Curriculum Subject: Percussion

Percussion instruments can be found in every culture, all over the world, and are one of the very oldest kinds of musical instruments known. They make a sound by being hit, shaken or scraped. Some percussion instruments are tuned and can play melodies, whilst some can’t. Percussion instruments are often used to mark the underlying pulse of the music and can also be used to create special effects. Percussion instruments are often made of wood or metal and traditional percussion instruments often used locally available materials such as gourds, bones and seeds. Did you know you could even use your own body as a percussion instrument?