Plays the Violin Well Trivia Quiz

Answer: Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson played the violin, cello, and clavichord (a small piano-like instrument). During his early education Jefferson learned to read music and to play the violin. He was capable of writing down his favorite violin tunes by the age of fourteen. Years later he recalled that, as a youth, he routinely practiced three hours a day. Unfortunately, he broke his right wrist in 1786, and his playing was radically curtailed thereafter.

Answer: Tuba

Harry Smith played the tuba with several members of the Salvation Army band in 2004. He also played this brass instrument on air with the Muppets in 1994. He also was the featured speaker at a 2009 Salvation Army anniversary event in Philadelphia. Harry is an active cyclist. He likes to commute to work on a "folding bike".

Answer: Harmonica

Mr. Willis also likes to sing. He has headed a band called "The Accelerators" which has performed Rock, Blues and R&B across the globe. Bruce's music career began before his acting career. Bruce also released his debut album in 1987 the "Return of Bruno". Of this album's songs, "Respect Yourself", was a Top Five hit on the Billboard 100. Bruce then released a second solo album in 1989, "If It Don't Kill You, It Just Makes You Stronger" in 1989.

A compilation "Classic Bruce Willis: The Universal Masters Collection" was released in 2001. Bruce and his band have also entertained American troops stationed in Iraq, Korea, and Kenya.

Answer: A violin would not have been found in first century Rome

Although not accurately recorded as to its specific invention date the violin wasn't around prior to the 16th century. A Roman historian Suetonius records that Nero was responsible for the fire and that he observed it from a tower while singing about the destruction of Troy and playing an instrument.

Many experts think if Nero played any instrument during the Rome fire, it was more than likely the lyre. Nero died four years after the burning of Rome.

Answer: Concertina

Gandhi played the concertina upon hearing about the death of a friend according to his autobiography. A concertina is a free-reed instrument not unlike various accordions. Gandhi dedicated his life to the purpose of Satya, or the discovery of truth. He was assassinated in 1948.

Answer: Piano

Condeleeza served as U.S. National Security Advisor from 2001 to 2005 and then became the U.S. Secretary of State. Before pursuing a degree in international relations and economics she wanted to become a concert pianist. Ms. Rice is an accomplished pianist and has given public performances since she was very young.

At age 15 she played Mozart with the Denver Symphony. As Secretary of State she played with a chamber music group in Washington DC on a regular basis. She does not perform professionally, but has played diplomatic events at various embassies.

Answer: Organ

He won an organ scholarship at Balliol College in his first term there. Mr. Heath also played the organ at Holy Trinity Church Brompton in his early years. He was the recipient of honorary degrees in music from The Royal College of Music and the Royal College of Organists.

Answer: Guitar

Melcher never signed Manson to a recording contract. The Tate murders occurred on August 9th, 1969 at 10050 Cielo Drive in Los Angeles and five people, including actress Sharon Tate, were brutally murdered. This was Terry Melcher's former residence.

Answer: Theremin

The Theremin is an early electronic musical instrument that requires no physical contact by the musician to play it. The Theremin can produce a very eerie sound as evidenced by its use in many science fiction movies such as the original "The Day the Earth Stood Still". Psychedelic rock bands such as "Hawkwind" have used the instrument extensively.

Answer: Accordion

Mr. Smoltz is an accomplished accordionist. Despite his early musical success with the instrument he decided to focus on baseball at the age of seven. John told his parents that if he didn't become a Major League baseball player that his backup plan was to be a gas station attendant.