Overview
Percussion instruments are played by striking, shaking, scraping, or otherwise activating a sound source. Percussion may provide pulse, rhythm, color, emphasis, texture, melody, or dramatic effect.
This page belongs to the Performance Studies area of the Malone Global University Music Department. Performance pages should connect musical knowledge to physical skill, listening, interpretation, collaboration, rehearsal, and expressive communication.
On This Page
Performance Links
Use these links to move through related performance, instrument, ensemble, foundation, reference, and listening topics.
Timekeeping
Percussion often supports musical time through pulse, meter, groove, subdivision, and rhythmic pattern.
Drums and Mallets
Percussion includes drums, cymbals, hand percussion, tuned mallet instruments, auxiliary percussion, and electronic percussion.
Global Traditions
Percussion is central to many musical cultures and should be studied with respect for its cultural and performance context.
Study Questions
- What skills does this performance topic require?
- How does listening shape better performance in this area?
- What vocabulary terms help describe this performance practice?
- How does this topic connect to rhythm, melody, harmony, texture, form, or instrumentation?
- What would a useful practice or rehearsal routine include for this topic?