Music is a universal language that encompasses a vast array of styles, genres, and cultures. It has evolved over centuries, reflecting the diverse expressions of human emotion, creativity, and societal changes.

Classical music, dating back to the Medieval period, includes works by famous composers such as Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. It is characterized by intricate compositions, symphonies, and operas.

The 20th century witnessed the emergence of new musical movements. Jazz, born in African-American communities, combined improvisation, syncopation, and swing rhythms. Meanwhile, blues and rock ‘n’ roll revolutionized popular music, with artists like Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry shaping the cultural landscape.

Hip-hop, originating in the Bronx, New York, in the 1970s, revolutionized popular music, becoming a global phenomenon. Its roots in urban communities gave voice to social issues and personal experiences, with artists like Grandmaster Flash, Run-D.M.C., and later, Tupac Shakur and Jay-Z, shaping the genre.

Contemporary music is a rich tapestry of diverse genres, including pop, rock, R&B, country, EDM, and more. The advent of digital platforms and streaming services has transformed the music industry, allowing for greater accessibility and global reach.

Music continues to evolve, with artists constantly pushing boundaries and experimenting with new sounds and technologies, ensuring its enduring power to inspire, unite, and evoke emotions in people worldwide.

Article overview

• Part 1: 30 music knowledge quiz questions & answers
• Part 2: Download music knowledge questions & answers for free
• Part 3: Free online quiz creator – OnlineExamMaker

Part 1: 30 multiple-choice questions about music with answers

1. Which composer is known for his famous symphony “Ode to Joy”?
a) Ludwig van Beethoven
b) Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
c) Johann Sebastian Bach
d) Franz Schubert
Answer: a) Ludwig van Beethoven

2. What is the standard tuning for a guitar’s strings?
a) EADGBE
b) DGCFAD
c) EBGDAE
d) EAC#FG#C#
Answer: a) EADGBE

3. Who is considered the “King of Pop”?
a) Michael Jackson
b) Elvis Presley
c) Frank Sinatra
d) Stevie Wonder
Answer: a) Michael Jackson

4. Which musical instrument has black and white keys?
a) Piano
b) Violin
c) Trumpet
d) Drum
Answer: a) Piano

5. Which genre of music originated in Jamaica and features offbeat rhythms and strong bass lines?
a) Reggae
b) Salsa
c) Jazz
d) Hip-hop
Answer: a) Reggae

6. Who is known for his flamboyant piano performances and elaborate stage costumes?
a) Elton John
b) Billy Joel
c) Freddie Mercury
d) Ray Charles
Answer: a) Elton John

7. Which Beatles album is often considered one of the greatest albums of all time?
a) Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
b) Abbey Road
c) Revolver
d) The White Album
Answer: a) Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band

8. What is the most common time signature in Western music?
a) 4/4
b) 3/4
c) 2/4
d) 6/8
Answer: a) 4/4

9. Who is known as the “Queen of Soul”?
a) Aretha Franklin
b) Diana Ross
c) Whitney Houston
d) Etta James
Answer: a) Aretha Franklin

10. Which country is famous for the flamenco music and dance style?
a) Spain
b) Brazil
c) Argentina
d) Cuba
Answer: a) Spain

11. Who was the lead guitarist of the band Led Zeppelin?
a) Jimmy Page
b) Eric Clapton
c) Jimi Hendrix
d) Keith Richards
Answer: a) Jimmy Page

12. Which instrument family does the saxophone belong to?
a) Woodwind
b) Brass
c) Percussion
d) String
Answer: a) Woodwind

13. What is the technique of playing two or more notes simultaneously on a guitar called?
a) Chords
b) Soloing
c) Arpeggio
d) Tremolo
Answer: a) Chords

14. Which musical genre originated in the Mississippi Delta and influenced rock and roll?
a) Blues
b) Country
c) Gospel
d) Jazz
Answer: a) Blues

15. Who wrote the musical “Les Misérables”?
a) Claude-Michel Schönberg
b) Andrew Lloyd Webber
c) Stephen Sondheim
d) Richard Rodgers
Answer: a) Claude-Michel Schönberg

Part 2: Download music knowledge questions & answers for free

16. Which country is the birthplace of the opera?
a) Italy
b) Germany
c) France
d) Austria
Answer: a) Italy

17. What is the process of combining individual musical sounds to create harmonies called?
a) Arranging
b) Composing
c) Orchestration
d) Harmonizing
Answer: d) Harmonizing

18. Who is known for his iconic song “Purple Haze” and groundbreaking guitar playing?
a) Jimi Hendrix
b) Eric Clapton
c) Carlos Santana
d) Keith Richards
Answer: a) Jimi Hendrix

19. Which music streaming platform is known for its personalized playlists and recommendations?
a) Spotify
b) Apple Music
c) Tidal
d) Amazon Music
Answer: a) Spotify

20. Which composer is famous for his “Moonlight Sonata”?
a) Ludwig van Beethoven
b) Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
c) Franz Schubert
d) Johann Sebastian Bach
Answer: a) Ludwig van Beethoven

21. Who sang the hit song “Bohemian Rhapsody”?
a) Queen
b) The Rolling Stones
c) The Beatles
d) U2
Answer: a) Queen

22. What is the small, handheld instrument often associated with Hawaiian music?
a) Ukulele
b) Banjo
c) Mandolin
d) Harmonica
Answer: a) Ukulele

23. Which instrument has the highest pitch in the orchestra?
a) Piccolo
b) Trumpet
c) Violin
d) Flute
Answer: a) Piccolo

24. Who wrote the famous musical “The Phantom of the Opera”?
a) Andrew Lloyd Webber
b) Stephen Sondheim
c) Richard Rodgers
d) Lin-Manuel Miranda
Answer: a) Andrew Lloyd Webber

25. What is the technique of rapidly hitting a drum in quick succession called?
a) Drum roll
b) Rimshot
c) Flam
d) Paradiddle
Answer: a) Drum roll

26. Which artist released the album “Thriller,” which is the best-selling album of all time?
a) Michael Jackson
b) Madonna
c) Prince
d) David Bowie
Answer: a) Michael Jackson

27. Which musical term describes gradually getting louder in volume?
a) Crescendo
b) Decrescendo
c) Staccato
d) Legato
Answer: a) Crescendo

28. Who is considered the pioneer of rock and roll and known for his hit song “Johnny B. Goode”?
a) Chuck Berry
b) Buddy Holly
c) Little Richard
d) Jerry Lee Lewis
Answer: a) Chuck Berry

29. What is the group of musicians who play together in an orchestra called?
a) Ensemble
b) Band
c) Choir
d) Symphony
Answer: d) Symphony

30. Which musical genre is characterized by fast, aggressive guitar playing, heavy drumming, and intense vocals?
a) Heavy metal
b) Punk rock
c) Grunge
d) Alternative rock
Answer: a) Heavy metal

Part 3: Free online quiz creator – OnlineExamMaker

OnlineExamMaker is a user-friendly exam maker software designed to streamline the process of creating, administering, and grading exams. It offers a comprehensive solution for educators, trainers, and organizations to create engaging and customized assessments. What’s more, OnlineExamMaker enables users to create exams efficiently, saving time and effort.