Tambourine Quiz Questions and Answers
Q1. What family of musical instruments does the tambourine belong to?
A. String
B. Woodwind
C. Percussion
D. Brass
Answer: C. Percussion
Q2. The tambourine typically consists of a circular frame with pairs of small metal discs attached, known as what?
A. Cymbals
B. Zills
C. Bells
D. Plates
Answer: B. Zills
Q3. Many tambourines feature a drumhead, traditionally made from what material?
A. Plastic only
B. Wood
C. Metal
D. Animal skin
Answer: D. Animal skin
Q4. The modern frame of a tambourine is commonly made from which materials?
A. Metal or glass
B. Wood or plastic
C. Fabric or leather
D. Bamboo only
Answer: B. Wood or plastic
Q5. Which ancient civilization is credited with early use of the tambourine or its predecessors?
A. Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia
B. Ancient Rome
C. Medieval England
D. Modern Brazil
Answer: A. Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia
Q6. The tambourine was introduced to Europe primarily through which historical events?
A. The Renaissance fairs
B. The Industrial Revolution
C. Crusaders in the 13th century
D. 20th-century rock tours
Answer: C. Crusaders in the 13th century
Q7. In biblical contexts, the tambourine is often referred to by what name?
A. Tof or timbrel
B. Daf
C. Pandeiro
D. Riq
Answer: A. Tof or timbrel
Q8. Which group historically used the tambourine to collect money after performances?
A. Salvation Army
B. Romani people
C. Janissary bands
D. Orchestral percussionists
Answer: B. Romani people
Q9. The Salvation Army popularized the tambourine in the 19th century under what alternative name?
A. Jingler
B. Zill drum
C. Timbrel
D. Frame shaker
Answer: C. Timbrel
Q10. Which composer was among the earliest to include the tambourine in Western classical compositions?
A. Beethoven
B. Mozart
C. Berlioz
D. Tchaikovsky
Answer: B. Mozart
Q11. In which opera by Georges Bizet does the tambourine feature prominently in the “Habanera” aria?
A. The Magic Flute
B. The Planets
C. The Nutcracker
D. Carmen
Answer: D. Carmen
Q12. Gustav Holst featured the tambourine in which orchestral suite, especially in the “Jupiter” movement?
A. Carmen Suite
B. Nutcracker Suite
C. The Planets
D. Arabian Dances
Answer: C. The Planets
Q13. The tambourine is widely used in which Brazilian music style?
A. Classical orchestra
B. Samba
C. Gospel
D. Heavy metal
Answer: B. Samba
Q14. In rock and pop music, the tambourine is often used to add what element?
A. Rhythmic energy and drive
B. Melody
C. Bass lines
D. Harmony
Answer: A. Rhythmic energy and drive
Q15. Which genre frequently uses the tambourine for religious or celebratory accompaniment?
A. Jazz fusion
B. Electronic dance
C. Gospel music
D. Symphonic metal
Answer: C. Gospel music
Q16. A basic playing technique involves vigorously moving the wrist to make the jingles sound continuously, known as what?
A. Thumb roll
B. Shake roll
C. Knee strike
D. Stick hit
Answer: B. Shake roll
Q17. The soft, sustained roll achieved by rubbing a moistened thumb or finger along the head is called what?
A. Shake roll
B. Frame strike
C. Jingles tap
D. Thumb or finger roll
Answer: D. Thumb or finger roll
Q18. To facilitate a thumb roll, players sometimes apply what to the drumhead or finger?
A. Oil
B. Water only
C. Rosin or beeswax
D. Glue
Answer: C. Rosin or beeswax
Q19. In orchestral playing, the tambourine is often held at what angle for optimal jingle response?
A. Flat horizontally
B. 45 degrees
C. Vertically upright
D. Inverted
Answer: B. 45 degrees
Q20. Mounting a tambourine on a stand allows it to be played with what?
A. Drumsticks
B. Fingers only
C. Thumb exclusively
D. Shakes only
Answer: A. Drumsticks
Q21. The riq, a related instrument, is primarily associated with which musical tradition?
A. Brazilian samba
B. Arabic music
C. Irish folk
D. American rock
Answer: B. Arabic music
Q22. What key difference distinguishes the Brazilian pandeiro from a standard tambourine?
A. No jingles
B. Square shape
C. No drumhead
D. Adjustable head tension
Answer: D. Adjustable head tension
Q23. The daf is a larger frame drum with jingles commonly used in which regions?
A. Persia, Turkey, and India
B. Western Europe
C. South America
D. North America
Answer: A. Persia, Turkey, and India
Q24. Headless tambourines primarily produce sound through what?
A. Striking the head
B. Thumb rolls
C. Shaking the jingles only
D. Stick beats on frame
Answer: C. Shaking the jingles only
Q25. In classical orchestration, the tambourine often adds what to the percussion section?
A. Deep bass tones
B. Unique color and rhythmic texture
C. Sustained melodies
D. Wind-like effects
Answer: B. Unique color and rhythmic texture