Definition

Noun: A percussion instrument is a musical instrument in which the sound is produced by one object striking another. This includes instruments that are struck, shaken, or scraped to create sound.

Usage

The term "percussion instrument" is used to categorize a wide range of musical instruments based on their method of sound production. It is a standard term in music theory, education, and performance. - It functions as a countable noun (e.g., a percussion instrument, several percussion instruments). - It is often used in contrast with other instrument families like string instruments, wind instruments, or brass instruments.

Examples

• The drum, xylophone, and tambourine are all types of percussion instruments.
• A symphony orchestra typically has a large percussion instrument section.
• She specializes in playing rare percussion instruments from around the world.
• Is the piano considered a percussion instrument? (In some classifications, it is, because hammers strike strings.)

Advanced Usage

• "Percussion" as a collective noun: The word "percussion" alone can refer to the entire section of such instruments in an ensemble.
  • He plays in the percussion.
• "Percussive" (adjective): Describing a quality of sound or playing style that is sharp and striking.
  • The music had a strong, percussive rhythm.

Variants and Related Words

• Percussionist (noun): A musician who plays percussion instruments.
  • The percussionist prepared her instruments before the concert.
• Idiophone: A technical sub-class of percussion instruments where the instrument itself vibrates to produce sound (e.g., xylophone, cymbal).
• Membranophone: A technical sub-class of percussion instruments where sound is produced by a vibrating stretched membrane (e.g., drum, timpani).

Synonyms

• Drum (though this is a specific type, not a synonym for the entire category)
• Beat instrument (informal and less common)

Related Phrases

• Percussion section: The group of musicians in a band or orchestra who play percussion instruments.
  • The percussion section provided a powerful backbone for the piece.
• Percussion kit/percussion set: A collection of percussion instruments used by one player.
  • The touring musician's percussion kit was very compact.

Related Idioms

There are no common idioms that use the exact phrase "percussion instrument."

Noun

1. a musical instrument in which the sound is produced by one object striking another