Percussion
instruments produce sounds by being hit with a stick/mallet, shaken,
scraped or rubbed. Historians often cite percussion as the first musical
instrument because ancient people only needed their hands, sticks,
or rocks to create rhythmic sounds. Over the years, people have found
that stretching a membrane-material over a hollowed space will create
louder, resonating sounds–thus the invention of the drum. Drums
are the most common percussive instrument and they come in many forms,
from a simple bongo to the popular drum set used in rock and roll.
However, drums aren’t the only percussion instrument. Pianos
are also considered to be percussive because hammers strike the strings
to produce musical notes. Since there is some confusion regarding
classification, musicians have come up with classification for the
different types of percussion instruments.
The easiest classification-system puts instruments into two categories
based on what sounds they make: definite and indefinite pitch. As
stated above, pianos and other key instruments (including xylophones,
marimbas, Glockenspiels) are definite pitch because the each striking
surface is separately tuned. With definite pitch instruments, it’s
possible to play the chromatic scale or even perform a solo without
sounding sparse or experimental. Classical musicians like Chopin made
a living writing/performing pieces solely for the piano!
Indefinite-pitched instruments make up the majority of all percussion
or anything that’s undiscernibly tuned. Snare drum, cymbals,
bass drum and bongos are all examples indefinite percussive instruments
that produce complex frequencies but no clear pitch. Drum solos are
popular in rock music, but people typically don’t write drum
solo pieces.
One kind of instrument that’s harder to classify is a timpani.
Timpani are large copper kettledrums used extensively orchestral music.
Like tom drums, they produce a deep, thunderous sound–but players
can tune them depending on the accompanying style of music. Near the
bottom of the drum, there is a foot pedal that players can depress
which will control the tension of the head, thereby changing the pitch.
Timpani is also responsible for the for the jungle drum theme of George
of the Jungle. Since they fuse aspects of definite and indefinite
classifications, the timpani is one of the most unique percussion
instruments.
Many beginning musicians start on percussion instruments because
they are perfect for developing rhythm, stamina and dexterity. Drumming
also produces heightened levels of ambidexterity in students.
A standard, 5-piece drum set includes a snare drum, bass drum, two
toms and one floor tom–hi-hats and cymbals are auxiliary pieces.
Most companies will offer a 5-piece set for beginners who are considering
taking up the instrument. Drums are a very expensive investment and
players should consider renting a set to make sure that it’s
something they want to stick with.