Learn an Instrument

Instruments

Classification of Instruments

Piano

  • One of the most common instruments to start out on
  • Used in many different styles and regions
  • Popular instrument for children and adults, because you can actually see the notes laid out in front of you, so it helps your music-reading and enhance your knowledge of how music works
  • After learning the piano, you can go on to specialize in:
    • Organ
    • Accordion
    • Synthesizer
    • Harpsichord
    • Harmonium

Guitar

  • Other than the piano, this is the most popular instrument to learn
  • Can play almost any kind of music on it, including rock and roll and jazz
  • After learning the guitar, you can go on to learn:
    • Bass guitar
    • Mandolin
    • Banjo
    • Harp
    • Dulcimer

Stringed Instruments

  • Fit for learning if you want to join an orchestra, a string quartet, or if you’re interested in classical music
  • Might interest you if you like classical music, folk music, or acoustic music
  • Includes:
    • Violin
    • Viola
    • Cello
    • Double bass (aka upright bass)

Brass Instruments

  • Nowadays they’re made up of different metals other than brass
  • Work by vibrating your lips inside a metal mouthpiece
  • Good to learn if you want to play in a concert band, marching band, or an orchestra, or if you like jazz or orchestral music
  • Includes:
    • Trumpet
    • Trombone
    • Tuba
    • French horn
    • Baritone
    • Sousaphone

Woodwind Instruments

  • Played with the your breath to vibrate a reed when you blow over it
  • Made of many different combinations of metals, woods, and reeds
  • Good for learning if you’re joining an orchestra or jazz band
  • Includes:
    • Flute, piccolo, or fife
    • Saxophone
    • Clarinet
    • Oboe
    • Bassoon
    • Harmonica

Percussion Instruments

  • Good to learn if you’re joining or are interested in rock bands, jazz combos
  • In orchestras and concert bands, percussionists play a big variety of instruments
  • Includes:
    • Drum set
    • Vibraphone, marimba, and xylophone
    • Glockenspiel
    • Bells and cymbals
    • Congas and bongos
    • Tympani
    • Woodblocks, cowbells, triangles

Other Instruments

  • Harmonica
  • Djembe
  • Concertina
  • Bagpipes
  • Singing bowls
  • Mbira
  • Sitar