What is the name of a rope-tuned skin-covered goblet-shaped drum played with bare hands, typically carved from hollowed wood?

Prepare for the NYSTCE Music Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions, featuring hints and explanations. Get ready to excel in your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is the name of a rope-tuned skin-covered goblet-shaped drum played with bare hands, typically carved from hollowed wood?

This description points to the djembe, a traditional West African drum known for its goblet-shaped wooden body, a skin head, and rope-tuning system. The goblet shape comes from carving the drum from a single block of hardwood, giving a narrow neck and a wider middle. The head is typically goatskin and is stretched and tightened with a network of ropes around the rim; twisting those cords changes the tension and pitch. It’s designed to be played with bare hands, producing a wide range of tones—from deep bass when struck in the center to brighter slaps near the edge. The djembe is a staple in West African music and communal ensembles, reflecting its cultural origin and playing technique. The other options don’t fit this precise combination: one refers to a Japanese theater tradition, another to a Chinese string instrument, and the last to a melodic system rather than an instrument.

This description points to the djembe, a traditional West African drum known for its goblet-shaped wooden body, a skin head, and rope-tuning system. The goblet shape comes from carving the drum from a single block of hardwood, giving a narrow neck and a wider middle. The head is typically goatskin and is stretched and tightened with a network of ropes around the rim; twisting those cords changes the tension and pitch. It’s designed to be played with bare hands, producing a wide range of tones—from deep bass when struck in the center to brighter slaps near the edge. The djembe is a staple in West African music and communal ensembles, reflecting its cultural origin and playing technique.

The other options don’t fit this precise combination: one refers to a Japanese theater tradition, another to a Chinese string instrument, and the last to a melodic system rather than an instrument.

More practice questions