The percussion instrument family in an orchestra includes instruments such as the timpani, snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, triangle, and xylophone. These instruments produce sound through striking, shaking, or scraping and provide rhythm and accent in orchestral compositions.
Percussion music instruments are either tuned or untuned, with each sounding a different note. For example, a xylophone is tuned, whereas a bass drum is not. So, whether you are a novice or a seasoned professional, below we have included the most popular percussion instruments in Australia you can play or learn belonging to the percussion family.
Musical instruments percussion family are a broad category of instruments that produce sound when struck, shaken, or scraped. They include drums, cymbals, xylophones, maracas, and tambourines. These instruments are often used to maintain rhythm, create texture, and add a colour to musical compositions.
Percussion instruments can be classified into tuned (like the xylophone) and untuned (like drums). Each type offers unique sounds that are essential in various music genres, from classical to contemporary styles.
There are multiple ways to produce sound within the family of percussion instruments.
You can strike some percussion instruments with a stick or mallet (such as the snare drum, bass drum, kettle drum, triangle, and xylophone), or with your hand (like the tambourine).
Other percussion instruments are shaken (like maracas and tambourine), scraped (like the gui?ro), or crashed together (like cymbals).
In the case of the piano, sound is produced when the keys are played, activating tiny hammers inside the piano that in turn strike strings, causing them to vibrate and produce sound.
Percussion musical instruments are a diverse family and there are various instruments under different categories. You can explore the list of percussion instruments with pictures and names.
Moreover, here is the list of the most popular percussion family instruments, that are widely used among beginners and professional musicians in Australia: -
Now let's understand more about these instruments in the percussion family.
Piano is a famous instrument that comes under the percussion family. Some musicians consider the piano both a string and percussion instrument.
When the keys are struck, they cause hammers to strike strings inside the piano, producing its distinctive sound. The piano is a tuned instrument capable of playing many notes.
Timpani, also known as kettle drums, are large copper pots with calfskin or tightly stretched plastic drumheads.
They are tuned instruments that can produce various notes by tightening or loosening the drumheads. Many orchestras and bands have several timpani of different sizes and shapes, each tuned to play different notes.
The xylophone is one of the most used instruments in the percussion family with wooden bars (keys) resembling a piano's keys.
When struck with a mallet, each key produces a unique sound and pitch, creating a bright, bell-like sound. Other variations of the xylophone include the marimba, vibraphone, and glockenspiel.
Cymbals consist of two large metal disks that are played by striking them together.
Unlike the xylophone, cymbals cannot be tuned, but different sizes produce varying sounds. They are often used to add drama and excitement due to their impactful sound.
The snare drum is a small drum made of wood or brass with drumheads made of calfskin or plastic stretched over both ends of a hollow cylinder.
It is often used in military music and is a central part of any marching band. Snare drums are used to keep the rhythm and make special sounds, such as drumrolls.
Maracas come from Mexico. They are rattles, often made from gourds (a kind of squash) filled with dried seeds, beads, or even tiny ball bearings that make them rattle.
Maracas can also be made of wood or plastic; the sound they make depends on what they're made of. To play them, you hold them in your hands and shake.
The gong, also known as the tamtam, is a very large metal plate that hangs suspended from a metal pipe. It looks similar to a cymbal and is also untuned but is much larger and has a raised centre.
To play it, you hit the centre with a soft mallet. Depending on how hard you hit it, you can make a deafening crash or the softest flicker of sound.
Chimes are metal tubes of different lengths that are hung from a metal frame. When you strike the tubes with a mallet, they sound like the ringing bells of a church. Each chime sounds a different pitch.
There is different list of musical instruments, each with its own unique sound, and people listen to the music produced from them every day. Learn about the complete list of all musical instruments with names & types.
Easily accessible and fun, playing a percussion instrument is an excellent way to express yourself through music and create rhythms. It is one of the most exciting hobbies to pursue. Here are some health benefits of playing a percussion musical instrument: -
Playing percussion musical instruments helps both children and adults with their coordination and motor skills. Drumming involves using the hands, fingers, arms, and feet simultaneously, which can improve rhythmic coordination and even promote ambidexterity.
A recent study found that individuals engaged in drumming had higher levels of natural killer cells, which can boost the body's immune response. This can help protect against diseases and keep you healthier.
Playing percussion family instruments allows you to play at your own pace, whether fast or slow. Creating music can help release pent-up worries, providing a moment of relaxation and focus.
Drumming is an avenue to expressing one’s true self. Finding your own rhythm and beat opens you up to a new perspective. Creating music with your own two hands allows you to aesthetically release your memories and experiences unique to you.
Children who start playing instruments at a young age are known to have better verbal memory and reading ability. Playing an instrument over time is a continuous learning experience.
Playing percussion instruments can be done individually as well as in groups. It brings people together through a common ground of unique music making. Groups can inspire individuals to put more effort in. Everyone beating on the drums, each creating their own melody, brings everyone together.
Understanding the family of percussion instruments opens up a world of rhythmic possibilities. Whether you are attracted to the deep resonance of drums, the bright tones of cymbals, or the unique sounds of instruments like the xylophone, percussion rental offers something for every musical taste.
For those interested in exploring these instruments, renting can be an excellent option. It allows you to experience the joy of playing without the upfront cost of purchasing. Renting percussion instruments online also give you the flexibility to try different instruments, making it easier to find the perfect fit for your musical journey.
So, do you want to pursue your musical passion but worried about the costs? Click here to know how much to rent an instrument in Australia.
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Renting percussion instruments online from InstruShare provides a convenient and cost-effective solution for musicians of all levels. Whether you are a beginner exploring new sounds or a professional player in need of specific instruments for a short period, as the best percussion instruments online store in Australia we provide flexible rental options to make sure that you have the right instruments at your fingertips.
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