BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Musical Instruments 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'scordatura' in string instrument performance?
- Playing with an extremely light bow stroke
- Retuning the strings to a non-standard pitch (Correct answer)
- A technique using the left hand only
- Playing harmonics exclusively
Correct 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.
Question 2: The xylophone and marimba differ primarily in which way?
- The xylophone has resonators while the marimba does not
- The marimba has resonators and softer mallets, producing a warmer tone (Correct answer)
- The marimba is played with hard plastic mallets
- The xylophone has a lower range than the marimba
Correct 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.
Question 3: Which instrument is classified as an aerophone?
- Violin
- Timpani
- Flute (Correct answer)
- Harpsichord
Correct 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.
Question 4: In orchestral writing, which instrument typically plays the highest written note?
- Piccolo (Correct answer)
- Violin
- Soprano saxophone
- Flute
Correct answer: Piccolo
The piccolo, a small flute sounding an octave higher than written, produces the highest pitches in the standard orchestra.
Question 5: What distinguishes a Steinway Model D from smaller grand piano models?
- It has more keys
- It has a longer string scale for greater resonance and volume (Correct answer)
- It uses a different key material
- It has an extra pedal
Correct 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.
Question 6: Which of the following instruments is a chordophone?
- Tuba
- Snare drum
- Lute (Correct answer)
- Organ
Correct answer: Lute
A chordophone produces sound through vibrating strings; the lute is a plucked string instrument and thus a chordophone per Hornbostel-Sachs.
Question 7: The 'embouchure' refers to which aspect of wind instrument playing?
- The fingering pattern for chromatic scales
- The shaping and use of the lips, facial muscles, and oral cavity to produce tone (Correct answer)
- The reed placement inside the mouthpiece
- The position of the instrument on the player's body
Correct 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.
BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Musical Instruments 5
What is 'scordatura' in string instrument performance?