Private project by Maik Krohm
Not affiliated with Musikschule Cuxhaven (FeMiC e.V.)
Overview
From keyboards through strings and plucked and electric instruments to woodwind and percussion: every instrument has a short overview covering its history, construction, sound and playing technique. If you want to go deeper, the Musikpedia has in-depth articles – and the exercises help you train your ear, note reading and theory.
On a keyboard instrument the whole of harmony lies visibly in front of you – ideal for grasping how music fits together and for taking melody and accompaniment in hand at the same time.
The classic choice at any age – the foundation for harmony, accompaniment and free playing. Because melody and accompaniment come together here, the piano often makes musical connections especially quick to grasp and offers a rewarding way into almost any style.
Quick overview → · Instrument guideA versatile start, with sounds and rhythms from pop, rock and beyond. Built-in voices and auto-accompaniment make playing fun from early on and turn the keyboard into an easy route to the keys.
Quick overview → · Instrument guideFrom folk song to contemporary repertoire – a full-sounding instrument you can carry with you. With melody and accompaniment housed in a single body, a single player can sound like a small orchestra – and can perform practically anywhere.
Quick overview → · Instrument guideString instruments shape the note with the bow and so sing almost like the human voice – expressive, agile, and rewarding to develop over a lifetime.
Agile and expressive – and children can begin at an early age. Thanks to child-sized instruments, even the youngest find a violin that fits and develop a fine ear for clean intonation early on.
Quick overview → · Instrument guideA warm, deep sound that has its place everywhere, from solo playing to ensemble work. Its range, close to that of the human voice, makes the cello especially songlike and adaptable – from a sustained solo piece to the supporting voice in an ensemble.
Quick overview → · Instrument guideThe foundation of every band and every orchestra, in classical music and jazz alike. As the lowest voice, the double bass provides both anchor and pulse; players are in demand everywhere, from the symphony orchestra to the jazz combo.
Quick overview → · Instrument guideAcoustic around the campfire or amplified on stage: plucked and electric instruments are the direct route into pop, rock and folk – and they often bring that first sense of achievement quickly.
Accompany acoustically or play as a soloist – a rewarding way into music. A handful of chords is enough to accompany songs, and anyone who wishes can work up to solo playing step by step.
Quick overview → · Instrument guideRiffs, solos and sound: a direct line to rock, pop and blues. Amplifiers and effects let you shape a sound entirely your own – and you will soon find yourself right in the middle of band life.
Quick overview → · Instrument guideGroove and foundation – the instrument that holds every band together. Sitting between the drums and the harmony, the bass supplies the pulse; its role is indispensable and audibly effective from early on.
Quick overview → · Instrument guideWoodwind players create their sound with the breath, training conscious breathing along the way – their palette of colours reaches from the bright tone of the flute to the expressive oboe.
A clear, bright tone – popular in classical music, folk and contemporary ensembles. It is easy to carry and fits into many styles, from the classical concert to the folk band.
Quick overview → · Instrument guideAn ideal first step into music, suitable even for younger children. It is handy, quick to produce a sound on, and trains breathing and finger control – a sound basis for any instrument that follows.
Quick overview → · Instrument guideThe orchestra’s expressive voice, with an unmistakable sound. Its warm, faintly melancholy tone often carries the loveliest melodies and is impossible to imagine the orchestra without.
Quick overview → · Instrument guideWith percussion, rhythm takes centre stage – the foundation of all music. Here you can let off energy and develop precise timing at the same time.
Timing, energy and the sheer fun of rhythm – from the first beat to playing as part of a band. The drum kit lets you release energy while developing a reliable sense of time: the engine that drives every band.
Quick overview → · Instrument guideCajón, hand drums and more: experiencing rhythm, in a group as well as alone. Many of these instruments are quick to get started on and invite playing together – hands-on rhythm from the very first stroke.
Quick overview → · Instrument guide