UreMusic Education

The difference between a drum and a percussion instrument creates confusion among those that don't know the intricacies of both instrument categories. While both instruments share similar characteristics, a drum consists of a very specific type of percussion instrument. Percussionists and drummers learn very early on to distinguish the difference by identifying the specific characteristics of each instrument. Main Differences Drums fall under the category of percussion instruments. However, not all percussion instruments can be considered drums. A drum specifically requires the instrument to produce an indefinite pitch and applies to instruments that are struck with drumsticks, mallets, beaters or the hands. Percussion instruments include any instrument that can be struck or hit with a mallet or that produces an extra-musical effect. Drum Instruments There are several types of drums, including snare drums, bass drums, bongos, congas, tom-toms and war drums. Each of these instrument...

The two most common types of trumpets are Bb and C trumpets. Each trumpet has characteristics that make it useful in different contexts. The C trumpet has a bright and penetrating sound while the Bb trumpet has a mellow, relaxed sound. The more commonly used instrument is the Bb trumpet, but all professional trumpet players play the C trumpet as well. Changing between instruments poses nominal problems since the basic finger combinations stay the same. Timbre The C trumpet has a brighter sound and is more agile than the Bb trumpet. The Bb trumpet, characterized by its mellow sound, provides a darker pitch. Fanfares more commonly use Bb trumpets, while slow lyrical passages fit the C trumpet. The Bb trumpet plays with better intonation, but this minor issue will not deter a professional trumpet player; any professional player can easily adjust intonation with the lips. Fingerings The fingerings on both trumpets are the same; the difference is in how the player thinks about the fingering...

Inline and offset flutes have different constructions that place the position of the keys in different positions depending on the design. Choosing the right flute for your purposes depends on several factors, including your own personal physical characteristics. Spending some time to determine the correct instrument for your needs will increase your comfort while playing. Construction An offset flute and inline flute have one major distinction. The offset flute has a secondary bar in which all of the Gs throughout the octaves are placed. The inline flute places all of the keys on a single bar. One major disadvantage to inline flutes involves the way in which the left hand has to contort to play the keys. Since the left hand will rest against the rod while playing an inline flute, the rod is susceptible to bending. Purpose Traditionally, an offset flute was considered a student flute because the offset keys were easier to remember and an inline flute has some awkward positions when the ...

Percussion music consists of definite pitched and non-pitched indefinite percussion instruments. Distinguishing between these two types of instruments is simple when you know what to listen for. A definite percussion instrument will produce pitches capable of notation by a competent musician. Non-pitches indefinite instruments do not produce sounds that lend themselves to accurate notation; rather, the pitches are spaced in the staff based on their general pitch. Indefinite instruments with high general pitches appear at the top of the staff and low instruments such as the bass drum appear at the bottom of the staff. Mallet Instruments Mallet instruments typically do not fall into the category of indefinitely-pitched instruments. The majority of them, including the xylophone and marimba, have defined pitches. However, some instruments that use mallets to create their sound do classify as indefinitely-pitched instruments. Steel drums and roto toms both use double mallets to play and cre...

Many traditional Japanese instruments originated in China. Japanese traditional instruments consist of three basic types -- strings, percussion, and winds -- used in ceremonies and celebrations including Buddhist ceremonies and Imperial court music. The music varies from solo works to different types of ensembles used in chamber and theater music. Many of the instruments used in Japanese music have made their way into Western compositions as well. Shamisen The shamisen is a plucked three-string instrument that traces its origins to16th century China. The shamisen appeared in Kabuki theater in which performers would dance traditional Japanese dances and depict stories and legends through the music. Traditionally, the shamisen consists of red sandalwood with silk strings and a body made from animal skin. Koto The koto is another string instrument that came from China around the 6th century. Kotos traditionally comprise five strings each tuned to a note of the pentatonic scale -- a five-n...

Introduction Weighted keys add an element of realism to digital pianos. When choosing a digital piano, you will come across the options of semi-weighted and weighted keyboards. Both types of keyboards have special characteristics that make a difference in sound when you play your piano. Deciding which style is right for you will help you make a decision on the appropriate piano to purchase. Weighting Weighted keys are designed to imitate the feel and heaviness of an acoustic piano's keys. Semi-weighted keys weigh less than weighted keys. The difference in weight depends largely on the manufacturer. An advantage of semi-weighted keyboards is that the total weight of the keyboard is reduced. This is an important consideration for keyboardists who perform on the road and have to travel a lot. Key Pressure The pressure applied to weighted keys comes very close to the pressure required on an actual piano. For a pianist who plans to practice on a digital piano and then perform profession...

Voice classifications make it possible to match voice type to music. Sopranos have the brightest timbre and highest range of all the voice types. Within the soprano voice classification are five sub-types which are often combined to fit the characteristics of each singer's voice. Composers who want to write successful vocal music should know these sub-types so the music will fit an individual vocalist's register. Singers need to know these voice types to work on music that fits their voice classification. Coloratura The coloratura soprano sings virtuosic melodies and is capable of singing extremely technical music. Most of the music for coloratura soprano involves ornamentation of the melody and agile flexibility of the voice. Within this category of voice, there is an additional distinction of lyric and dramatic coloratura. A lyric coloratura will have a narrow, highly defined voice quality that is light in texture. A dramatic coloratura has a larger, wider and richer sound su...

Fingerboards are also called fretboards. The type of wood used for a fingerboard affects the tone quality of the guitar. Wood choice largely depend on the personal preference of the guitarist. Guitarists choose woods based on appearance, texture, resilience and sound. Fingerboards have a lesser impact on the sound than the main body. This makes the choice of which wood to use mainly an aesthetic choice. Choose a fingerboard based on how comfortable it is to play. Guitarists may prefer the stickier texture of maple or the slick texture of rosewood. Sound Fingerboard woods create specific timbres, the sound quality of an instrument. Clean sounds are characterized by tones that eliminate a lot of distortion and extra frequencies. Penetrating sounds have the ability to cut through the ensemble. Bright sounds are light and airy while dark sounds are thick and dense. Maple fingerboards have a narrow and focused sound with good penetration. Rosewood fingerboards reduce brightness. Unwanted, e...

Melodic percussion instruments are large instruments suitable for orchestra use. Melodic percussion instruments add color to the orchestra, provide support for melodic lines and create vibrant aural effects within the music. Composers have used percussion instruments for centuries to enhance chords and create a variety of timbres within the orchestra. Whether you are a casual listener, professional musician or seasoned composer, knowing the types of melodic percussion instruments will enhance your musical experience. Xylophone The xylophone was the first mallet percussion instrument introduced to the orchestra. The xylophone is a mallet percussion instrument with hard wooden slats organized in the same way as a piano. The black keys on the piano correspond to the top row on the xylophone, and the white keys correspond to the white row of piano keys. While registers vary, the xylophone has a minimum range of three octaves starting on middle C. More expensive xylophones have an extended ...

Common orchestra instruments are capable of animal sounds. Instruments throughout history have replicated and imitated animals. From Beethoven to Bernstein, composers have sought new and interesting uses for traditional orchestra instruments. The temptation to recreate nature through musical sounds comes in both literal and abstract ways. Learn about instruments and animal sounds they make so that next time you hear one, you will be able to identify what instrument is making the sound. Lion's Roar As its name suggests the lion's roar makes a sound very similar to a lion roaring. Taking a bass drum and puncturing a hole in the head of the drum accomplishes this. A rope extends and pulls through the drum creating a sound that is very similar to a lion roaring. This instrument is so accurate it is often used in film scores and to indicate the roar of a lion in orchestral scores. Trombone The trombone is capable of imitating the sound of many animals. The glissando technique involv...

Old pots and pans can make great rhythm instruments. Making musical instruments at home is a great activity for parents to complete with children. Teaching them about acoustics and helping them create their own musical instruments can be a memorable and exciting experience for kids. Before starting, explain that sound relies on vibrations, and vibrations are caused when something moves back and forth very quickly. Explain that it isn't always possible to see the object move and that vibrations are often very quick. Drums If you have some old pans lying around it is possible to make drums using the pans and a pair of wooden spoons. Attach two or three layers of wax paper over the top by tying a string around the pot and use the wooden spoons as drumsticks. The layers of wax paper should help prevent drumming straight through. You can hold the spoons by the rounded part and use the tips to tap out rhythms. Woodblocks Woodblocks commonly used in orchestras and bands help keep and acce...

Brass mutes are shaped to fit inside the bell. One common misconception about brass mutes is that they only serve to make the instrument softer. While the dynamic level can be reduced significantly, the type of mute employed can also change the timbre. One famous example of an entire section using mutes for a dramatic effect is Vaughan Williams' "Symphony No. 6," starting in measure 39. In this example, the horns, trombones, and trumpets are all using straight mutes to create a metallic and subtle textural change. Straight Mute When a mute is called for in an orchestral score and there is no additional information about the type of mute to use, brass players will use a straight mute. The straight mute received its name from the fact that it is a simple mute that comes straight out of the horn. This mute softens the instrument and can be made of fiberboard or metal. Depending on the material used, the sound will change from cutting to soft. Cup Mute Cup mutes are named bec...

Piano keys are one of several smaller piano components. The grand piano consists of six main parts that function together to create sound. Each part is expertly crafted and manufactured in a factory. The making of a grand piano is largely still a job that requires craftsmanship and skill. While machines are used in the process, each component is hand-inspected and guided to ensure a high-quality instrument. Frame The frame is made of iron and is cast out of a single sheet of metal. Since the frame has to support a large amount of tension on the strings, it is necessary to use iron to prevent the frame from breaking under the pressure. The frame sits on top of the soundboard and serves to hold the strings in place through tension nuts that the piano tuner can tighten or loosen to raise and lower the pitch. Soundboard The soundboard of the piano is made of spruce. Spruce is a soft wood that can be damaged easily if mishandled. The woods acts to capture the vibrations of the strings and a...

The flute is a virtuosic instrument that flutists can play extremely fast. The flute is one of the most versatile and virtuosic instruments in the orchestra. Flutists must familiarize themselves with the parts of the instrument and how those parts function in the overall structure of the instrument. Several smaller components compose the main three parts of the flute. Knowing their names and functions will enable the flutist to take better care of the instrument and talk competently about the flute's construction. General Construction The flute's three main parts can be taken apart. This capability has several benefits. Separating the parts makes it easier to clean the flute, provides the possibility of tuning the instrument, makes it more compact for travel and allows the flutist to incorporate advanced techniques such as blowing through the head joint alone. Head Joint The head joint of a flute has an embouchure plate that the flutist blows through to produce sound. By pushin...

The orchestra encompasses 4 main sections and half of those are winds. Wind instruments require air to create a vibration, which then sends the sound through the instrument. The two main types of wind instruments encompass a large, significant and colorful part of the orchestra. Learning about these instruments will make listening to music a more enjoyable and fulfilling experience by making it possible to talk specifically about music. Types of Winds Woodwind and brass instruments are the two main types of wind instruments in western music. These instruments create their sound by sending vibrations through the instrument propelled by sound. Each group of wind instruments has a different purpose and mechanical function. The method of sound production determines the instrument classification. Both groups of wind instruments use air, but materials create the vibrations specific to each group. Woodwinds The woodwinds either are made of wood or produce their sound using a wooden reed. The ...

Carefully evaluate your trumpet for signs of problems. Evaluating a trumpet requires some proficiency with playing and a knowledge of what to look for under the hood to ensure proper maintenance and a long life. Take the time to carefully evaluate the instrument before making a purchase. Trumpets need to function properly and have no deteriorating mechanical defects. Valves The trumpet valves contain the heart of the instrument. If the valves appear to be in poor condition, you may as well stop looking at the trumpet. Corroded valves will stick and prevent you from playing the trumpet altogether. If the valves are covered in a blue corrosion, a music shop can buff them and return them to normal. However, if the corrosion has affected the metal and leached into the valve, then avoid the trumpet at all costs. To check the valves for corrosion, remove the valve caps by turning them counterclockwise. If the trumpet has springs in the valve casing, check to see that they are all approximate...

Several categories of marching bands exist and fall under the classification of ceremonial and parade bands. These ensembles are designed to entertain, and consist of woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. All marching bands incorporate some form of movement and require the performers to be adept at playing and marching. Military Marching Bands Military marching bands were the first type of marching band and generally required that the instrumentalists march in a straight line without the use of sharp turns. These ceremonial bands often performed in parades and were typically used to march alongside soldiers. While most of these bands are no longer in use, there are still colleges that use military bands to preserve their tradition. The Fightin' Texas Aggie Band is one prominent example of a military band that still performs and competes in national contests. Bugle Bands Bugle bands are a sub-type of military ceremonial marching bands. Rather than using standard woodwind, perc...

Each vocal register consists of several smaller voice registers. These registers are the basis for vocal music and provide useful guides for composers that wish to write within the register for each broad vocal type: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone and Bass. Each register creates a slightly different timbre, depending on the person singing. Composers need to know these registers to write effectively for the voice, and vocalists need to know them to understand where the voice changes timbre. The change in timbre is referred to as the passagi and usually occurs over the course of a major second. Vocal Fry This is the lowest register of the voice and is not very conducive to singing. In the vocal fry register, the vocal cords have to be completely relaxed, and the timbre produced is one that is uneven and choppy. The vocal fry register produces a glottal sound that makes it difficult to identify specific pitches. Instructors avoid teaching about the vocal fry register in vocal studies, sin...

Cymbals come in a variety of sizes and shapes to enhance a performance. Drummers have several cymbal options when setting up their drum sets. Knowing the types of cymbals available and their uses is essential knowledge for any drummer who is serious about performing. Each cymbal has a distinct sound and purpose within the ensemble. The ability to quickly decide which cymbal is best-suited for a particular venue will allow a drummer to be more competent and professional. Hi-Hat The hi-hat is the most commonly used set of cymbals in a drum set. It ranges in size from 13 to 14 in. in length and comes in groups of two. Hi-hats sit on top of each other on a special rod that allows the cymbal to be open and closed. When open, the top and bottom cymbals are separated from each other; when closed they sit together. Ride Cymbal The ride cymbal is often used to keep time in the ensemble. It ranges from 18 to 24 in. in length and is typically the largest cymbal in the set. Performers will often s...

Composers write vocal music based on the timbre and range of the vocalist. The human voice is capable of a wide range of expression and nuance that other instruments are not able to duplicate. Voice ranges are commonly broken up into four main categories. The voice type that you are given is largely based on what you are born with. Classifications are dependent on many things, including range and timbre. Soprano The sopranos of the choir are female and sing the highest parts. Their voice range is typically between a middle C and A above the staff. Most sopranos can sing higher, but this is the safe range for vocal writing. The range doesn't always determine the type of voice classification, however. Sopranos generally also have a brighter sound than altos. Sopranos are classified as a high voice for females. Alto Altos are female singers who can sing from a low F to a D one octave above middle C. Many altos can sing in the same range as a soprano, but their voice quality has a dark...