Musical education is an essential part of a well-rounded education. Understanding music and its components can help students develop a better appreciation of different cultures and styles, as well as improve their cognitive abilities. When it comes to music, there are several aspects to consider. One of the essential aspects is chordophones, which are instruments that produce sound by vibrating a string, which is stretched between two points.
In the classroom, teaching students about chordophones is a unique way to polish their musical understanding and introduce them to different instruments. Chordophones are commonly classified into four categories: zithers, lutes, harps, and lyres, each with different methods of sound production and unique sounds.
Firstly, zithers are chordophones that have strings anchored to a base, commonly made of wood. There are two types of zithers – a plucked zither such as the Chinese Guzheng and the hammered zither such as the German Hackbrett. Students may recognize the famous song of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” is played on the plucked zither.
Secondly, lutes are chordophones that have a neck attached to the resonator, with strings running along the length of the neck. Students may recognize the guitar, the most famous example of a lute. The sound of the lute is produced by plucking the strings with the fingers. The ukulele is also another example of a lute, with Hawaiian music being a famous style for this type of chordophone.
Thirdly, harps are chordophones with many strings stretched over a frame, with the sound produced by plucking the strings with the fingers. The Irish harp and the double-action harp are two popular examples of the chordophone.
Lastly, lyres are chordophones that have strings running down from a yoke attached to a resonator. The strings are plucked with the fingers or with a plectrum. The Greek lyre is a famous example of this type of chordophone.
One of the most significant benefits of teaching students about chordophones is that they will develop a more comprehensive understanding of music and the instruments that produce sound. Students may even be inspired to learn how to play a musical instrument themselves! In addition, they will be exposed to different musical styles, such as classical, traditional, and contemporary.
