Question 1: Describe the main characteristics of the timbre of a classical piano compared to a jazz trumpet. What makes each sound unique?

Answer: A classical piano produces a mellow, percussive sound with a wide dynamic range and a uniform tone across its range. A jazz trumpet has a bright, piercing tone that can be made more expressive with mutes, often sounding more piercing or mellow depending on the playing technique.

Question 2: Identify which of the following descriptions best matches the sound of a violin: (a) a bright, piercing sound with a clear attack, (b) a warm, mellow tone with smooth transitions, or (c) a rough, gritty sound with irregular attack.

Answer: The best match is (b) a warm, mellow tone with smooth transitions.

Question 3: Explain how the timbre of a distorted electric guitar differs from that of an acoustic guitar.

Answer: A distorted electric guitar has a thick, grittier, and more aggressive sound due to the effects of distortion, whereas an acoustic guitar produces a warmer, more natural, and resonant tone with a clear acoustic quality.

Question 4: Listen to a piece of music where a singer's voice sounds very breathy and airy. Describe how this affects the perceived timbre of the voice.

Answer: A breathy and airy quality makes the voice sound soft, delicate, and ethereal, often adding a sense of intimacy or vulnerability to the singing.

Question 5: Compare the timbre of a bass drum and a cymbal in a drum kit. How do their sounds differ?

Answer: The bass drum has a deep, resonant, and low-pitched sound with a rounded attack, while the cymbal produces a bright, shimmering, and metallic sound with a sharp, explosive attack.

Question 6: Describe the qualities of the timbre of a choir singing in unison versus a choir singing in harmony.

Answer: In unison, the choir's timbre is unified, full, and resonant, giving a powerful and cohesive sound. When singing in harmony, the timbre becomes more complex, with overlapping layers creating a richer, more textured sound.

Question 7: Sketch a simple diagram to illustrate two different musical instruments: a flute and a drum. Indicate key features that contribute to their distinctive timbres.

Answer: A correct sketch would show the flute as a long, thin tube with holes along its length, emphasizing its airy, bright sound. The drum should be depicted as a cylindrical body with a membrane on top, indicating its percussive, resonant timbre.

Question 8: In your own words, explain what is meant by the term 'timbre' and why it is important in music.

Answer: Timbre refers to the unique quality or tone of a sound that distinguishes it from other sounds, even if they have the same pitch and loudness. It is important because it helps us identify different instruments and voices, adding variety and emotion to music.

Question 9: Describe how the use of mutes can change the timbre of a brass instrument such as a trumpet.

Answer: Using a mute alters the sound by dampening certain frequencies, making the tone softer, more muted, or more metallic, depending on the type of mute used. This creates different expressive qualities in the instrument's timbre.

Question 10: Listen to a section of music where the singer's voice sounds nasal. Describe how this affects the timbre of the voice.

Answer: A nasal timbre makes the voice sound more piercing and constricted, often adding a raw or edgy quality that can convey emotion or intensity.