What are percussion instruments?
Percussion instruments make up the biggest instrumental family as anything that makes a noise when it is shaken, hit or scraped can qualify as a percussion instrument.
Percussion instruments are found in the vast majority of bands, groups and ensembles. Unlike other musicians, percussionists usually play several instruments within the same piece. Percussionists must keep time and carry the beat of the music. They are also used to add texture to the music.
On the following pages you'll find some of the percussion instruments we have available for you to play through the Rochdale Music Service. If you wish to learn an alternative percussion instrument, get in touch and we'll try to accommodate you.
A student playing a xylophone in a tuned percussion lesson.