Music Genres and Instruments
Increase cultural fluency in common music references.
synthesizer
an electronic musical instrument that generates audio signals converted to sound
trombone
a brass instrument that uses a telescoping slide mechanism to change pitch
punk rock
genre characterized by short, fast-paced songs with raw vocals and anti-establishment lyrics
oboe
a woodwind instrument with a double-reed mouthpiece and a piercing, nasal tone
bossa nova
genre of Brazilian music derived from samba and jazz, known for its lyrical style
banjo
a string instrument with a circular body and a membrane, common in folk and bluegrass
guitar
a string instrument typically played by plucking or strumming with fingers or a plectrum
country
genre originating in the Southern US featuring folk lyrics and string instruments like banjos
clarinet
a woodwind instrument with a single-reed mouthpiece and a cylindrical tube
heavy metal
genre of rock music characterized by loud, distorted guitars and aggressive rhythms
harp
a large triangular string instrument played by plucking the strings with fingers
flute
a woodwind instrument that produces sound by blowing air across an opening
hip hop
genre characterized by rhythmic speech known as rapping and DJing
saxophone
a woodwind instrument with a single-reed mouthpiece and a conical brass body
flamenco
genre of Spanish music and dance involving guitar, singing, and handclaps
drums
percussion instruments played by striking a stretched membrane with sticks or hands
piano
a keyboard instrument that produces sound by striking strings with hammers
reggae
genre originating in Jamaica characterized by offbeat rhythmic accents
trumpet
a brass instrument played by blowing air through closed lips
classical
tradition of Western music including symphonies, operas, and sonatas
cello
a large string instrument played with a bow while seated
violin
a bowed string instrument commonly used in orchestras
jazz
genre known for improvisation and swing
blues
genre rooted in African American musical traditions and expressive patterns