Discover the World of Music!
Music is a universal language that has been part of human culture for thousands of years. From ancient instruments to modern technology, music has evolved in fascinating ways. Test your knowledge with these 10 amazing facts about music and musical instruments!
1. What is the oldest known musical instrument?
Answer: The Neanderthal Flute (about 60,000 years old)
The oldest known musical instrument is a Neanderthal flute made from a bear bone, discovered in Slovenia and dated to about 60,000 years ago. However, the oldest complete musical instrument is a 40,000-year-old flute made from a vulture bone found in Germany.
2. How many keys does a standard piano have?
Answer: 88 keys (52 white, 36 black)
A standard modern piano has 88 keys: 52 white keys and 36 black keys. The keys span 7 octaves plus a minor third. The piano was invented around 1700 by Bartolomeo Cristofori in Italy and was originally called "pianoforte" (soft-loud) because it could play both quietly and loudly.
3. What is the most expensive musical instrument ever sold?
Answer: A Stradivarius violin (sold for $16 million in 2011)
The most expensive musical instrument ever sold was a Stradivarius violin called "The Lady Blunt," which sold for $16 million in 2011. Stradivarius violins, made by Antonio Stradivari in the 17th-18th centuries, are considered the finest violins ever made, with only about 650 still in existence.
4. How fast can a drummer's hands move?
Answer: Up to 20 beats per second (1,200 beats per minute)
Professional drummers can hit drums at speeds up to 20 beats per second (1,200 beats per minute). The world record for fastest drumming is held by Tom Grosset, who achieved 20 beats per second. However, most professional drummers play at speeds of 4-8 beats per second.
5. What percentage of people have perfect pitch?
Answer: About 1 in 10,000 people (0.01%)
Perfect pitch (the ability to identify or produce a musical note without a reference) is extremely rare, affecting only about 1 in 10,000 people. However, it's more common among musicians who started training at a young age. Some studies suggest it may be more common in speakers of tonal languages like Mandarin.
6. How many strings does a standard guitar have?
Answer: 6 strings
A standard guitar has 6 strings, typically tuned to E-A-D-G-B-E from lowest to highest. However, there are variations: bass guitars have 4 strings, 12-string guitars have 12 strings (6 pairs), and some guitars have 7, 8, or even more strings for extended range.
7. What is the loudest musical instrument?
Answer: The pipe organ (can reach 130+ decibels)
The pipe organ is the loudest musical instrument, capable of producing sounds over 130 decibels—louder than a jet engine! Large cathedral organs can have thousands of pipes and require massive amounts of air to produce sound. The sound can be felt as well as heard.
8. How many notes are in a standard Western musical scale?
Answer: 12 notes (in an octave)
A standard Western musical scale has 12 notes in an octave: C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, and B. These 12 notes repeat in higher and lower octaves. Different scales (major, minor, etc.) use different combinations of these 12 notes.
9. What is the most popular musical instrument to learn?
Answer: The piano
The piano is the most popular instrument for beginners to learn, followed by the guitar and violin. The piano is often recommended because it provides a visual representation of music theory, helps develop hand coordination, and is versatile for playing different styles of music.
10. How long is the longest musical performance ever recorded?
Answer: 639 years (still ongoing as of 2024)
The longest musical performance is an organ piece called "As Slow as Possible" by John Cage, which began in 2001 and is scheduled to last 639 years until 2640! The performance takes place in a church in Germany, with notes changing only a few times per year. It's still ongoing!
Amazing Music Facts
- Music can reduce stress, improve mood, and even help with pain management—it has real therapeutic effects.
- The human brain processes music in multiple areas, including those responsible for emotion, memory, and movement.
- Classical music can help plants grow faster, according to some studies (though this is debated).
- The most expensive song ever recorded cost $2 million to produce (Michael Jackson's "Scream" with Janet Jackson).
- Music has been used in therapy for thousands of years, with ancient Greeks using it to treat mental illness.
Test Your Music Knowledge!
Think you know music? Challenge yourself with our live quizzes on Quziko! Answer questions about music, instruments, musical history, and more. Compete with other music enthusiasts, learn fascinating facts, and win coins.
Music is a universal language that brings people together. Join Quziko today and get 500 free coins to start your music trivia journey. Test your knowledge, discover new facts, and have fun exploring the world of music!