logo
episode-header-image
May 2024
29m 49s

How do stringed instruments make sounds?

American Public Media
About this episode
Have you ever wondered why a guitar sounds different from a violin? Or why a banjo is twangy and a cello is mellow? Then this episode is for you!Join Molly and co-host Ellie as they explore the ear-tickling world of string sounds! Together, they’ll learn about sound waves, and visit the Brains On instrument petting zoo, where they'll learn about all the amaz ... Show More
Up next
Nov 3
Brains On presents Smash Boom Best: American Robin vs Mourning Dove
Get ready for a Smash Boom Best bird bonanza. Tommy Siegel and Billy Libby have gone bananas for birds in the last few years. They’re real-life friends and musicians, who host the podcast Extremely Accurate Bird Songs. Today, however, friends become foes as they each rep a differ ... Show More
39m 42s
Oct 27
Brains On presents Forever Ago: History Mystery Sounds
This week Brains On is giving you an extra helping of Mystery Sounds… with a twist! Listen as our pals at Forever Ago try to stump you with history Mystery Sounds! Joy Dolo and co-host Gabi are having a history sound extravaganza! Join them as they listen to mystery sounds from t ... Show More
36m 18s
Oct 26
Sneak Peek: Molly debates Sanden in Sloths vs Cheetahs!
Molly Bloom as a debater? It’s true! This is a sneak peek at a bonus episode we just shared in our Smarty Pass feed. Molly debates Sanden in a Smash Boom Best showdown between Cheetahs and Sloths. To hear the full, ad-free episode, join Smarty Pass. You also get access to all the ... Show More
22m 31s
Recommended Episodes
May 2020
How Musical Instruments Work
What makes a trumpet sound different from a guitar? How do flutes work? In this episode, we look at how musical instruments actually create their respective, distinctive sounds. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener fo ... Show More
45m 43s
Jan 2015
What is a logical bassoon?
Next stop on Nancy and the Meerkats’ tour sees them investigate some really cool instruments! But what catches on and how can a patent help?Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
4m 8s
Sep 2021
'KinderLute'
Four friends -- a violin, viola, cello and bass -- are nervous about meeting their new owners. Will the young musicians learn to play properly and treat their string instruments with care? Find out in 'KinderLute,' the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring music by ... Show More
9m 27s
Jun 2025
Fiddle Around!
<p>Polly goes to Fiddle Camp, violinist Katie Buckbee and her son Archer expound on their love of bluegrass, and our pal Eddie Berman introduce us to his 5-string banjo. A bit of ear training on Ear Snacks!</p> <p>(And we use "fiddling" as a model for ways of learning by doing.)< ... Show More
21m 30s
Oct 2022
What is “Onomatopoeia”?
How do dogs bark in Italian? What about birds’ chirping in Spanish? Join Elliot, Lisa, Cowy and Billy to learn about these sounds and why they are different in almost every country! Discover more activities, games, and songs that will teach your little one all about collaboration ... Show More
8 m
Sep 2025
Music the Earth Makes
Music really is all around us! In this week’s episode, sound designer and mystical wizard Alex Biscardi guides Kiana and Fiona through music made with water, singing rocks, even wind that plays the harp! Listen at music box pod dot org. 
11m 1s
May 2025
Accordions vs. Bagpipes: a musical debate
Today’s debate is a majestic musical showdown – it’s accordions vs. bagpipes! Singing the praises of the squeezebox is comedian, voice actor and writer Mary Mack, while Brains On Universe Producer Aron Woldeslassie will try to snag a win for the windy warbler. Which instrument wi ... Show More
44m 3s
May 2025
Accordions vs. Bagpipes: a musical debate
Today’s debate is a majestic musical showdown – it’s accordions vs. bagpipes! Singing the praises of the squeezebox is comedian, voice actor and writer Mary Mack, while Brains On Universe Producer Aron Woldeslassie will try to snag a win for the windy warbler. Which instrument wi ... Show More
44m 3s
Feb 2025
Viola vs. Keyboard: a musical debate
Today’s debate is a matchup between two musical marvels. It’s viola vs. keyboard! Vying for the viola’s rich, velvety tones it’s violist Sam Bergman, and repping the keyboard’s versatility and funky beats is musician Katie Drahos! Who will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Head on ... Show More
38m 45s
May 2020
How Music Works - The Physics
Musical instruments are a particularly cool type of technology. How do musical instruments take advantage of fundamental laws of physics? We explore the nature of sound and music in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystud ... Show More
44m 13s