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 'scordatura' in string instrument performance?
Answer: Retuning the strings to a non-standard pitch
Scordatura is the practice of retuning one or more strings of a string instrument to a non-standard pitch for special tonal or technical effects.
The xylophone and marimba differ primarily in which way?
Answer: The marimba has resonators and softer mallets, producing a warmer tone
The marimba has tubular resonators beneath each bar and is played with soft mallets, creating a warm, resonant tone compared to the xylophone's brighter sound.
Which instrument is classified as an aerophone?
Answer: Flute
An aerophone produces sound primarily through vibrating air; the flute fits this definition as it produces sound by directing air across the embouchure hole.
In orchestral writing, which instrument typically plays the highest written note?
Answer: Piccolo
The piccolo, a small flute sounding an octave higher than written, produces the highest pitches in the standard orchestra.
What distinguishes a Steinway Model D from smaller grand piano models?
Answer: It has a longer string scale for greater resonance and volume
The Steinway Model D concert grand (roughly 9 feet long) has longer strings that allow greater sustain, volume, and tonal richness than smaller models.
Which of the following instruments is a chordophone?
Answer: Lute
A chordophone produces sound through vibrating strings; the lute is a plucked string instrument and thus a chordophone per Hornbostel-Sachs.
The 'embouchure' refers to which aspect of wind instrument playing?
Answer: The shaping and use of the lips, facial muscles, and oral cavity to produce tone
Embouchure describes the precise formation and muscular control of the lips, jaw, and surrounding muscles to control pitch, tone, and articulation.