Question 1: Describe the sound of a typical violin when played softly. What are some characteristics that help you identify it?

Answer: A softly played violin produces a warm, smooth, and mellow sound with a rich, singing quality. It often has a bright, clear tone with a expressive vibrato, and the pitch is precise and sustained.

Question 2: Listen carefully and identify which instrument produces a deep, resonant sound often used in orchestral bass lines. Describe how you can recognize it.

Answer: The instrument is a double bass. It produces a deep, low-pitched, and resonant sound. It can be recognized by its large size, thick strings, and the way it provides the foundation in the music with slow, sustained notes.

Question 3: Identify the instrument commonly associated with bright, metallic sounds and often used in jazz bands. Describe its sound qualities.

Answer: The instrument is a trumpet. It has a bright, piercing, and metallic timbre with a piercing attack, and it can produce loud, expressive melodies and fanfares.

Question 4: Imagine you are listening to a guitar that sounds bright and twangy, with a sharp attack. Is this likely an acoustic or electric guitar? Explain your reasoning.

Answer: It is likely an electric guitar because the bright, sharp attack and twangy sound are characteristic of electric guitars, especially when played with distortion or effects. Acoustic guitars typically have a warmer, more mellow sound.

Question 5: Draw a simple sketch of a percussion instrument that produces sound by striking a stretched membrane. Label the parts of the instrument.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a circular drum with a stretched membrane (drumhead) across the top, a shell or body supporting the membrane, and possibly a drumstick. Labels should include 'drumhead', 'shell', and 'stick'.

Question 6: Describe the sound of a flute and how it differs from a clarinet. Focus on tone quality and playing technique.

Answer: A flute produces a light, airy, and bright tone with a clear, pure sound. It is played by blowing across an opening. A clarinet, however, has a warmer, richer, and more woody tone, produced by blowing into a mouthpiece with a reed that vibrates.

Question 7: Identify the instrument that produces sound by plucking its strings and is often used in folk music. Describe its typical sound qualities.

Answer: The instrument is a guitar (specifically a folk or acoustic guitar). Its sound is bright, resonant, and can be both rhythmic and melodic, with a percussive quality when plucked.

Question 8: Listen to a section of music where a keyboard instrument plays sustained chords. What instrument could this be, and what features help you identify it?

Answer: It could be a piano or an electric keyboard. Features include the ability to sustain notes and chords, a broad dynamic range, and a smooth, even tone. The sound may be warm and full if it's a piano, or more electronic if it's a keyboard.

Question 9: Explain how the sound of a cymbal differs from that of a snare drum in terms of attack and tone.

Answer: A cymbal produces a bright, shimmering sound with a quick, sharp attack and a long, lingering decay. A snare drum has a sharp, cracking attack with a distinctive 'snap' sound due to its snares, and a more dry, punchy tone.

Question 10: Think about the sound of a harp. How does its playing technique influence its tone and musical expression?

Answer: The harp produces a delicate, shimmering, and resonant sound. Its tone is bright and ethereal, influenced by plucking the strings with fingers. The technique allows for glissandos and subtle dynamics, enhancing its dreamy quality.