Chapter 4: Instruments
Preview Questions
Introduction
In the last chapter you saw how important vocal music was in the Catholic church, and some of the instruments that were used in the Renaissance era. Many of those are no longer played today. Any object that produces sound can be used for a musical instrument.
Humans have been singing and playing instruments since the early days, and instruments have evolved along with new technologies.
In this chapter we’ll look at different types of instruments arranged in the main four families that are included in Western orchestras. Recognizing what these instruments look and sound like will help you perceive classical music in a deeper way.
Chapter 15 will include information on the newest group—electronic and computer-based instruments.
Review Questions
- What are the main categories of instruments? What does each one have that vibrates in order to create sound The music doesn’t have a strong sense of key or meter?
- What string instruments can you name?
- What is the name of this instrument?
- What is the name of this instrument? What is the slide used for?
- What is the name of this instrument?
- What are the four ranges for singers? Who sings the highest, and who the lowest?
- What is the source of the sound when someone sings? What do you do physically to make different vowel sounds? If you’ve never thought about it, observe yourself slowing singing “Ay…ee…I…owe…you.” How did you do it?
- What is your favorite instrument? What do you like most about the way it sounds?
- Do you or anyone in your family play an instrument? How did they get started? Do they still play today?
Introduction
In the last chapter you saw how important vocal music was in the Catholic church, and some of the instruments that were used in the Renaissance era. Many of those are no longer played today. Any object that produces sound can be used for a musical instrument.
Humans have been singing and playing instruments since the early days, and instruments have evolved along with new technologies.
In this chapter we’ll look at different types of instruments arranged in the main four families that are included in Western orchestras. Recognizing what these instruments look and sound like will help you perceive classical music in a deeper way.
Chapter 15 will include information on the newest group—electronic and computer-based instruments.
Review Questions
- What are the first instruments that you have memories of? Who do you remember playing them?
- What are the main family types of instruments? What are the sources of vibrations in each one?
- How are vibrations created in the flute? What is different between it and the clarinet?
- What are the four types of string instruments in the orchestra? Which play the higher notes, and which ones play the lower ones?
- List as many different brass instruments as you can. Which ones play the low notes? Which ones play the high notes? Which play the lower notes?
- What percussion instruments do you know of besides the drum set?
- Why is it easier to learn to play your first note on the piano than on the violin, viola, cello, or double bass? What about the way the two types of instruments make sound give the string player more opportunity to shape individual notes?
- Why is it easier to get started playing the guitar than the violin?
- If you were going to build your own instrument, what type of materials would you use? What sort of sounds would you like to make?
- What instruments do you know about? What are they called? What do they sound like? Close your eyes and use your imagination.