Question 1

What was the first musical instrument ever made?

Accepted Answer

The first musical instruments were likely simple flutes made from animal bones, which are over 35,000 years old. People used them to create sounds and rhythms.

Question 2

Why do musical instruments make different sounds?

Accepted Answer

Musical instruments make different sounds because they are made of different materials and have different shapes. The way they vibrate shapes the sound they produce.

Question 3

How do string instruments, like the guitar, make sound?

Accepted Answer

String instruments make sound when you pluck or bow the strings. The strings vibrate, and this vibration travels through the body of the instrument to make sound.

Question 4

What are wind instruments?

Accepted Answer

Wind instruments are instruments that make sound when you blow air into them. Flutes, clarinets, and trumpets are examples of wind instruments.

Question 5

Why do drums have a skin on top?

Accepted Answer

The skin on top of a drum is called a drumhead, and it helps make sound when you hit it. The vibration of the skin produces the sound we hear.

Question 6

What is a piano made of?

Accepted Answer

A piano is made of wood, metal, and many strings inside. When you press a key, it causes a hammer to hit the strings, creating sound.

Question 7

How does a violin produce music?

Accepted Answer

A violin produces music when you draw a bow across its strings, causing them to vibrate. The body of the violin helps to make the sound louder.

Question 8

What makes a trumpet sound different from a flute?

Accepted Answer

A trumpet sounds different from a flute because it's made of metal and you buzz your lips into it. A flute is usually made of wood or metal and you blow air across a hole.

Question 9

How does a xylophone make music?

Accepted Answer

A xylophone makes music when you hit its wooden or metal bars with a mallet. Each bar makes a different note.

Question 10

What are electronic instruments?

Accepted Answer

Electronic instruments use electricity to make sound. Examples include electric guitars and keyboards, which can make lots of different sounds.

Question 11

What is a saxophone?

Accepted Answer

A saxophone is a wind instrument made of brass. You make music with it by blowing into a mouthpiece and pressing keys to change the notes.

Question 12

How does a drum set make music?

Accepted Answer

A drum set makes music when you hit the different drums and cymbals with sticks. Each part of the drum set makes a different sound.

Question 13

What is special about a harp?

Accepted Answer

A harp is special because it has many strings that you pluck with your fingers. It makes beautiful, soft sounds and looks like a big triangle.

Question 14

Where did the guitar come from?

Accepted Answer

The guitar has ancient roots, but the modern guitar was inspired by instruments from Spain. It is popular all over the world today.

Question 15

What is a didgeridoo?

Accepted Answer

A didgeridoo is a long wooden tube that makes a deep droning sound when you blow into it. It is traditionally played by the Aboriginal people of Australia.

Question 16

How do people play the flute?

Accepted Answer

People play the flute by blowing air across a hole, causing the air inside to vibrate. You use your fingers to cover holes to change the notes.

Question 17

Why are there different sizes of violins?

Accepted Answer

There are different sizes of violins so people of all ages and sizes can play them comfortably. Kids might use smaller violins while adults play larger ones.

Question 18

What is a maraca?

Accepted Answer

A maraca is a percussion instrument that looks like a rattle. You shake it to make sound, and inside are beads that hit the sides to create rhythm.

Question 19

How does an organ work?

Accepted Answer

An organ produces sound by pushing air through pipes using a keyboard. Each pipe makes a different note, much like a giant piano with tubes.

Question 20

What makes a cello different from a violin?

Accepted Answer

A cello is bigger than a violin and has a deeper, richer sound. You play it sitting down with the cello resting on the floor.

The History and Science of Musical Instruments - 20 FAQs Explained Simply