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

Hichiriki – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Musical Instruments Glossary

What is a Hichiriki? The hichiriki is a traditional Japanese double reed instrument that is commonly used in gagaku, which is the ancient court music of Japan. It is similar in appearance to the oboe, with a cylindrical body made of bamboo or lacquered wood, and a double reed mouthpiece. The hichiriki has a high-pitched, … 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

Castanets – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Musical Instruments Glossary

I. What are Castanets? Castanets are a percussion instrument consisting of a pair of small concave shells made of hardwood or plastic, connected by a string. They are commonly used in Spanish, flamenco, and classical music to add a rhythmic element to the music. The shells are held in the player’s hand and are struck … 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