String Musical Instruments

Violin

Violin. Public Domain Image from

Wikimedia Commons

The violin is believed to have

evolved from the Rebec and
the Lira da braccio. In
Europe, the earliest four
stringed violin was used in
the first part of the century.

Violins are fairly easy to start

learning and is mostly
suitable for children 6 years
and older. They come in a
variety of sizes, from full size
to 1/16, depending on the age
of the learner. Violins are
very popular and in demand
so if you become a
professional player it
wouldn't be hard to join an
orchestra or any musical
group. Remember to opt for
non-electric violins as it is
more adequate for beginning
students.
Viola

Viola. Public Domain Image from Wikimedia Commons

The first violas are believed to have been made in the 15th century and evolved
from the viola de braccio (Italian for "arm viol"). During the 18th century, the
viola was used to play the part of the cello. Although not a solo instrument, the
viola is an important member of a string ensemble.

The viola may look like a violin but it certainly has its' own unique tone. It is
tuned a fifth lower than the violin and functions as the tenor instrument in a
string ensemble. Violas didn't enjoy immediate prominence when it first
emerged. But thanks to great composers such as Mozart. Strauss and Bartk, the
viola has become an integral part of every string ensemble.

Ukulele

Ukulele. Public Domain Image by Kollektives Schreiben

The word ukulele is Hawaiian for "leaping flea". The ukulele is like a small guitar
and is a descendant of the machete or machada. The machada was brought into
Hawaii by the Portuguese during the 1870's. It has four strings that is under 24
inches long.

The ukulele is one of Hawaii's most popular musical instrument. It became more
widely used during the 20th century and popularized by musicians such as Eddie
Karnae and Jake Shimabukuro. It is like a small guitar but its tone is much
lighter.

Mandolin

Mandolin. Image Courtesy of Sndor Ujlaki

The mandolin is a bowed string instrument believed to have evolved from the lute
and emerged during the 18th century. The mandolin has a pear-shaped body and
4 pairs of strings.

The mandolin is another music instrument that belongs to the string family. One
of the most popular brand of mandolins is the Gibson, named after the luthier
Orville Gibson.
Harp

Harp. Public Domain Image by Erika Malinoski (Wikimedia Commons)

The harp is one of the oldest musical instruments; archaeologists discovered a

wall painting in Ancient Egyptian tombs which resembled that of a harp and
dates back to 3000 BC.

The harp is surprisingly easy to start. There are piano students who learn to play
the harp with little difficulty because both instruments require reading music
pieces in double-stave. Harps come in small sizes for kids age 8 years upwards
and bigger harps for students 12 years and older. There are not a lot of people
who play the harp and finding a teacher may be difficult. Nevertheless, it is one of
the most beautiful sounding instruments and it's worth learning if you desire.

GUITAR
Guitar. Image Espie Estrella, licensed to About.com, Inc.

The origin of guitars may have dated back to 1900-1800 B.C. in Babylonia.
Archaeologists found a clay plaque showing nude figures holding musical
instruments, some of which resembled the guitar.

The guitar is one of the most popular musical instruments and is suitable for
students age 6 years upwards. Folk style is easier to start with and remember to
opt for non-electric guitars if you're a beginner. Guitars come in a variety of sizes
and styles to suit any students' need. Guitars are a mainstay in most music
ensembles and you can also play it solo and still sound appealing.

Inc.

The origin of guitars may have dated back to 1900-1800 B.C. in Babylonia.
Archaeologists found a clay plaque showing nude figures holding musical
instruments, some of which resembled the guitar.

The guitar is one of the most popular musical instruments and is suitable for
students age 6 years upwards. Folk style is easier to start with and remember to
opt for non-electric guitars if you're a beginner. Guitars come in a variety of sizes
and styles to suit any students' need. Guitars are a mainstay in most music
ensembles and you can also play it solo and still sound appealing.
Double Bass

Double Bass. Public Domain Image by Lowendgruv from Wikimedia Commons

In 1493, there was mention about "viols as big as myself" by Prospero and in 1516
there was an illustration closely resembling that of a double bass.

This instrument is like a huge cello and is played the same way, by rubbing the
bow across the strings. Another way of playing it is by plucking or striking the
strings. Double bass can be played while standing up or sitting down and is
suitable for kids 11 years and older. It also comes in various sizes from full size,
3/4, 1/2 and smaller. The double bass isn't as popular as other string instruments
but is essential in most kinds of ensemble especially jazz bands.
Cello

Cello owned by Dr. Reinhard Voss which he loaned to the New Zealand
Symphony Orchestra. Photo taken on November 29, 2004. Sandra Teddy/Getty
Images

Another instrument that is fairly easy to start and suitable for kids 6 years and
older. It is essentially a large violin but its' body is thicker. It is played the same
way as the violin, by rubbing the bow across the string. But where you can play
the violin standing up, the cello is played sitting down while holding it between
your legs. It also comes in different sizes from full size to 1/4. The first known
maker of cellos was Andrea Amati of Cremona during the 1500's.

Learn More About Cellos:

Before You Buy A Cello

Parts of the Cello
Finding the Right Size of Cello

09
of 09
 Banjo

Banjo. Public Domain Image from the Nordisk familjebok (Wikimedia

Commons)

A banjo is a stringed instrument that is played using different techniques such as

the Scruggs-style or the "clawhammer". It also comes in different types and some
manufacturers even experimented on other forms by blending the banjo with
another instrument. The banjo originated from Africa and in the 19th century was
brought into America by slaves. In its' earliest form it had four gut strings.

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Arts, Music, and Recreation Music
 Wind Instruments
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Music
Music Education
o Basics
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o Theory
Rock
Pop
Alternative Music
Classical
Country
Folk
Rap & Hip Hop
VIEW MORE

by Espie Estrella

Updated August 14, 2017

Wind instruments produce sound by a vibrating column of air, either using a reed or a
musician's lips. It is classified into two groups; woodwinds and brasswinds. In Ancient
civilization, wind instruments made of animal horns were used as a warning signal.

01
of 16
Bagpipes

A young man playing Great Highland Bagpipe during the summer Highland games at
Tobermory. Feifei Cui-Paoluzzo / Getty Images

The bagpipe is one of those instruments that requires a musician to have lung-power in
order to play it. Bagpipes take more time to master than other wind instruments, but it
seems to be a fun instrument to play.

02
of 16
Bassoon

Hybrid Images / Getty Images

By the early 17th century, bassoons were included in orchestras, although it would
achieve more prominence by the 18th century. The bassoon can be traced back to a
musical instrument called curtal.

03
of 16
Clarinet

A member of the Mauritian Police Force Band plays the clarinet. By U.S. Navy photo by Mass
Communication Specialist 2nd Class Felicito Rustique [Public domain], via Wikimedia
Commons

The clarinet has undergone many changes and innovations through the years. From its
first inception during the late 1600s to today's clarinet models, this musical instrument
has certainly gone a long way. Due to the many improvements it underwent, many
different types of clarinets were made throughout the years.

04
of 16
Contrabassoon
Contra-bassoonist Margaret Cookhorn. " Contrabassoon, Musicircus (6/14 jp31)" ( CC BY 2.0)
by Ted and Jen

Also known as double bassoon, this reed instrument that belongs to the wind family of
musical instruments is bigger than the bassoon. That's why it's called "the bassoon's big
brother." It is pitched lower than the bassoon and demands lung-power from a
musician.

05
of 16

Cornet

Bob Thomas / Getty Images

The trumpet and cornet are quite similar; they are usually pitched in B flat, both are
transposing instruments and they both have valves. But whereas the trumpet is used in
jazz bands, the cornet is usually used in brass bands. Trumpets also have a more
powerful sound and have a cylindrical bore. Cornets, on the other hand, have a conical
bore.

06
of 16

Dulcian

Dulcian, 1700, Museu de la Msica de Barcelona. By Sguastevi (Own work) [ CC BY-SA 3.0], via
Wikimedia Commons

The dulcian is another double-reed wind instrument of the Renaissance period. It is the
predecessor of the shawm and the precursor of the oboe.

07
of 16

Flute
 Charles Lloyd, Brecon Jazz Festival, Powys, Wales, August 2000. Heritage Images / Getty
Images

The flute belongs to the wind family of musical instruments. It is of ancient origin and
was first made of wood. Now, however, the flute is made of silver and other metals.
There are two types of methods used in playing the flute: side-blown or end-blown.More

08
of 16

Flutophone
Photo from Amazon
The flutophone is a lightweight, pre-band musical instrument that serves as a great
introduction to playing other wind instruments such as the recorder. Flutophones are
also inexpensive and quite easy to learn. More

09
of 16

Harmonica

Bluesman RJ Mischo. " Blowin" ( CC BY-SA 2.0) by MarcCooper_1950

The harmonica is a free-reed wind instrument and is used in blues and folk music.
Musicians such as Larry Adler and Sonny Boy Williamson played the harmonica. This is
certainly an instrument worth trying out, very portable, affordable and offers a lot of
opportunities for jam sessions.
 10
of 16

Oboe

Orkestar Slivovica. " Honk Fest West 2010-297" ( CC BY-SA 2.0) by Joe Mabel

The origin of the oboe can be traced back to instruments used in previous periods such
as the shawm of the Renaissance. The soprano oboe was particularly favored during the
17th century.

11
of 16

Recorder
Barry Lewis / Getty Images

The recorder is a wind instrument that emerged during the 14th century but
disappeared during the mid-18th century. Fortunately, interest on this instrument was
revived later on and many still enjoy the sweet sound of this instrument to this day.More

12
of 16

Saxophone
" sax lesson with paul carr" ( CC BY 2.0) by woodleywonderworks

The saxophone is known as a reed musical instrument that is a mainstay in jazz bands.
Considered to be newer than other musical instruments in terms of its history, the
saxophone was invented by Antoine-Joseph (Adolphe) Sax. More

13
of 16
Shawm

Shawm on display at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology - Hanoi, Vietnam. By Daderot - Own
work, CC0, Link

Many instruments which emerged during the Middle Ages, reached its peak during the
Renaissance period. The shawm is a free-reed wind instrument that was used during the
13th to 17th centuries. It is still used to this day,

14
of 16
Trombone

Richard T. Nowitz / Getty Images

The trombone descended from the trumpet but it is shaped and sized quite differently.
The tenor trombone is recommended for beginners and one interesting fact about
learning to play the trombone is that it is either played in the bass or treble clef. When
playing in a wind band or orchestra, music is written in the bass clef. When playing in a
brass band, the music is written in the treble clef.

15
of 16

Trumpet
 Imgorthand / Getty Images

The trumpet belongs to the brass family of wind instruments. This instrument is
considered an orchestral instrument mostly used in jazz bands. The trumpet has a long
and rich history. It is believed that it was used as a signaling device in Ancient Egypt,
Greece, and the Near East

Percussion Instruments
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 Music
Music Education
o Basics
o History
o Lessons
o Theory
Rock
Pop
Alternative Music
Classical
Country
Folk
Rap & Hip Hop
VIEW MORE

by Espie Estrella

Updated October 13, 2010

Percussion instruments gives dhythmic support and dramatic effect to any piece of
music. These instruments are categorized into two types; tuned and untuned
percussions instruments.

01
of 17
Bass Drum

The bass drum is a percussion instrument and is the lowest and largest member of the drum
family. Bass drums are used in orchestral music as well as marching bands.More
02
of 17
Bell

Bells can be made from various materials including clay, glass or metal. It also ranges in
shape and size. It may be played by lightly shaking it as in hand bells or by striking it
using a metal or wooden striker or mallet.

03
of 17
Bongo Drum

Another type of drum that is mostly used in world music is the bongo drum. Bongos are played
by striking the fingertips and/or the heel of the hand on the drumhead.
04
of 17

Castanet
For some reason I think of chestnuts when I hear the word castanets. True enough the word
castanet was derived from the Spanish word castana meaning chestnuts. Castanets belong to
the clapper family of percussion instruments.
05
of 17
Conga Drum
A conga drum is another type of percussion instrument belonging to the drum family. It is
shaped somewhat like a barrel and is played the same way as the bongo drum. Conga also refers
to a form of dance of Afro-Cuban origin. A perfect example is the song "Conga" by Gloria
Estefan.
06
of 17
Cymbal

The player holds the strap attached to each cymbal and brushes it against each other or
clash it together. It can either be held horizontally or vertically and played either loudly
or softly depending on the music.

07
of 17
Glockenspiel

Glockenspiels have tuned steel bars or tubes which are struck by the musician using two
beaters. The beaters may be made from metal, wood or rubber.

08
of 17

Gong

Remember that show on NBC during the 70's hosted by Chuck Barris? It was called "The Gong
Show" and it's an amateur talent show where the gong was sounded to signal that a contestant
was eliminated. Read more about the gong.
09
of 17
Maracas

The maracas is one of the easiest musical instruments to play; you just need to have a sense of
rhythm, timing and a flair for shaking. Maracas are made in various materials including plastic
and wood and it ranges from the very simple to the most intricate designs. More
10
of 17
Metallophone

Generally, metallophones differ from xylophones because the tuned bars which are struck with a
mallet are made of metal, hence the name metallophones. There are many different kinds of
metallophones; here we will focus on those which are used by Indonesian gamelan
orchestras. More
11
of 17
Musical Box
I've always been fascinated with musical boxes even as a child. I remember getting one for my
birthday, and after marvelling at its beauty, proceeded to dismantle it to see what's inside.
Nowadays, musical boxes still make great gift ideas; there are some which are considered
collector's items and are worth a lot of money.
12
of 17
Snare Drum

The snare drum is another percussion instrument mostly used nowadays for pop and modern
orchestral music. Snare drums have a cylindrical shape and can be played either by hand or with
the use of sticks.
13
of 17
Steel Drum

Steel drums are usually used in steel bands or ensembles made up 4 to 100 performers. The
musician uses rubber-tipped hammers to strike the drum. More
14
of 17
Tambourine

The tambourine is a small frame drum also belonging to the percussion family. Today, the
tambourine is widely used in the folk music of the Middle East as well as an accompaniment for
the Quoran.
15
of 17
Timpani

The timpani is also known as orchestral kettledrums and belongs to the percussion family. It's
quite fascinating to watch timpanists perform, especially when they do those fast rolls.
16
of 17
Triangle

If you're a parent of a young child and want to introduce your child to musical instruments, you
can never go wrong with the triangle. Very easy to play and yet so beautiful sounding, the
triangle gives any music piece a special touch.
17
of 17
Xylophone

Another percussion instrument that will help introduce young children to the wonders of music
is the xylophone. Xylophones are no doubt fun to play and the sound it produces is pleasing to
the ears. Lots of colorful toy xylophones are available in the market today. If your child develops
a liking to this instrument and wants to seriously learn how to play it, he/she can move on to
xylophones made of hardwood or bamboo.
CITE