Percussion Instruments

Percussion instruments produce a sound when struck with another object. They serve generally to mark the rhythm of a melody, as many yield but a single tone.

Holding a dominating position in the music of certain primitive peoples, percussion instruments have been long frowned upon by western orchestras, while scholars see them merely as "noisy instruments".

Whether made out of hide, stone, wood, or metal, percussion instruments form a vast range of objects, from the drum to the triangle and cymbal. The piano is sometimes also classified among percussion instruments, as it employs manner little hammers which strike the strings.