BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Musical Instruments 5

Question 1

What is 'scordatura' in string instrument performance?

Accepted Answer

Retuning the strings to a non-standard pitch

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

The marimba has resonators and softer mallets, producing a warmer tone

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Flute

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Piccolo

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

It has a longer string scale for greater resonance and volume

Answer

The Steinway Model D concert grand (roughly 9 feet long) has longer strings that allow greater sustain, volume, and tonal richness than smaller models.

BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Practice Test

BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Practice Test

BM or BMus Bachelor of Music Musical Instruments 5