What term refers to a non-chord tone approached by the same pitch and resolved by stepping up?

Enhance your preparation for the Illinois Music Content Area Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Be exam-ready!

The term that refers to a non-chord tone approached by the same pitch and resolved by stepping up is known as a retardation. In music theory, a retardation is a type of non-chord tone that is sustained from the previous chord and then resolves upward to the chord tone. This characteristic resolution is what distinguishes a retardation from other non-chord tones.

Suspensions, for example, are approached by the same pitch but resolve downward, while anticipations usually resolve upward but are prepared in a different manner. Appoggiaturas involve a leap into the non-chord tone and typically resolve downward. Each of these non-chord tones serves different functions in harmonic movement and creates distinct musical effects, but in the case of a non-chord tone approached by remaining on the same pitch and resolved by stepping up, retardation is the accurate term.

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