Percussion instruments are those that need to be struck, shaken, scraped or rubbed to produce sounds.

Percussion instruments are generally divided into two main groups: those with indefinite pitch, such as the rattle and tambourine, and those with definite pitch, which produce a specific musical note, such as the timpani, marimba, and xylophone.

The percussion family includes numerous instruments of various shapes and sizes, ranging from simple to complex constructions.

How are they played?

Sounds or noises are produced when the instrument itself vibrates (idiophones) or when a stretched membrane attached to it vibrates (membranophones). This occurs when the instruments are struck, shaken, scraped, or rubbed.

A Bit of History...

Percussion instruments are likely the oldest musical instruments, dating back to the earliest human civilizations. Their use has been associated with religious and secular festivals, funeral ceremonies, dances, and many other events. Found in all cultures and on every continent, they remain essential to virtually all musical genres and styles to this day.