Melody in Percussion – More than you would imagine

Percussion is often viewed and nothing more than drums in modern music, and understanding the difference between definite and indefinite pitch in the percussion family helps us answer the question, Can percussion instrument play a melody? Percussion instruments such as Marimba, Handpan, Tongue Drum and Kalimba can not only produce melody but can create some…

Why Percussion is Important & Why Music Needs It (Sometimes)

Music is a complicated world with ups and downs that influence everyone who listens, and many people get confused as which parts are the most important. Many times pop and rock bands will find their lead singer or guitar players as the most popular, or orchestras will give little attention to the rhythm section. So…

(Did you know?) Percussion instruments have this in common

Percussion instruments are part of the wonderful world of music that is both amazing, but exceedingly confusing if you are still learning. Unlike other instruments like a brass tuba or stringed pieces of wood, many people tend to forget the importance of having them. Assuming that they are only there to add some color, many…

What is Indefinite Pitch in Percussion

What is Indefinite Pitch in Percussion

When studying percussion music you will come across both definite pitch and indefinite pitch. I have covered off with some examples definite pitch instruments elsewhere, so this article is specifically about what indefinite pitch is. Indefinite pitch instruments in percussion are unable to play tunes or melodies due to the limitation of being able to…

How do Percussion Instruments Produce Sound? (Examples)

How do Percussion Instruments Produce Sound? (Examples)

One of the things that everyone thinks is easy is learning how to play drums, however, what few realize is the natural rhythm that is required to play properly. Because drums are part of the percussion family of instruments many people believe that anything in this family is simply hitting something and a sound is…