Dulcimer – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Musical Instruments Glossary

What is a Dulcimer? A dulcimer is a musical instrument that belongs to the string family. It is typically played by striking the strings with a small hammer or pick. The dulcimer has a long, narrow soundbox with strings stretched over a fretted fingerboard. The instrument produces a sweet, melodic sound that is often described … Read more

Clarinet – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Musical Instruments Glossary

I. What is a Clarinet? A clarinet is a musical instrument that belongs to the woodwind family. It is played by blowing air through a mouthpiece, which then vibrates a single reed attached to the mouthpiece. The vibrations of the reed create sound waves that travel through the instrument’s body, producing music. The clarinet has … Read more

Keyboard – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Musical Instruments Glossary

What is a Keyboard? A keyboard is a musical instrument that is played by pressing keys or buttons to produce sound. It is a versatile instrument that is commonly used in a variety of musical genres, including classical, jazz, pop, and rock. Keyboards come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from small portable keyboards to … Read more

Zither – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Musical Instruments Glossary

I. What is a Zither? A zither is a musical instrument that falls under the category of chordophones, which are instruments that produce sound by vibrating strings. The zither typically consists of a flat soundboard with strings stretched across it, which are plucked or strummed to produce sound. The strings are not divided into separate … Read more

Shofar – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Musical Instruments Glossary

What is a Shofar? The Shofar is a traditional Jewish musical instrument made from a hollowed-out ram’s horn. It is used in Jewish religious ceremonies, particularly during the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The sound of the Shofar is considered a call to repentance and spiritual awakening. History and significance of … Read more

Maracas – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Musical Instruments Glossary

I. What are Maracas? Maracas are percussion instruments that are typically made of gourds or other hollow containers filled with seeds, beads, or small pellets. They are commonly used in Latin American and Caribbean music to provide rhythm and add a unique sound to musical compositions. Maracas are played by shaking them back and forth, … Read more

Glass Harmonica – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Musical Instruments Glossary

What is a Glass Harmonica? A glass harmonica, also known as a glass armonica, bowl organ, hydrocrystalophone, or simply armonica, is a musical instrument that produces sound by rubbing glass or crystal goblets with wet fingers. The instrument consists of a series of glass bowls or goblets of varying sizes, each tuned to a specific … Read more