Multiple Choice Questions
World Music and Ethnomusicology
Topic: World Music and Ethnomusicology
Grade: 11
Question 1:
Which of the following is an example of a membranophone?
a) Flute
b) Violin
c) Drum
d) Piano
Answer: c) Drum
Explanation: A membranophone is a musical instrument that produces sound through the vibration of a membrane or drumhead. The drum is a classic example of a membranophone as it consists of a stretched membrane that is struck to produce sound. An example of a simple membranophone is the tambourine, while a more complex example is the tabla, a pair of drums used in Indian classical music.
Question 2:
Which musical genre originated in West Africa and is characterized by complex polyrhythms and call-and-response singing?
a) Reggae
b) Samba
c) Blues
d) Highlife
Answer: b) Samba
Explanation: Samba is a genre of music that originated in West Africa and is particularly associated with Brazil. It is characterized by complex polyrhythms, which are multiple rhythms played simultaneously, and call-and-response singing, where a leader sings a phrase and is answered by a chorus or another vocalist. Samba can be both simple and complex, with the basic rhythm often played on a single drum, while more complex arrangements involve multiple percussion instruments and intricate vocal harmonies.
Question 3:
Which of the following instruments is commonly used in traditional Japanese music?
a) Bagpipes
b) Sitar
c) Shamisen
d) Accordion
Answer: c) Shamisen
Explanation: The shamisen is a three-stringed instrument that is commonly used in traditional Japanese music. It has a long neck and a small, rectangular body, and is played with a plectrum called a bachi. The shamisen is an example of a chordophone, which is a musical instrument that produces sound through the vibration of strings. A simple example of a chordophone is the guitar, while a more complex example is the harp.
Question 4:
Which of the following is a traditional percussion instrument from the Caribbean?
a) Steelpan
b) Baglama
c) Dhol
d) Oud
Answer: a) Steelpan
Explanation: The steelpan, also known as the steel drum, is a traditional percussion instrument that originated in Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean. It is made from a steel oil drum that is hammered into the shape of a concave pan and tuned to produce specific pitches. The steelpan is an example of an idiophone, which is a musical instrument that produces sound through the vibration of the instrument itself. A simple example of an idiophone is the triangle, while a more complex example is the xylophone.
Question 5:
Which of the following is a traditional string instrument from India?
a) Djembe
b) Erhu
c) Sitar
d) Bagpipes
Answer: c) Sitar
Explanation: The sitar is a traditional string instrument from India that is often associated with Indian classical music. It has a long neck with frets and a resonating chamber made from a gourd. The sitar is played with a pick called a mizrab and is known for its distinctive sound and ability to produce complex melodies. It is an example of a chordophone, as it produces sound through the vibration of its strings. A simple example of a chordophone is the ukulele, while a more complex example is the violin.
(Note: This is the first 5 questions in the test paper. Continue with the remaining 10 questions.)