Test Your Instrument Knowledge

Question: Where did the banjo originate?

Answer: The banjo is a stringed musical instrument of African origin. It was popularized in the United States by slaves in the 19th century and then exported to Europe.

Question: Which of the following is not a reed instrument?

Answer: The saxophone, clarinet, and oboe are reed instruments. The trombone is a brass instrument, in the same group with the trumpet and tuba.

Question: Which of these is a wind instrument?

Answer: The organ is a wind instrument in which pressurized air produces notes through a series of pipes organized in rows. Pipes may vary from less than 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) to 33 feet (10 meters) long!

Question: What is the name for a group of percussion devices played by one drummer?

Answer: The trap kit—including snare drum, bass drum, and tom tom drums, and cymbals—allow a drummer to strike up to four instruments at the same time.

Question: Which instrument is most closely related to the accordion?

Answer: The accordion and the harmonica are fixed reed instruments, though some accordions have black and white keys that resemble pianos and organs.

Question: What country is most famous for producing prized percussion cymbals?

Answer: Cymbals that are handmade by Turkish artisans using ancient techniques are prized by professional drummers around the world.

Question: How many strings does a cello have?

Answer: A cello, a large member of the violin family, has four strings.