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Key Facts: Andalusia PAU History of Music and Dance Exam Exam

90 min

Exam Duration

Distrito Único Andaluz

0–10

Grading Scale

Junta de Andalucía

4.0

Minimum Access Pass Mark

PAU Regulations

EUR 58.70

Base Access Phase Fee

Junta de Andalucía 2026

The Andalusia PAU History of Music and Dance exam evaluates 2nd Bachillerato students on Western and Spanish musical history, organology, dance evolution, and Andalusian musical traditions. The test lasts 90 minutes and is graded on a 0-10 scale. The practice items in this portal are formatted as an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation of the official 2026 Distrito Único Andaluz curriculum.

Sample Andalusia PAU History of Music and Dance Exam Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Andalusia PAU History of Music and Dance Exam exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1In Ancient Greece, what was the 'Doctrine of Ethos' in music theory?
A.The belief that music could directly influence human behavior, character, and morality
B.The rule that all music must be strictly polyphonic and unaccompanied
C.A mathematical system for tuning stringed instruments using equal temperament
D.The architectural design of amphitheaters to maximize acoustic echo
Explanation: The Ancient Greek Doctrine of Ethos asserted that different musical modes, rhythms, and instruments had a direct psychological and moral effect on the human soul and character. Philosophers like Plato and Aristotle emphasized that proper music education was essential for producing virtuous citizens.
2Which of the following is a primary characteristic of Gregorian Chant?
A.Complex polyphonic counterpoint sung in four distinct vocal parts
B.Monophonic texture sung in Latin without instrumental accompaniment
C.Strict bar-line meter accented by percussion instruments
D.Secular poetic texts describing chivalric courtly love
Explanation: Gregorian chant is the sacred monophonic, unaccompanied (a cappella) vocal music of the Roman Catholic Church, sung in Latin with a free, unmetered rhythm. Named after Pope Gregory I, it formed the foundation of Western liturgical music throughout the Middle Ages.
3What were the medieval secular poet-musicians from Southern France who composed in Occitan called?
A.Trouvères
B.Troubadours
C.Minnesinger
D.Meistersinger
Explanation: Troubadours were lyric poet-musicians of noble origin from Southern France (Occitania) active during the 12th and 13th centuries. They composed secular monophonic songs focused on themes of courtly love (fin'amor), chivalry, and feudal service.
4Which 13th-century Iberian manuscript collection of 420 monophonic songs was compiled under King Alfonso X of Castile and León?
A.Cantigas de Santa María
B.Llibre Vermell de Montserrat
C.Cancionero de Palacio
D.Codex Calixtinus
Explanation: The Cantigas de Santa María is a major landmark of medieval Iberian music, compiled in Galician-Portuguese at the court of King Alfonso X 'the Wise'. The collection contains 420 monophonic songs honoring the Virgin Mary, accompanied by detailed illuminations depicting medieval musical instruments.
5What is the musical term for a texture where two or more independent melodic lines sound simultaneously?
A.Monophony
B.Homophony
C.Polyphony
D.Heterophony
Explanation: Polyphony is a musical texture consisting of two or more independent melodic lines sounding together. Its historical development from 9th-century organum through the Renaissance represents one of the defining achievements of Western music.
6Which Renaissance composer is renowned for his serene, balanced sacred polyphony associated with the Counter-Reformation Roman School?
A.Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina
B.Claudio Monteverdi
C.Johann Sebastian Bach
D.Guillaume de Machaut
Explanation: Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (c. 1525–1594) was the preeminent Italian Renaissance master of sacred polyphony. His Missa Papae Marcelli exemplified the clarity of text and modal purity demanded by the Council of Trent during the Counter-Reformation.
7Which plucked string instrument, shaped like a guitar with a flat back and tuned like a lute, was popular in Renaissance Spain?
A.Vihuela
B.Lute
C.Bandurria
D.Violoncello
Explanation: The vihuela de mano was the favored courtly plucked string instrument in 16th-century Spain, replacing the lute which had Moorish associations. Vihuelists such as Luys de Milán and Luys de Narváez created a rich instrumental repertoire.
8Which Andalusian Renaissance composer born in Seville served as maestro de capilla at Rome's Sistine Chapel and composed famous sacred masses?
A.Cristóbal de Morales
B.Tomás Luis de Victoria
C.Juan del Encina
D.Mateo Flecha
Explanation: Cristóbal de Morales (c. 1500–1553), born in Seville, was the first Spanish composer of international renown. He sang in the Sistine Chapel choir in Rome and published influential collections of masses and motets that inspired generations of polyphonists.
9What core Baroque structural element consists of an accompanying bass line played by a bass instrument alongside a chord-playing instrument?
A.Basso continuo
B.Cantus firmus
C.Alberti bass
D.Ostinato
Explanation: Basso continuo (thoroughbass) is the defining accompaniment system of the Baroque era (c. 1600–1750). It provides a continuous harmonic foundation played typically by a keyboard instrument (harpsichord or organ) or lute together with a bass instrument (cello, viola da gamba, or bassoon).
10Opera originated around the year 1600 in Florence through the intellectual circle known as the:
A.Florentine Camerata
B.Accademia dei Lincei
C.Council of Trent
D.Scuola Grande di San Rocco
Explanation: The Florentine Camerata was a group of humanists, poets, and musicians gathered under Count Giovanni de' Bardi in Florence. Seeking to revive Ancient Greek dramatic declamation, they developed monody, leading directly to the creation of the first operas.

About the Andalusia PAU History of Music and Dance Exam Exam

The Andalusia PAU History of Music and Dance (Historia de la Música y de la Danza) exam is an official university entrance evaluation administered by the Distrito Único Andaluz for 2nd Bachillerato students. It assesses knowledge across musical historical periods from classical antiquity to contemporary avant-garde, polyphonic evolution, opera, dance and ballet history, as well as Spanish and Andalusian musical heritage (including Flamenco and Escuela Bolera). Please note: The official PAU examination consists of written essay prompts, score analysis, and listening commentary. The 100 practice questions presented here represent an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation designed to help students master core conceptual and historical knowledge.

Exam sponsor: Distrito Único Andaluz / Comisión Interuniversitaria de Andalucía. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Question count not published by the exam provider

Time Limit

90 minutes (1.5 hours)

Passing Score

Marked on a 0–10 scale. Minimum 4.0 required in Access Phase to combine with Bachillerato GPA (60% Bachillerato + 40% PAU >= 5.0 to pass).

Exam / Certification Fees

EUR 58.70 base registration fee for PAU Access Phase (or ~14.70 € per subject in voluntary admission phase) set by Junta de Andalucía.

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

15%

Antiquity, Medieval Monophony, and Early Polyphony

Ancient Greek music theory, Gregorian chant modes, secular troubadour songs, Alfonso X's Cantigas de Santa María, and Ars Nova polyphonic notation.

20%

Renaissance Polyphony and Instrumental Music

Sacred polyphony (Palestrina, Victoria, Morales, Guerrero), secular villancicos, court dances (pavane, galliard), and Spanish vihuela repertoire.

20%

Baroque Era, Opera, Zarzuela, and Court Ballet

Basso continuo, opera birth (Monteverdi), French comédie-ballet (Lully), Bach and Handel concertos, Spanish organ music, and early Zarzuela.

25%

Classicism, Romanticism, and Ballet Evolution

Sonata-allegro form, Viennese Classicism (Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven), Romantic opera and program music, Noverre's ballet d'action, and 19th-century ballet.

20%

20th-Century Avant-Garde and Spanish-Andalusian Heritage

Impressionism, serialism, Stravinsky, modern dance (Graham, Bausch), Spanish nationalism (Falla, Turina, Rodrigo), Flamenco history, and Escuela Bolera.

Preparing for the Andalusia PAU History of Music and Dance Exam Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Marked on a 0–10 scale. Minimum 4.0 required in Access Phase to combine with Bachillerato GPA (60% Bachillerato + 40% PAU >= 5.0 to pass).
  • Assessment: Question count not published by the exam provider
  • Time limit: 90 minutes (1.5 hours)
  • Exam / certification fees: EUR 58.70 base registration fee for PAU Access Phase (or ~14.70 € per subject in voluntary admission phase) set by Junta de Andalucía. Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Andalusia PAU History of Music and Dance Exam: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master the chronological progression of Western music and dance from Ancient Greece through medieval chant to 20th-century avant-garde.
2Focus key attention on Spanish Golden Age polyphony (Victoria, Morales, Guerrero) and Spanish Renaissance vihuelists (Narváez, Milán).
3Understand the structural developments of dance forms, from Renaissance pavanes to French Baroque suites, Romantic ballet blanc (Giselle), and 20th-century modern dance.
4Study Andalusian musical figures like Manuel de Falla and Joaquín Turina, as well as the origins, structures, and palos of Flamenco.
5Utilize these 100 practice questions to test term retention, style identification, and analytical concepts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the format of the official Andalusia PAU History of Music and Dance exam?

The official PAU exam administered by Distrito Único Andaluz consists of written text/score analysis, listening comprehension commentaries, and short essay questions. The 100 practice questions provided on this platform are an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation created to assist non-native students and reinforce core facts.

What passing score is required on the PAU History of Music and Dance exam?

The exam is graded on a 0 to 10 scale. If taken as part of the compulsory Access Phase (Fase de Acceso), a minimum score of 4.0 is required so that it can be weighted with the Bachillerato GPA (60% Bachillerato + 40% PAU >= 5.0). In the voluntary Admission Phase (Fase de Admisión), scores above 5.0 add weighted points up to 14.0 total.

How much does it cost to take the PAU exam in Andalusia?

The base registration fee set by the Junta de Andalucía for the PAU Access Phase is €58.70, with individual subjects in the voluntary Admission Phase costing approximately €14.70 each. Reductions are available for large family status (Familia Numerosa) and other official fee exemptions.

Does the exam cover Andalusian musical traditions and dance?

Yes, the Distrito Único Andaluz curriculum specifically highlights Spanish and Andalusian musical heritage. Key topics include Flamenco history and palos, Escuela Bolera dance, Andalusian Renaissance composers (Morales, Guerrero), Manuel de Falla, Joaquín Turina, and Federico García Lorca's folk music collections.