Percussion is an exciting form of music that has been enjoyed around the world for centuries. The types of percussion instruments vary greatly, ranging from hand drums to xylophones and other complex orchestral pieces. This article will explore the different categories of percussion instruments, discuss the history of percussion, and highlight the unique benefits to playing percussion.
Percussion instruments come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and can be made from many different materials. Among the most common types of percussion instruments are drums, which can be acoustic or electronic. Drum kits typically include a bass drum, snare drum, toms, hi-hats and cymbals. Other common percussion instruments include tambourines, maracas, shakers and bongos, as well as instruments such as chimes and glockenspiels. Percussion instruments are also used to play synthetic sounds and samples, and can provide a modern twist to many musical genres.
Hand drums, such as djembes and doumbeks, are traditional instruments used in many parts of the world for centuries. These drums have been used in various kinds of music, from African traditions to South American carnival beats, to more current styles such as reggae, rock, and jazz. Tabla and cajon are other percussion instruments that are gaining in popularity. Tabla is an Indian drum that is played with the hands, and cajon is a box-shaped percussion instrument that is struck with the hands.
Percussion instruments not only offer a wide range of sounds and styles to explore, but they also provide a physical outlet for musical expression. With such a vast array of instruments to choose from, the possibilities for creating new rhythms and music are endless.
Percussion has a long and diverse history, dating back to the early days of human civilization. It is believed that ancient civilizations used percussion instruments as part of religious ceremonies, rituals, and gatherings. As civilizations developed, so did the use of percussion instruments, which began to be used in music and dance.
In the Middle Ages, percussion instruments began to be used in military processions and ceremonies. This is the time when some of the most iconic and oft-used percussion instruments were created, including the snare drum, bass drum, and cymbals.
During the Renaissance, percussion instruments saw widespread use in orchestras, operas, and other musical performances. In the 19th century, with the invention of modern recording technology, percussion instruments became a mainstay of popular music. Today, percussion is used extensively in all genres of music, from jazz to pop, rock, and metal.
Playing percussion has many benefits both mentally and physically. Firstly, it helps to reduce stress and improve concentration as it keeps the mind focused on the task at hand. It also encourages physical coordination, reflexes and responsiveness. Learning to play percussion instruments also helps increase a musician's sense of rhythm and timing, which can benefit all types of music making. In addition, playing percussion can help improve overall hand-eye coordination and strengthens the hands. Lastly, playing percussion often results in increased stamina, agility, and strength which can be beneficial for musicians that play for extended periods of time.