BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Musical Instruments 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary difference between a cornet and a trumpet?
- The cornet has a more conical bore (Correct answer)
- The trumpet has a reed mouthpiece
- The cornet is pitched in B-flat while the trumpet is in C only
- The trumpet has three valves while the cornet has two
Correct 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.
Question 2: Which percussion instrument produces a definite pitch and is therefore considered 'pitched'?
- Snare drum
- Bass drum
- Timpani (Correct answer)
- Tambourine
Correct answer: Timpani
Timpani (kettledrums) produce a definite pitch that can be changed via a pedal mechanism, unlike most other drums.
Question 3: What is the sounding range of a standard concert grand piano?
- 6 octaves
- 7 octaves plus a minor third (Correct answer)
- 5 octaves
- 8 octaves exactly
Correct 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.
Question 4: The 'wolf tone' problem is most commonly associated with which instrument?
- Flute
- Cello (Correct answer)
- Trumpet
- Oboe
Correct 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.
Question 5: Which Indian classical instrument is a plucked string instrument with sympathetic strings?
- Sitar (Correct answer)
- Tabla
- Sarod
- Bansuri
Correct answer: Sitar
The sitar has both played strings and additional sympathetic strings that vibrate in resonance, enriching the instrument's tone.
Question 6: What is a 'mute' used for on a string instrument?
- To raise the pitch
- To dampen the strings and reduce brightness (Correct answer)
- To increase the volume
- To prevent open strings from vibrating
Correct 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.
Question 7: Which keyboard instrument produces sound by plucking strings with quills or plectra?
- Clavichord
- Organ
- Harpsichord (Correct answer)
- Celesta
Correct answer: Harpsichord
The harpsichord plucks strings with a plectrum mechanism, producing a bright, clear tone but without dynamic variation from key pressure.
BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Musical Instruments 3
What is the primary difference between a cornet and a trumpet?