BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Musical Instruments 3

Question 1

What is the primary difference between a cornet and a trumpet?

Accepted Answer

The cornet has a more conical bore

Answer

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'?

Accepted Answer

Timpani

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

7 octaves plus a minor third

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Cello

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Sitar

Answer

The sitar has both played strings and additional sympathetic strings that vibrate in resonance, enriching the instrument's tone.

BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Practice Test