What type of instrument is the hurdy-gurdy?
Stringed
Wind
Percussion
Keyboard
The hurdy-gurdy is a stringed instrument that produces sound by a crank-turned, rosined wheel rubbing against the strings.
Which instrument is known for its use in Swiss folk music?
Alphorn
Bagpipes
Banjo
Sitar
The alphorn is notably used in Swiss folk music, recognizable by its long, pipe-like shape and deep, resonant sound.
The nyckelharpa is a traditional instrument from which country?
Italy
Sweden
Ireland
Japan
Originating in Sweden, the nyckelharpa is a stringed instrument with keys that is played with a bow.
Which instrument is played without direct physical contact?
Violin
Theremin
Harp
Flute
The theremin is unique because it is played by moving one’s hands in the proximity of two metal antennas, without physical contact.
Which instrument uses air and keys to produce sound?
Trumpet
Piano
Accordion
Drum kit
The accordion uses a set of bellows and keys to force air through reeds, producing a distinctive musical sound.
What is the bodhran traditionally played with?
Drumstick
Fingers
Bow
Both 1 and 2
The bodhran, an Irish frame drum, is traditionally played with both a tipper (drumstick) and the fingers to produce a variety of rhythms.
What is unique about the playing style of the kora?
Plucked like a harp
Bowed
Blown into
Struck with mallets
The kora, a West African stringed instrument, is played by plucking its 21 strings, similar to a harp but held vertically.
What is the glass armonica also known as?
Crystallophone
Glass harp
Hydrocrystalophone
All of the above
The glass armonica, invented by Benjamin Franklin, is also known by various names including the crystallophone, glass harp, and hydrocrystalophone.
Which stringed instrument has a round, gourd body?
Banjo
Guitar
Sitar
Ukulele
The sitar, distinguished by its deep, resonant sound, features a rounded gourd body which serves as a resonator.
What is the Chapman Stick primarily used to play?
Melody
Harmony
Rhythm
All of the above
The Chapman Stick is versatile and capable of playing melody, bass lines, chords, and rhythms simultaneously due to its unique design featuring multiple strings and a wide range.
Which instrument is similar in shape to a spaceship?
Hang drum
Ocarina
Sitar
Balalaika
The Hang drum is noted for its convex, flying saucer shape, which is metallic and typically played with the hands to produce melodic beats.
Which instrument resembles a large metal pan?
Timpani
Steel drum
Gong
Cymbal
The steel drum, originating from Trinidad and Tobago, is made from metal containers and played by striking the surface with mallets to produce musical notes.
What material is a quena typically made from?
Wood
Steel
Plastic
Bamboo
The quena is a traditional flute from the Andes, usually made from bamboo, known for its distinct, clear sound.
Which instrument is shaped like a trapezoid and played with mallets?
Xylophone
Hammered dulcimer
Lyre
Marimba
The hammered dulcimer is a stringed instrument that is trapezoidal in shape and played by striking the strings with small mallets.
Which instrument features a set of bellows and a keyboard?
Accordion
Piano
Harmonium
Organ
The harmonium, often used in Indian classical music, features a set of bellows that are pumped by hand and a keyboard to play musical notes.
What is the Hang primarily made of?
Wood
Steel
Brass
Clay
The Hang is a type of handpan made from two steel hemispheres glued together. It is played with the hands and produces a resonant, melodic sound.
The octobass is an unusually large version of what instrument?
Violin
Guitar
Double bass
Cello
The octobass is an oversized version of the double bass, standing at about 11 feet tall and used for producing extremely low notes.
From which country does the bandoneon originate?
Germany
Argentina
Italy
Spain
The bandoneon was originally developed in Germany, but it became particularly associated with the tango music of Argentina.
What is the main feature of the waterphone?
It uses water
It’s made of glass
It’s played underwater
Metal resonators
The main feature of the waterphone is its use of water inside the resonator, which creates hauntingly ethereal and otherworldly sounds when played.
What is the primary material used in making a didgeridoo?
Wood
Brass
Plastic
Ceramic
The didgeridoo is traditionally made from eucalyptus trees naturally hollowed out by termites, making wood its primary material.
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