Exploring Percussion Instruments Quiz

Which of the following is a percussion instrument originating from West Africa, known for its goblet shape?

• Surdo

• Djembe

• Tabla

• Cajon

Answer explanation

The djembe is a goblet-shaped percussion instrument from West Africa, known for its rich tones and versatility. The surdo is Brazilian, the tabla is Indian, and the cajon is Peruvian, making djembe the correct choice.

The surdo is a type of drum commonly used in which style of music?

• Samba

• Jazz

• Classical

• Rock

Answer explanation

The surdo is a large bass drum that is a key instrument in samba music, providing the rhythmic foundation essential to this lively Brazilian genre. It is not typically associated with jazz, classical, or rock music.

Which instrument is traditionally played with the fingers and palms and is a key component of Indian classical music?

• Tabla

• Tambourine

• Agogo

• Ganza

Answer explanation

The tabla is a traditional Indian percussion instrument played with fingers and palms, making it essential in Indian classical music. The other options, like tambourine and agogo, are not primarily associated with Indian classical music.

The tamborim is a small drum played with a stick and is often used in which type of music?

• Reggae

• Samba

• Blues

• Folk

Answer explanation

The tamborim is a small drum commonly associated with samba music, a lively Brazilian genre. It is not typically used in reggae, blues, or folk, making samba the correct choice.

Which of the following is a type of cymbal that is often used in orchestras and bands?

• Agogo

• Ganza

• Hi-hat

• Cajon

Answer explanation

The hi-hat is a type of cymbal commonly used in orchestras and bands, consisting of two cymbals mounted on a stand that can be opened and closed with a foot pedal. The other options are not types of cymbals.

The agogo is a percussion instrument with origins in which continent?

• Asia

• Africa

• Europe

• South America

Answer explanation

The agogo is a percussion instrument that originated in Africa, particularly associated with various African musical traditions. This makes Africa the correct answer among the given choices.

Which instrument is a shaker filled with beads or seeds and is used to add rhythm to music?

• Ganza

• Surdo

• Djembe

• Tabla

Answer explanation

The Ganza is a shaker filled with beads or seeds, commonly used in various music genres to add rhythm. In contrast, the Surdo, Djembe, and Tabla are different types of drums, not shakers.

The tambourine is a percussion instrument that often includes which additional feature?

• Strings

• Bells

• Jingles

• Keys

Answer explanation

The tambourine typically features jingles, which are small metal discs that create a bright, ringing sound when the instrument is shaken or struck. This characteristic distinguishes it from other percussion instruments.

Which instrument is a box-shaped percussion instrument played by slapping the front or rear faces with the hands?

• Cajon

• Djembe

• Surdo

• Tabla

Answer explanation

The cajon is a box-shaped percussion instrument that is played by slapping its front or rear faces with the hands, making it the correct choice. The djembe, surdo, and tabla are different types of percussion instruments.

Which of the following instruments is typically used in Brazilian music and consists of two bells of different sizes?

• Agogo

• Ganza

• Tamborim

• Cajon

Answer explanation

The Agogo is a traditional Brazilian instrument made of two bells of different sizes, producing distinct pitches. It is commonly used in samba and other Brazilian music styles, making it the correct choice.