Saxophone Quiz Questions and Answers
Q1. Who invented the saxophone?
A. Hector Berlioz
B. Adolphe Sax
C. Henri Selmer
D. Clarence Yamaha
Answer: B. Adolphe Sax
Q2. In what year was the saxophone patented?
A. 1846
B. 1850
C. 1854
D. 1922
Answer: A. 1846
Q3. Despite being made of brass, the saxophone is classified as which family of instruments?
A. Brass
B. Percussion
C. Woodwind
D. String
Answer: C. Woodwind
Q4. How many different sizes of saxophones did Adolphe Sax originally design and patent?
A. 7
B. 10
C. 14
D. 20
Answer: C. 14
Q5. Which of the following is the most common saxophone used by beginners?
A. Soprano
B. Tenor
C. Alto
D. Baritone
Answer: A. Soprano
Q6. What is the standard written range of most saxophones (from lowest to highest note)?
A. Bb2 to F5
B. Bb3 to F#
C. C3 to G6
D. E3 to A5
Answer: B. Bb3 to F#
Q7. Which saxophone is pitched in B? and commonly used in jazz for its rich, deep tone?
A. Alto
B. Soprano
C. Tenor
D. Sopranino
Answer: C. Tenor
Q8. What material are most modern saxophones primarily made from?
A. Brass
B. Silver
C. Wood
D. Plastic
Answer: A. Brass
Q9. Which famous jazz saxophonist is known as “Bird” and revolutionized bebop on the alto saxophone?
A. John Coltrane
B. Charlie Parker
C. Sonny Rollins
D. Stan Getz
Answer: B. Charlie Parker
Q10. Who established the tenor saxophone as a prominent jazz solo instrument in the 1920s and 1930s?
A. Coleman Hawkins
B. Lester Young
C. Ben Webster
D. Illinois Jacquet
Answer: A. Coleman Hawkins
Q11. Which saxophone is the largest commonly used member of the family?
A. Tenor
B. Bass
C. Baritone
D. Contrabass
Answer: C. Baritone
Q12. What is the primary function of the ligature on a saxophone?
A. To adjust pitch
B. To hold the reed securely on the mouthpiece
C. To amplify sound
D. To change keywork
Answer: B. To hold the reed securely on the mouthpiece
Q13. Which brand is renowned for the legendary Mark VI model produced from 1954 to 1974?
A. Yamaha
B. Yanagisawa
C. Selmer Paris
D. Keilwerth
Answer: C. Selmer Paris
Q14. In saxophone embouchure, where should the lower lip be positioned?
A. Over the teeth
B. Curled over the lower teeth with the reed on the cushioned part
C. Biting the reed directly
D. Away from the mouthpiece
Answer: B. Curled over the lower teeth with the reed on the cushioned part
Q15. Which jazz saxophonist is famous for spiritual, modal jazz explorations on tenor and soprano?
A. John Coltrane
B. Charlie Parker
C. Cannonball Adderley
D. Gerry Mulligan
Answer: A. John Coltrane
Q16. What is the smallest commonly played saxophone in the family?
A. Sopranino
B. Soprano
C. Alto
D. Tenor
Answer: B. Soprano
Q17. Reeds for saxophones are typically made from what material?
A. Metal
B. Plastic
C. Cane
D. Bamboo
Answer: C. Cane
Q18. Which classical composer wrote approvingly of the saxophone shortly after its invention?
A. Richard Strauss
B. Hector Berlioz
C. Darius Milhaud
D. Maurice Ravel
Answer: B. Hector Berlioz
Q19. What technique involves humming or growling while playing to create a raspy sound?
A. Vibrato
B. Altissimo
C. Growling
D. Subtone
Answer: C. Growling
Q20. Which brand is known for reliable student and professional models like the YAS-280?
A. Selmer Paris
B. Yamaha
C. Cannonball
D. Jupiter
Answer: B. Yamaha
Q21. The saxophone was originally intended primarily for what ensembles?
A. Jazz bands
B. Rock groups
C. Orchestras and military bands
D. Pop orchestras
Answer: C. Orchestras and military bands
Q22. Which alto saxophonist co-led a quintet with Miles Davis and was known for funky, soulful playing?
A. Julian “Cannonball” Adderley
B. Jackie McLean
C. Phil Woods
D. Lee Konitz
Answer: A. Julian “Cannonball” Adderley
Q23. What is the altissimo register on a saxophone?
A. The lowest notes
B. Notes above the standard F#
C. Middle register
D. Palm key notes
Answer: B. Notes above the standard F#
Q24. Which part of the saxophone is the flared end called?
A. Neck
B. Bow
C. Bell
D. Body
Answer: C. Bell
Q25. Famous for “The Sound of Surprise,” which tenor player pioneered thematic improvisation?
A. Sonny Rollins
B. Dexter Gordon
C. Stan Getz
D. Michael Brecker
Answer: A. Sonny Rollins