Musical Instruments Flashcards
7 cards from real BM or BMus Bachelor of Music practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Musical Instruments flashcards as text
What is the primary difference between a cornet and a trumpet?
Answer: The cornet has a more conical bore
The cornet has a predominantly conical bore, giving it a mellower tone, while the trumpet has a predominantly cylindrical bore for a brighter sound.
Which percussion instrument produces a definite pitch and is therefore considered 'pitched'?
Answer: Timpani
Timpani (kettledrums) produce a definite pitch that can be changed via a pedal mechanism, unlike most other drums.
What is the sounding range of a standard concert grand piano?
Answer: 7 octaves plus a minor third
A standard 88-key concert grand piano spans 7 octaves plus a minor third, from A0 to C8.
The 'wolf tone' problem is most commonly associated with which instrument?
Answer: Cello
The cello is particularly susceptible to wolf tones—unwanted resonances that cause notes to warble—due to its body size and string tension.
Which Indian classical instrument is a plucked string instrument with sympathetic strings?
Answer: Sitar
The sitar has both played strings and additional sympathetic strings that vibrate in resonance, enriching the instrument's tone.
What is a 'mute' used for on a string instrument?
Answer: To dampen the strings and reduce brightness
A mute clamps onto the bridge of a string instrument, reducing the vibration transmitted and producing a softer, darker tone.
Which keyboard instrument produces sound by plucking strings with quills or plectra?
Answer: Harpsichord
The harpsichord plucks strings with a plectrum mechanism, producing a bright, clear tone but without dynamic variation from key pressure.