Enhance your IELTS performance by learning the vocabulary of musical instruments. Understanding and using the correct terminology for various musical instruments can significantly boost your score, particularly in the Listening and Speaking sections. Read this blog to expand your vocabulary and impress examiners with your precise and varied language skills.
Help me with the IELTS registration
Importance of using rich vocabulary related to musical instruments in your IELTS test
Using rich vocabulary related to musical instruments in your IELTS test can significantly enhance your performance, especially in the Speaking and Writing sections. Here's why it's important:
1. Demonstrates language proficiency
Including a diverse and specific vocabulary shows examiners your ability to use English at a high level. Describing musical instruments and related activities accurately indicates your command of the language and your ability to express complex ideas.
2. Add depth to your responses
When you use precise terms, such as "cello," "oboe," or "synthesiser," instead of generic words like "instrument," your answers become more detailed and interesting. This can make your responses stand out and provide a clearer picture of your knowledge and experiences.
3. Enhances coherence and cohesion
Using appropriate vocabulary helps in creating coherent and cohesive responses. For instance, when discussing the role of music in society, mentioning specific instruments and their cultural significance can make your argument more persuasive and well-structured.
4. Improves lexical resource score
The IELTS Speaking and Writing sections assess your lexical resource, which includes your ability to use a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. Using specialised terms related to musical instruments can boost your score in this criterion.
5. Engages the examiner
Examiners are more likely to be engaged and interested in your responses if you use varied and precise vocabulary. This engagement can positively influence their perception of your language skills.
List of IELTS vocabulary related to musical instruments
Here is the list of IELTS vocabulary words with meaning and examples related to the musical instruments that you can consider using in your IELTS test to score higher:
Vocabulary Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Accordion | A portable wind instrument with a keyboard and bellows | She played a lively tune on the accordion at the folk festival. |
Bagpipes | A traditional wind instrument with a series of pipes | The sound of the bagpipes filled the air during the parade. |
Banjo | A stringed instrument with a round body and long neck | He strummed a fast-paced melody on his banjo. |
Bassoon | A large woodwind instrument with a double reed | The bassoon added a rich, deep tone to the orchestra. |
Cello | A large stringed instrument played with a bow | She performed a beautiful solo on the cello. |
Clarinet | A woodwind instrument with a single reed and a cylindrical bore | The clarinetist played a soulful jazz piece. |
Clavichord | An early keyboard instrument with soft, delicate sound | The musician demonstrated an old piece on the clavichord. |
Cymbals | Percussion instruments made of brass discs | The cymbals crashed loudly during the climax of the piece. |
Didgeridoo | An Indigenous Australian wind instrument | The deep, resonant sound of the didgeridoo was captivating. |
Drum | A percussion instrument struck with hands or sticks | He kept the beat steady on the drum throughout the song. |
Dulcimer | A stringed instrument played by striking with hammers | The dulcimer's soft notes echoed through the hall. |
Flute | A woodwind instrument played by blowing across a hole | The flutist's melody was clear and enchanting. |
French horn | A brass instrument with a coiled tube and flared bell | The French horn added a warm sound to the orchestra. |
Glockenspiel | A percussion instrument with tuned metal bars | The glockenspiel's bright notes stood out in the piece. |
Guitar | A stringed instrument with a fretted neck and a body | He played an acoustic guitar in the coffee shop. |
Harp | A large stringed instrument played by plucking | The harpist's fingers danced gracefully over the strings. |
Harmonica | A small wind instrument played by blowing and drawing air | He played a blues tune on his harmonica. |
Harpsichord | An early keyboard instrument with strings plucked by quills | The harpsichord added a baroque feel to the ensemble. |
Kazoo | A simple wind instrument that modifies the voice's sound | The kids had fun making funny sounds with their kazoos. |
Keyboard | An electronic or digital instrument with piano keys | She practiced her scales on the keyboard every day. |
Lute | An ancient stringed instrument with a rounded body | The musician played a Renaissance tune on the lute. |
Mandolin | A small stringed instrument with a pear-shaped body | The mandolin added a lively touch to the folk band. |
Maracas | Percussion instruments made of gourds filled with seeds | The rhythmic shake of the maracas energized the dance. |
Oboe | A woodwind instrument with a double reed | The oboe's clear tone was prominent in the symphony. |
Organ | A large keyboard instrument with pipes | The organ's powerful sound filled the cathedral. |
Piano | A large keyboard instrument with strings struck by hammers | She played a classical piece on the grand piano. |
Saxophone | A brass wind instrument with a reed and a curved body | The saxophonist played a smooth jazz solo. |
Tambourine | A percussion instrument with a frame and jingling metal disks | She tapped the tambourine to keep the beat. |
Trombone | A brass instrument with a slide is used to change the pitch | The trombone section added a bold sound to the band. |
Violin | A stringed instrument played with a bow, held under the chin | The violinist performed a beautiful concerto. |
Musical instruments -related questions asked in the IELTS Speaking test
Here are some example questions related to musical instruments that might be asked in the IELTS Speaking test as a topic:
Part 1: Introduction and interview
Do you play any musical instruments?
When did you start playing that instrument?
How often do you practice?
Did you take any lessons to learn it, or did you learn by yourself?
Do you think playing a musical instrument is difficult? Why or why not?
Part 2: Long turn (Cue card)
Describe a musical instrument you would like to learn. You should say:
What the instrument is
Why you chose this instrument
What kind of music it is used for
And Explain how you would learn to play it
Part 3: Discussion
Why do you think people enjoy playing musical instruments?
Do you think children should be encouraged to learn to play a musical instrument? Why or why not?
How important is it to know how to read music when learning an instrument?
Do you think playing musical instruments has an impact on people’s daily lives? How?
How has the popularity of musical instruments changed over the years?
Hope these vocabulary words improve your language skills and help you effectively discuss musical instruments-related questions asked in your IELTS exam. We recommend you include these words in your learning to score a high band in the IELTS test.
If you want to know more about the IELTS test, you can get in touch with your nearest IDP IELTS test centre. Our team of IELTS experts will guide you with all your doubts.