Percussion

Definition

Percussion refers to a family of musical instruments that produce sound by being struck, shaken, or scraped. This category includes a wide variety of instruments, ranging from drums to cymbals to marimbas, each contributing unique textures and rhythms to music. Percussion instruments can be classified into two main types: tuned percussion, which produces definite pitches, and untuned percussion, which produces indefinite pitches.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Percussion instruments are often divided into two categories: tuned (like xylophones) and untuned (like drums).
2. They play a vital role in almost every musical genre, providing the foundational rhythms that support melodies and harmonies.
3. Percussion is one of the oldest forms of music-making, with ancient civilizations using basic percussion instruments in rituals and celebrations.
4. The use of mallets, sticks, hands, or other tools to strike percussion instruments creates a wide range of dynamic possibilities.
5. Many cultures have developed their own unique percussion instruments, reflecting their musical traditions and social contexts.

Review Questions

• How do tuned and untuned percussion instruments differ in their sound production and musical function?
  • Tuned percussion instruments produce definite pitches and can be used to play melodies, such as xylophones or marimbas. In contrast, untuned percussion instruments produce indefinite pitches and primarily contribute to rhythm and texture, like snare drums or cymbals. This distinction highlights how both types serve different roles in music while emphasizing the diverse contributions of the percussion family.
• Discuss the importance of rhythm in music and how percussion instruments contribute to creating rhythmic patterns.
  • Rhythm is fundamental to music as it provides the structure and timing that guide how a piece unfolds. Percussion instruments are essential for establishing and maintaining these rhythmic patterns through various techniques such as striking, shaking, or scraping. By layering different rhythmic elements, percussionists can create complex grooves that enhance the overall musical experience.
• Evaluate the cultural significance of percussion instruments across different musical genres and traditions.
  • Percussion instruments hold immense cultural significance as they reflect the musical heritage and social practices of various communities. For instance, traditional African drumming plays a central role in rituals and celebrations, while Latin American genres utilize distinct percussion like congas and bongos to convey cultural identity. By examining these connections, we can understand how percussion not only enhances music but also serves as a vital expression of cultural values and history.

Related terms

Drum: A percussion instrument that consists of a membrane stretched over a hollow shell, producing sound when struck with hands or sticks.

Timbre: The unique quality or color of a sound produced by an instrument or voice, which helps to distinguish different instruments within the percussion family.

Rhythm: The pattern of sounds and silences in music, often created by percussion instruments, which plays a crucial role in establishing the tempo and feel of a piece.