NCEA Level 2 Music Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The correct answer is derived from understanding how measures are categorized in terms of their meter, particularly focusing on compound time signatures. A compound triple measure consists of three beats in each measure, with each beat subdivided into three smaller parts or notes.

In the context of time signatures, a measure is defined as "compound" when the top number is a multiple of 3 and the bottom number indicates a division of the beat into three parts. For example, in 9/4, the top number (9) indicates there are three groups of 3 beats, which fulfills the requirement for a compound triple time signature.

Looking at the other time signatures provided, 6/8 is considered a compound duple measure, where there are two groups of three eighth notes, making it not suitable for this question. The time signature 12/4 is a compound quadruple measure since it expands upon groups of three beats, but ultimately contains four beats. Lastly, 5/4 is a simple time signature, as it contains five beats in one measure without the subdivision into groups of three.

Overall, 9/4 perfectly exemplifies a compound triple measure due to its structure of having three distinct groups of three beats, making it the correct choice.