Timbre and Instrumentation Vocabulary

Question 1

Timbre

Answer 1

The uniqueness of a given sound. The qualities that make each musical sound original, individual, and special. This is also called tone color

Question 2

Harmonic series

Answer 2

A scientific explanation of how a given musical pitch is actually made up of a series of frequencies, that combine into a rich and unique timbre

Question 3

Articulation

Answer 3

The way that musical notes are pronounced, how the sounds begin

Question 4

Accent

Answer 4

An emphasis, by articulation and/or volume, on a certain note in music

Question 5

Staccato

Answer 5

When musical notes are played separately and detached

Question 6

Dynamics

Answer 6

How loud or soft the music is

Question 7

Forte

Answer 7

Loud

Question 8

Piano

Answer 8

Soft

Question 9

Crescendo

Answer 9

Gradually getting louder

Question 10

Decrescendo

Answer 10

Gradually getting softer

Question 11

Strings

Answer 11

Instruments that use the vibration of strings to generate a sound. Common instruments in this family include: guitar, violin, viola, cello, bass, and harp

Question 12

Woodwinds

Answer 12

A diverse family of instruments that use wind, and a vibrating element to produce sound. In past times, these instruments were made of wood, but in modern times they are made of wood, metal, or plastic. Instruments in this family include: flute, piccolo, clarinets, saxophones, oboe, bassoon, and English horn

Question 13

Brass

Answer 13

A family of instruments typically made from metal. The lips are positioned to vibrate from air being blown. Common instruments in this family include: trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, euphonium, and tuba

Question 14

Percussion

Answer 14

A diverse group of instruments. The common element is that usually these instruments are struck with a stick, mallet, beater, or body part. Common instruments include: drums, tambourine, triangle, timpani, bells, and marimba

Question 15

Keyboard instruments

Answer 15

A family of instruments that uses a standard piano keyboard layout to organize and allow sound production. Piano, pipe organ, harpsichord, and synthesizers are common keyboard instruments

Question 16

Electric instruments

Answer 16

Instruments that use electricity to generate, project, or manipulate sound. Some instruments include: electric guitar, synthesizer, turntables, drum machines, and the theremin

Question 17

Orchestration / Instrumentation

Answer 17

The organization of music for an ensemble. This is when a song or piece of music is divided into its many parts for a large ensemble. Sometimes composers do this while composing, and sometimes others will take pre-existing music and arrange an orchestration of it for an ensemble

Question 18

Ensemble

Answer 18

A group of musicians working together as a team to create a kind music. Orchestras, string quartets, and rock bands are all examples of ensembles

Question 19

Orchestra

Answer 19

An ensemble that typically includes strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Strings are the main force of instruments used

Question 20

Choir

Answer 20

An ensemble consisting of singers

Question 21

Chamber music

Answer 21

A small ensemble, usually less than 12 musicians. These groups typically perform without a conductor, and rely on each other for musical guidance and leadership

Question 22

Wind band / Wind ensemble

Answer 22

Similar to an orchestra, but without strings. These ensembles include woodwinds, brass, and percussion. They are common school and military ensembles.

Question 23

Jazz band

Answer 23

A typical jazz band has saxophones, trombones, trumpets, and a rhythm section (piano, bass, and drums). This ensemble is intended to play jazz music, and especially popular in the swing era of Jazz (1935-1950)