FREE! Click here to Join FunTrivia. Thousands of games, quizzes, and lots more!
International Music Quizzes, Trivia and Puzzles
International Music Quizzes, Trivia

International Music Trivia

International Music Trivia Quizzes

  1. Home
  2. »
  3. Quizzes
  4. »
  5. Music Trivia
  6. »
  7. Other Music

Fun Trivia
A grab bag of music quizzes will be found in here .. by country, city or locality.
492 International Music quizzes and 6,888 International Music trivia questions.
1.
  Where Would You Find These Bands?   popular trivia quiz  
Classification Quiz
 15 Qns
I will give you fifteen bands, five Australian bands, five American bands, and five British bands, and then you categorize their nationality by the novel concept of where they played their first gig.
Easier, 15 Qns, blake_aus_nsw, Apr 01 22
Easier
blake_aus_nsw gold member
Apr 01 22
850 plays
2.
Rockin All Over The World
  Rockin' All Over The World    
Photo Quiz
 10 Qns
I was recently told that one of my music quizzes was too global, which made me think, "what a great idea for a quiz". Sign up here to begin rockin' all over the world.
Average, 10 Qns, 480154st, Jul 04 22
Average
480154st gold member
Jul 04 22
350 plays
3.
  Another Country Heard From   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The American charts have had hits by bands from other countries. Can you match the band to their native country?
Average, 10 Qns, shanteyman, Feb 02 08
Average
shanteyman
666 plays
4.
  U S Billboard Hits From European Artists.   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
European songs and artists over the past 50 years that have made the charts in the US (other than from the UK).
Average, 10 Qns, shanteyman, Jul 17 18
Average
shanteyman
Jul 17 18
738 plays
5.
  Note-Worthy Voices: Filipino Singers    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Embark on a melodic journey through the heart and soul of Filipino music. Test your knowledge of these vocal virtuosos who've left an indelible mark on the Philippine music scene.
Average, 10 Qns, tutankhamen2, Aug 15 23
Average
tutankhamen2
Aug 15 23
79 plays
6.
  Klezmer Keys   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Klezmer is the name given to a style of Jewish music. Come learn about this infectious music, which has seen a recent resurgence in popularity.
Average, 10 Qns, pusdoc, Jul 15 07
Average
pusdoc gold member
392 plays
7.
  International Music, Made In Israel   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The extremely diverse nature of the Israeli society leads to the creation of unique music. This quiz concentrates on Israeli artists who have succeeded in exporting their music to a worldwide audience.
Difficult, 10 Qns, gentlegiant17, Feb 04 14
Difficult
gentlegiant17
285 plays
8.
  International U.S. Chart Toppers    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
To all you Boomers out there and anyone who is a fan of international music, don your thinking caps and see how many of these hit tunes you can remember. Have an enjoyable walk down memory lane.
Average, 10 Qns, nmerr, Aug 09 13
Average
nmerr gold member
440 plays
9.
  The Universal Language    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said "music is the universal language of mankind" so let's take a look at some foreign language chart hits and see whether he was right.
Average, 10 Qns, 480154st, Oct 02 18
Average
480154st gold member
Oct 02 18
175 plays
10.
  World Music From Where?    
Multiple Choice
 25 Qns
This quiz is simple. I give you the name of an artist and you choose the country where he or she is from.
Tough, 25 Qns, Vermic, May 17 10
Tough
Vermic
612 plays
trivia question Quick Question
What is the name of two different Israeli jazz musicians who are based nowadays in the USA? One is a contrabass player, the other is a trumpeter.

From Quiz "International Music, Made In Israel"




11.
  Musical Geography    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Do you know which countries are home to which music acts?
Average, 10 Qns, bravomoose, Sep 08 05
Average
bravomoose
1665 plays
12.
  World Music    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Questions about music from around the world- enjoy!
Average, 10 Qns, dysher, Jun 08 14
Average
dysher
385 plays
13.
  Celtic and Other Music    
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
This is just about various songs and bands, nothing too old and nothing too modern. I don't know how hard it will be but anyway, Enjoy!
Average, 15 Qns, Slaintemhath, Jul 13 17
Average
Slaintemhath
275 plays
14.
  Indonesian Music    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
In this quiz, you will find about Indonesian music, both traditional and modern.
Average, 10 Qns, ajitirj, Jul 01 08
Average
ajitirj
250 plays
15.
  European Pop Artists Mix    
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
I have adopted this quiz, and since the original author wanted people to match, I have changed it to a matching quiz. Just match the singer or group with the country of origin.
Easier, 10 Qns, Ilona_Ritter, Jan 24 22
Easier
Ilona_Ritter
Jan 24 22
120 plays
16.
  Ukrainian Music    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This quiz shall help you find out more about music in this European country.
Tough, 10 Qns, dimakir, May 24 04
Tough
dimakir
230 plays
17.
  Dancehall in 2000    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Here's an easy quiz to test how much u r 'into' the swing of things where sessions and DJ's r concered.
Difficult, 10 Qns, glammachick, May 26 01
Difficult
glammachick
312 plays

International Music Trivia Questions

1. Who, in 1981, hit number one in UK with a Spanish cover of the 1935 Cole Porter song "Begin The Beguine"?

From Quiz
The Universal Language

Answer: Julio Iglesias

Iglesias had his first hit in Spain in 1968 ("La Vida Sigue Igual") and his first hit outside his homeland in 1971 with "Un Canto A Galicia" which reached number one in Netherlands, but it was "Begin The Beguine" which brought him true global recognition. From there he has gone on to record with stars such as Willie Nelson, Sting, The Beach Boys and Diana Ross, and, almost 40 years after his first hit, was still hitting the top 20 in Spain. Interestingly, the word "beguine" was originally used to describe a Christian woman, who was a member of a religious community but without formal vows in 13th century Netherlands, before being known as a Caribbean dance, resembling the rumba.

2. In 1961 a young Asian singer recorded a song in Japanese that made it to the number one spot on the U.S. charts in 1963. Do you remember the name of that song?

From Quiz International U.S. Chart Toppers

Answer: Sukiyaki

Kyu Sakamoto recorded the song which reached the top of the U.S Billboard charts in 1963. Despite the fact that it was sung entirely in Japanese, it met with great success in the U.S. "Ue o Muite Arukou" is the Japanese title and, if you read the English translation, the lyrics are quite poetic. By the way, the title has nothing to do with the Japanese dish sukiyaki. It was so named to appeal to English speakers who were familiar with the dish.

3. "Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix)" made a big impact on the charts in 1996, staying at the top spot in the US for 14 weeks. Los Del Rio was the name of the band. Which city did the band come from?

From Quiz U S Billboard Hits From European Artists.

Answer: Seville

Antonio Romero Monge and Rafael Ruíz were from an area of Seville, Spain, known as Dos Hermanas. While "Macarena" seemed to be an overnight sensation, the pair had actually been performing since the sixties. The title of the song was originally going to be "Magdalena" but there had been a successful song released by the same name so the duo changed it to "Macarena", a popular name in the area. It was also the name of one of Romero Monge's daughters. The popularity of the song led to a South American tour for the duo and it also became a hit in many other countries. In 2002 cable network "VH1" (1985) ranked the song "The Greatest One-Hit Wonder". In 1997 a follow up titled "Macarena Christmas" only reached Number 57 on the US charts.

4. Shocking Blue had a number one hit with "Venus" in February, 1970. Which country did they call home?

From Quiz Another Country Heard From

Answer: Holland

Shocking Blue, Golden Earring, and Q'65 were some of the leading rock and pop bands of the sixties in Holland. Robbie Van Leeuwen formed Shocking Blue in 1967 after leaving the band Motions. The following year they were signed with independent label Dureco. Their first single "Lucy Brown is Back in Town" went to 21 on the Dutch Top Forty. Shortly after the success of the single, their manager was attending a party for another band and heard singer Mariska Veres fronting the house band at the event. He eventually persuaded her to join Shocking Blue, replacing singer Fred DeWilde. After two minor hits the band recorded "Venus" on a two-track and it went to number one in most European countries before breaking in the US. Ironically, it only peaked at number three on the Dutch charts.

5. Klezmer musicians were traditionally hired to play at what type of function?

From Quiz Klezmer Keys

Answer: weddings

Traditional Jewish weddings lasted for days, and the musicians would vary the tempo depending on how exhausted the guests had become! Klezmer music is frequently dance music, many pieces are very fast tempo. These days, klezmer music may be heard at Bar Mitzvahs too.

6. This band played an important role in the European New Wave scene in the 80s. It was based in Brussels and recorded with the label Crammed. Their song "When I Go" was featured in the film "Wings Of Desire" by Wim Wenders (1987).

From Quiz International Music, Made In Israel

Answer: Minimal Compact

What a unique band. Vocalist Samy Birnbach now performs as DJ Morpheus. Berry Sakharof and Rami Fortis returned to Israel to lead successful solo careers, and from time to time perform as a duo (FortiSakharof). Malka Spiegel lives and records with Colin Newman (from Wire). Drummer Max Franken, the only non-Israeli band member is still active in Holland. Sophya is led by Israelis Idan Karuchi and Sonja Rosenblum, who are also members of the revived Dutch band Mecano. Mecano frontman Dick Polak has produced Minimal Compact's debut album "One By One" in 1982. What's Kiss got to do with this? Gene Simmons was born in Haifa, Israel as Chaim Witz. He is the son of two holocaust survivors from Hungary. His mother has immigrated to the US with him when he was 8 years old. Rockfour is an Israeli band which plays retro-prog and tours the USA regularly.

7. The melodies of the classical music from this country are based on ragas.

From Quiz World Music

Answer: India

Each raga is supposed to evoke a particular mood; many are intended to be played at specific times of day.

8. In what year was Bruce Hornsby's 'The Way It Is' a UK Top 20 Hit?

From Quiz Celtic and Other Music

Answer: 1986

Tupac later sampled the distinctive piano part on his song, 'Changes'.

9. Which country is home to Roxette and ABBA?

From Quiz Musical Geography

Answer: Sweden

When Roxette's 'The Look' hit number one in the US, ABBA and Blue Suede were the only other Swedish acts to have done it.

10. Which ukrainian singer won 2004 Eurovision song contest?

From Quiz Ukrainian Music

Answer: Ruslana

Ruslana received 280 points after performing her "Wild dances" song which she sang in english and ukrainian.The song contains sample from traditional Hutsulean music.Ruslana herself comes from Lviv in Western Ukraine where she still runs an advertising agency "Luxen".

11. What is the name of Bounty Killer's album following 'Next Millenium'?

From Quiz Dancehall in 2000

Answer: The Fifth Element

Not a very popular album, but there were a few hype songs.

12. When "Pagdating ng Panahon" (2001) was released, a former child star rose again into stardom, not as an actress, but as a singer. Who is the singer behind this hit title?

From Quiz Note-Worthy Voices: Filipino Singers

Answer: Aiza Seguerra

"Pagdating ng Panahon (When the Time Comes)" is from Aiza Seguerra (now known as Ice Seguerra), who was a former child actress and a popular performer on the noontime TV variety show "Eat Bulaga". She recorded it at the age of 17, making her one of the youngest solo artists to release an album in the Philippines. The album achieved Diamond Record status, meaning it sold more than 150,000 units in the Philippines, making her the third and youngest OPM (Original Pinoy Music) artist to reach this feat.

13. The term "global hit" is often overused, but certainly applies to this record which in 2012, was a number one in over 30 countries as well as having the first video to reach one billion views on Youtube. What was this Korean phenomenon?

From Quiz The Universal Language

Answer: Gangnam Style

Modern South Korean music, usually referred to as K-Pop, achieved global interest with the success of "Gangnam Style" by Psy, leading to the band f(x) performing at SXSW festival in USA and BTS becoming the first Korean group to win a Billboard Award while Park Jung-min became the first ever Korean singer to hold a solo concert in Moscow and SHINee was met by fans at Heathrow Airport in London, creating scenes reminiscent of Beatlemania of the 60s. Oh, and don't try to tell me you haven't attempted the dance at some point!

14. The year is 1963 and a Belgian nun recorded a French language song that became an international hit. Name that song.

From Quiz International U.S. Chart Toppers

Answer: Dominique

Jeanine Deckers was known professionally as the "Singing Nun." "Dominique" became an international success and reached the top ten on the U.S. Billboard charts. The song is about Saint Dominic, a Spanish priest of the Dominican Order, the same order of which Jeanine herself was a member. Amazingly, after all these years, I still remember the tune and the French lyrics to that song... well, the chorus anyway.

15. The Spanish group Los Bravos enjoyed a successful US hit with a Number Four single in in July 1966. What was the name of their only US top twenty song?

From Quiz U S Billboard Hits From European Artists.

Answer: Black is Black

Los Bravos called Madrid, Spain, home base even though their singer, Mike Kogel, was from Germany. The group was only together for less than three years and "Black is Black" was their only significant hit in the US. Their 1968 follow up, "Bring A Little Lovin'", only reached Number 51. A 1977 disco remake of the hit done by French based Belle Epoque made it to the Number Two spot in the UK but failed to make any progress in the US. "Paint it Black" was a Rolling Stones hit from 1966. "Back in Black" was an AC/DC song released in 1980 and "Black Magic Woman" was originally done by Fleetwood Mac in 1968 and remade by Santana two years later.

16. Which English band with an American name had a hit in the sixties with "Tobacco Road"?

From Quiz Another Country Heard From

Answer: The Nashville Teens

The band was formed in Weybridge, Surrey in 1962. They became part of the Hamburg music scene along with the Beatles and even backed Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Bo Diddley. They came to the attention of famed British manager Mickie Most who produced their 1964 debut single, "Tobacco Road". The song reached number six in the UK and made it to number 14 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The band was comprised of excellent musicians, however, because of lack of support by their label and the fact that the collective band did not have a unique appeal they could not sustain their success. The Lovin' Spoonful, Sopwith Camel and The Outsiders are all from various parts of America. "Tobacco Road" was written by John D. Loudermilk in 1960 and has been covered by many bands, including The Animals and Blues Magoos.

17. When klezmer pieces include lyrics to be sung, what language is usually used?

From Quiz Klezmer Keys

Answer: Yiddish

Modern klezmer is sung in many languages, but the roots of the current style are in Yiddish music from Eastern Europe.

18. This song by Esther and Abi Ofarim topped a few European charts in 1967-1968, including the ones of UK and Germany.

From Quiz International Music, Made In Israel

Answer: Cinderella Rockefella

Have a look at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JZ4aLBjzFI - I need not say more!

19. Instruments common to the music of this country include the sheng, erhu, and pipa.

From Quiz World Music

Answer: China

These instruments and more are found the the traditional orchestras of China. They are often used as accompaniment in the performance of Chinese opera.

20. Who sang 'Smalltown Boy'?

From Quiz Celtic and Other Music

Answer: Bronski Beat

The vocalist of this now disbanded band is male, despite the very falsetto voice. (I thought for ages that it was a woman!).

21. What country gave us Loverboy, Rush, and the Barenaked Ladies?

From Quiz Musical Geography

Answer: Canada

Easy one, eh?

22. Who was the presenter of the notorious Teritoria A countodown?

From Quiz Ukrainian Music

Answer: Anzhelyka Rudnycka

She is now enjoying a solo career.

23. Which D.J. was recently released from prison and is obviously making up for lost time?

From Quiz Dancehall in 2000

Answer: Ninja Man

A.K.A.- Brother Desmond

24. The year was 1969 and this track, in French, became the first foreign language track to top the UK charts as well as the first banned record to hit number one. What was it?

From Quiz The Universal Language

Answer: Je T'aime... Moi Non Plus

"Je T'aime" was performed by Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin, after originally being written for Brigitte Bardot to perform with Gainsbourg. The suggestive lyric delivery, along with groans and sighs of pleasure culminating with Birkin's orgasmic sounding ending was too much for many countries and it was banned in several, with even the liberated French restricting radio airplay to after 11 p.m.. "Moi...Lolita" was released in 2000 by 16 year old Alizée and the other two possible answers were famous songs by Edith Piaf.

25. In the mid-1960s, the style of Brazilian music called bossa nova became popular world-wide. In the U.S. one song in particular stood out and became very successful. Written by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes, which song was it?

From Quiz International U.S. Chart Toppers

Answer: The Girl From Ipanema

Originally titled 'Menina que Passa,' the title was changed to 'Garota de Ipanema' or 'Girl From Ipanema." It has been covered by numerous artists over the years. In 1964 the English version of the song reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy award for "Record of the Year" in 1965. The song was inspired by a real girl, Heloísa Eneida Menezes Paes Pinto, who lived in Ipanema, a neighborhood in the southern part of Rio de Janeiro.

26. In 1961 German bandleader Bert Kaempfert placed an instrumental song on the US charts that knocked Elvis Presley from first place. What was the title of his instrumental hit?

From Quiz U S Billboard Hits From European Artists.

Answer: Wonderland by Night

"Are You Lonesome Tonight" was toppled from the US Billboard charts and "Wonderland by Night" reigned for three weeks. Bandleader Bert Kaempfert also wrote the music to several other US hits including "Strangers in the Night" and Spanish Eyes". He was able to play several instruments and while acting in the capacity of a producer for Polydor Records he hired an unknown group called The Beatles to back a singer named Tony Sheridan on some sessions, making him the first producer to commercially record the band. Bert's 1962 instrumental, "A Swinging Safarai", became the theme song for "The Match Game". "Theme from A Summer Place" was a Number One instrumental for Canadian Percy Faith in 1960. Several vocalists have recorded a version of "More (Theme from Mondo Cane)" but the instrumental by Danish trombonist Kai Winding reached the number eight slot on the US charts in the early sixties. "The Stripper" was a number one hit for British born David Rose in July, 1962.

27. The Seekers were a major folk styled group in the sixties. Which country did they originate from?

From Quiz Another Country Heard From

Answer: Australia

The Seekers were formed in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, in 1962. They were the first Australian group to achieve chart success in England as well as the United States, predating the BeeGees. They released their first album, "Introducing The Seekers", in 1963. While performing on a ten-week cruise they ended up in England. A British promoter booked them and they performed and recorded in the UK until 1966. When they returned to Australia they had their own television special and performed for record crowds. In 1967 they recorded the title song for the movie "Georgy Girl". Other hits include "There Will Never Be Another You" and "A World of Our Own". In 1968 lead singer Judith Durham decided to leave and the group disbanded.

28. Which instrument traditionally is most prominent in klezmer, presenting the main themes of the melody?

From Quiz Klezmer Keys

Answer: violin

Violins (fiddles) are portable, and the kleyzmorim needed to travel from place to place.

29. This duo comprising of Erez Eisen and Amit Duvdevani is a key figure in the psy-trance scene since the mid-90s. They are recording in the Israeli electronic music label BNE.

From Quiz International Music, Made In Israel

Answer: Infected Mushroom

Erez Eisen (aka I. Zen) and Amit Duvdevani (aka Duvdev) are also from Haifa. Like many other Israeli electronic musicians they emerged from the mid-90s Goa trance scene which was led by Israelis. Infected Mushroom is a regular participant in major electronic music festivals (http://www.myspace.com/infectedmushroomcentral). The other bands mentioned are also well-known psy-trance bands recording with BNE.

This is category 1635
Last Updated Oct 26 2024 5:44 AM
play trivia = Top 5% Rated Quiz, take trivia quiz Top 10% Rated Quiz, test trivia quiz Top 20% Rated Quiz, popular trivia A Well Rated Quiz
new quizzes = added recently, editor pick = Editor's Pick editor = FunTrivia Editor gold = Gold Member

Teachers / educators: FunTrivia welcomes the use of our website and quizzes in the classroom as a teaching aid or for preparing and testing students. See our education section. Our quizzes are printable and may be used as question sheets by k-12 teachers, parents, and home schoolers.

 ·  All questions, answers, and quiz content on this website is copyright FunTrivia, Inc and may not be reproduced without permission. Any images from TV shows and movies are copyright their studios, and are being used under "fair use" for commentary and education.