Guide to Flutes

A photo of a woman playing the modern konghou on stage

The first flutes are known to be invented before farming, metalworking, and domestication. Studies show that flutes have existed since 40,000 BC, and back then, they were made with bones of different animals. Aside from that, these flutes not only have mouthpieces, they also have holes to govern airflow throughout the instrument. … Read more

Guide to Vibraphone

Man playing  Musser Vibraphone

A vibraphone is a musical instrument that belonged to the percussion family. This instrument has tuned metal bars, and it is played by holding two to four soft mallets hitting the metal bars. The vibraphone is like a marimbaphone or a steel marimba. The instruments’ significant difference is that the vibraphone’s bars … Read more

Guide to Steelpans

Steelpans

Steelpan or also known as steel drum is a percussion instrument that originated in Trinidad and Tobago. Back then, steelpans were built from industrial containers. Today, steelpan manufacturers usually use high-quality steel to construct the instrument. Soloists and small ensembles can play steelpans because they come in different tones, ranges, and timbres. … Read more

Guide to Snare Drum

Drum kit snare drum

A snare drum, also known as a side drum, is a percussion instrument with a sharp staccato sound when struck using a drum stick. Snare drums are often used in concert bands, parades, orchestras, marching bands, drumlines, drum corps, and so much more. In this article, we are going to learn more … Read more

Guide to Parai

Parai and the sticks used to play it

The Parai, also known as Thappu, is considered one of India’s oldest drums, specifically in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu and some parts of Sri Lanka. The Parai is also known as one of the symbols of the Tamil culture. During the olden days, the Parai was used as a … Read more

Guide to the Kutiyapi

A photo of a Maguindanao kutiyapi with okkir motifs.

The kutiyapi, also known as kudyapi, is a two-stringed boat lute that originated in the Philippines. Some name variations also existdepending on what region it is used. In Maguindanao, this instrument was referred to as ‘kutiapi,’ while the Maranao called this ‘kotyapi.’ At the same time, the Subanon named it ‘kotapi.’ The … Read more

Guide to the African Conga Drum

A photo of a conga pair

The conga drum is a percussion instrument that originated from Africa. Its exact origin is unknown, but researchers agree that the conga was developed by Cuban people in the late 19th century or early 20th century.It is a single-headed drum that became famous after they were included in Cuban music. Traditional conga … Read more

Guide to the Wooden Fish

A photo of the wooden fish

The wooden fish is a percussion instrument that is made out of a hollow wooden block. Sometimes, a variety of wooden fishes were made of plastics. Buddhist priests usually used this instrument to beat rhythms when they are chanting scriptures. Also known as the Mokugyo, Chinese temple block or wooden bell, this … Read more