather than guessing from a half-remembered rule. When two options look right, re-read the stem for the qualifier that separates them — JAMB rarely repeats an option by accident. If you are still unsure, eliminate the two weakest choices to lift your odds, flag the question, and move on; never burn a full minute on one Music item when the exam gives you about forty seconds each. Then come back to flagged questions with whatever time remains. The single most reliable way to get faster at Cadences in Major Keys is repeated timed practice, so use the button above until the recurring patterns feel automatic.

Common mistakes to avoid in Cadences in Major Keys

The errors that cost marks on Cadences in Major Keys are usually careless rather than conceptual: misreading a negative stem, confusing two similar terms, or rushing a definition you actually know. Candidates also over-rely on “expo” and last-minute cramming instead of understanding the topic — which fails the moment JAMB rephrases a familiar idea. Treat every option as a claim to be checked against the facts above, keep your working tidy for any calculation, and don’t change a considered answer on a hunch. Above all, revise Cadences in Major Keys actively by answering questions, not just by re-reading notes — recall under time is what the exam rewards.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cadences in Major Keys part of the JAMB Music syllabus?

Yes. Cadences in Major Keys is a recognised topic in the JAMB Music syllabus, covering define a cadence (two-chord closing at a phrase end) and its four types. You should be able to recall its key facts and apply them to multiple-choice questions.

How many Cadences in Major Keys questions can I practise on Belmadeng?

There are 20 original, JAMB-standard Cadences in Major Keys questions in our free bank, each with the correct answer and a worked explanation. You can practise them untimed or as a timed test.

What are the most important points to know about Cadences in Major Keys?

A cadence is a resting/closing point — usually two chords — at the end of a musical phrase, helping to punctuate the music. There are four main types. A perfect (authentic) cadence moves from the dominant (V) to the tonic (I) and gives a strong feeling of completion; in C major this is G major to C …

How do I answer Cadences in Major Keys questions quickly in JAMB?

Read the stem carefully, eliminate clearly wrong options, and match the remaining choices to the key facts for Cadences in Major Keys. Practising timed Cadences in Major Keys questions builds the speed you need for UTME's pace of about 40 seconds per question.

Are these JAMB Music Cadences in Major Keys questions past questions or original?

They are original questions written to JAMB (UTME) standard and mapped to the official syllabus — not reproduced past papers. This keeps them legal to use freely while closely mirroring how the real exam tests the topic.

Where can I practise Cadences in Major Keys questions free without signing up?

Right here — tap “Start Cadences in Major Keys practice” on this page to begin instantly. Belmadeng's CBT practice is completely free and needs no sign-up, download or subscription.

About these questions: original, JAMB-standard items written from the official UTME Music syllabus (last reviewed 2026-09-18). Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with JAMB. Spotted an error? Use the report link.