3._Family_of_instruments_pkg

Aerophone

An instrument that produces sound by a vibrating column of air.

Idiophone

Instruments that produce sound by being struck, scraped or shaken.

Membranophone

Instruments whose sound is produced by striking or rubbing a skin or membrane stretched across a resonating air chamber.

Chordophone

Instruments whose sound is produced by striking, rubbing or plucking a tight string.

Electrophone

Instruments that produce sound with the aid of electricity.

Woodwind

Instruments that produce sound by a vibrating air column, using reeds or lips.

Single reed

Woodwind instruments like clarinets and saxophones that use one reed.

Double reed

Woodwind instruments like oboes and bassoons that use two reeds.

Definite pitch

Sounds produced by instruments where hitting the instrument yields a specific note.

Indefinite pitch

Sounds produced by instruments where hitting, shaking or rubbing does not yield a specific note.

Conductor

The person controlling the musical performance of the orchestra.

Orchestration

The art of arranging music for an orchestra.

Chamber Orchestra

A small orchestra.

Polyphony

Voices played together, providing melodies, rhythms and musical texture supporting each other.

Symphony

An instrumental ensemble or a number of instruments playing together.