Overview

Percussion instruments are played by striking, shaking, scraping, rubbing, or otherwise activating a sound source. They may be pitched or unpitched, acoustic or electronic, simple or complex.

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

Use these links to move through related instrument, performance, theory, technology, listening, and genre pages.

Types of Percussion

Percussion includes drums, cymbals, mallet instruments, shakers, bells, timpani, hand drums, auxiliary percussion, electronic pads, and found objects.

Rhythm and Color

Percussion often provides pulse, groove, accents, texture, dramatic color, dance energy, and formal punctuation.

Global Context

Percussion is central to many musical cultures and should be studied with attention to performance practice, community, and tradition.

Study Questions