Topic One (1.1): Stringed Instruments

Topics Icon.png Objectives for this topic

In this topic you will learn about stringed instruments. These are instruments that produce music from strings that vibrate when someone plays the strings in a particular way. This can be by rubbing (violin) or plucking (a harp) the strings.  

Skills Icon.png Instructions

  • Stringed instruments will usually have a hollow body or an enclosed area that projects the sound that the string makes when it vibrates. Think about the shape of a guitar. It has a circle cut out of the body beneath the strings and is entirely hollow on the inside.
  • Use the Britannica website to explore stringed instruments in more depth:

EXPLORE - Stringed Instrument Links to an external site.

  • Now watch this interesting video that summarizes all you need to know about stringed  instruments. Try to make notes as you watch. Keep this to one side of an A4. You may need this later for the support activity, so keep it safe. 

  • Let's now learn about rondalla instruments. The word rondalla comes from the Spanish language and means 'serenade'.  Rondalla is the name given to a group of stringed instruments played with a plectrum or a pointed instrument. This tradition originated in Spain and was then taken to South America and the Philippines.    
  • Watch the video below to learn more about rondalla instruments.

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  • Can you remember 5 facts you have learnt about rondalla instruments?
  • Your next task is to create your own unique strings instrument. Find some elastic bands and create a string instrument of your own. Let your imagination run wild! If you like, take a photo of it and send it to your tutor. They would love to see it!

Review Icon.png Review

Can you name five stringed instruments? Can you name more? 

Bridge Icon.png  Support activity for this topic

Create a revision mind map, poster or Prezi on stringed instruments.

Stretch Icon.png Extension activity for this topic

Karl Jenkins is a famous British multi-instrumentalist and composer. One of his best known works is the song 'Adiemus'. You can listen to the song here. Have you heard it before?

Here is another composition of his: Palladio (Concerto Grosso for Strings). Listen and watch the different stringed instruments come together to perform this piece.