Overview
Brass instruments produce sound when the player's lips vibrate into a mouthpiece and the instrument's tubing resonates. Brass instruments can sound brilliant, warm, powerful, lyrical, rhythmic, or dramatic.
This page belongs to the Instrument Guide area of the Malone Global University Music Department. Instrument pages should connect sound production, performance technique, musical role, ensemble use, history, technology, and listening practice.
On This Page
Instrument Links
Use these links to move through related instrument, performance, theory, technology, listening, and genre pages.
Sound Production
Brass sound depends on breath, embouchure, lip vibration, mouthpiece, tubing length, valves or slides, and resonance.
Common Brass Instruments
Common brass instruments include trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, baritone horn, cornet, flugelhorn, and tuba.
Ensemble Roles
Brass instruments appear in orchestras, wind bands, brass bands, jazz bands, marching bands, film music, ceremonial music, funk horn sections, and popular music.
Study Questions
- How does this instrument or instrument family produce sound?
- What range, tone color, technique, or performance role is most important?
- Where does this instrument appear in ensembles, genres, recordings, or traditions?
- What should students listen for when hearing this instrument?
- How does the instrument connect to history, culture, technology, or composition?