Percussion instrument
Percussion
Percussion takes in the whole colourful world of struck instruments beyond the drum kit — from cajón and congas to tuned mallet instruments. Hands-on rhythm, alone and in a group.
At a glance
Percussion means the large family of struck, shaken and beaten instruments beyond the classical drum kit — the cajón, congas and bongos, for instance, the African djembe, the Orff instruments, mallet instruments such as the xylophone and marimba, and many small rhythm instruments such as shakers and the tambourine.
History & origins
Percussion instruments are humankind’s oldest; every culture has developed its own. Rich traditions grew from that — from Latin American and African percussion to the percussion section of the symphony orchestra. This diversity is what keeps percussion so alive and open to the world.
Construction & how it works
A distinction is made between instruments of definite pitch (the marimba, xylophone or timpani, for example) and those of indefinite pitch (such as the cajón, congas or shakers). They are played with the hands, with mallets or with sticks. The materials — wood, metal and skin — determine the particular sound.
Sound & tuning
Mallet instruments and timpani can be tuned to specific notes and can even play melodies; most other percussion instruments provide rhythm and tone colour. Together they yield an enormous variety of colours and textures — from warm wooden sounds to bright, metallic accents.
Playing & technique
Depending on the instrument, hand technique (on the cajón and congas, say) or mallet technique (on tuned instruments) comes to the fore. In every case it is about a feeling for rhythm, coordination and attentive ensemble playing. In a group especially, a shared, supporting groove takes shape quickly.
Role & repertoire
Percussion provides rhythm and colour — in ensembles, in world music, in the orchestra and in popular music. Drum circles and group playing make it an ideal choice for making music together and for building a strong sense of rhythm.
Getting started at our music school
Percussion is very accessible even to young children — through body percussion, the cajón or Orff instruments. The barrier to entry is low, the pleasure of rhythm arrives at once, and playing together fosters concentration and a sense of community.
The instruments at a glance
The percussion family is vast. Instruments of definite pitch include mallet instruments such as the xylophone and marimba, and the orchestra’s timpani. Of indefinite pitch are the cajón, congas, bongos and djembe, along with small rhythm instruments such as shakers, claves and the tambourine. The colourful Orff instruments were developed specifically for children making music together.
Practicalities & good to know
Many percussion instruments are inexpensive, robust and easy to carry — the cajón even doubles as a seat. Playing together quickly produces a supporting rhythm that fosters concentration, coordination and ensemble awareness. Anyone who plays percussion develops a sure feeling for rhythm that helps on every other instrument.
For beginners: what makes percussion special?
Percussion is perhaps the most direct way into music: you strike, and it sounds — a sense of achievement arrives at once, with no lengthy preparation. In a group that soon grows into an infectious rhythm which strengthens concentration, coordination and a sense of togetherness. Because many of the instruments are affordable and robust, starting is straightforward and possible at an early age. The feeling for rhythm trained along the way is a gain for every further instrument. Whether as a subject in its own right or alongside the drum kit, percussion opens an immediate, joyful route into music. Drumming together, even the youngest discover how much fun rhythm can be.