Chapter 9: Voices and Instrument Families
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which of the following is NOT a property of a musical sound?
a. pitch c. duration
b. texture d. timbre
2. The quality of sound that distinguishes one instrument or voice from another is:
a. timbre. c. tempo.
b. pitch. d. volume.
3. A mechanism that generates musical vibrations and launches them into the air is called:
a. a mute. c. a baton.
b. a podium. d. an instrument.
4. A specific area within the range of a voice or instrument, such as high, middle, or low, is called:
a. timbre. c. register.
b. volume. d. form.
5. The standard ranges of the human voice from highest to lowest are:
a. soprano, alto, tenor, bass. c. tenor, soprano, alto, bass.
b. bass, tenor, soprano, alto. d. soprano, tenor, alto, bass.
6. Which of the following voice types has the lowest range?
a. baritone c. tenor
b. bass d. alto
7. The generally accepted term for the high male vocal range is:
a. bass. c. alto.
b. tenor. d. soprano.
8. The human voice:
a. is an unnatural musical instrument.
b. is limited in character and range.
c. possesses lyric beauty and expressiveness that have been a model for instrument builders and
players.
d. can be made to sound like any instrument.
9. Instruments that produce sound from a vibrating string are called:
a. aerophones. c. idiophones.
b. chordophones. d. membranophones.
10. Instruments that produce sound by using air as the vibrating means are called:
a. aerophones. c. idiophones.
b. chordophones. d. membranophones.
11. Of the following, which is a chordophone?
a. flutes c. bagpipes
b. whistles d. yangquin
12. How do idiophones produce sound?
a. from a vibrating string
b. from a vibrating column of air
c. from the shaking, scraping, or striking of the instrument itself
d. from a tightly stretched membrane
13. Drum-type instruments fall into the category of:
a. aerophones. c. idiophones.
b. chordophones. d. membranophones.
14. The human voice and instruments can produce a throbbing effect, which is called:
a. vibrato. c. register.
b. timbre. d. melody.
TRUE/FALSE
1. Throughout history, women’s voices have held a central role in the performance of church music.
2. In some cultures, women’s voices are preferred for certain styles of music.
3. Throughout history, the voice has been a model for instrumentalists and to instrument builders.
4. Flutes and whistles are classified as idiophones.
5. A guitar is an example of a chordophone.
6. One of the most common membranophones around the world is the bagpipe.
7. Alto is the highest female vocal range.
8. Bass is the lowest male vocal range.
9. Aerophones produce sound from a vibrating string stretched between two points.
TOP: Voices and Instrument Families MSC: Factual
ESSAY
1. Describe the variety of musical sounds possible from the human voice. Consider issues such as
range, social function, historical period, and regional styles.
ANS:
Answers will vary.
PTS: 1 DIF: 3 REF: Essentials: pp. 36–37
TOP: Voices and Instrument Families MSC: Applied
2. Describe the four categories of musical instruments around the world and how they each produce
sound. Cite an example of each.
ANS:
Answers will vary.
PTS: 1 DIF: 3 REF: Essentials: pp. 37–38
TOP: Voices and Instrument Families MSC: Applied