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When you think of a trombone, you generally picture marching bands or the brass section of a large orchestra. However, this instrument is far more versatile and actually includes several different types. Some of these types are rarer than others, and many are special adaptations to improve range or fit specific functions. Here are 13 … Read more

When you think of accordions, you probably either picture people in funny costumes playing polkas while others drink beer or Weird Al Yankovich. The latter made the accordion popular in the West with his zany parodies, which originally included polka-style mixes of popular tunes using an accordion. But one thing you might not know is … Read more

Invented in the late 1600s by Johann Denner, the clarinet is one of the most recognizable and beloved of all woodwinds. However, it might surprise you to find out that there are actually numerous types of clarinet, most of which look nearly identical. Unlike a lot of other instruments, clarinets are usually classified by the … Read more

You can tell a lot about a person by playing word association games, and the word “saxophone” may be particularly telling. Older generations will immediately name Lester Young, Charlie Parker, or John Coltrane. Those who grew up in the ‘70s and ‘80s will respond with “Careless Whisper”, “Never Tear US Apart”, or “Who Can it … Read more

Bells are one of the oldest musical instruments, dating back thousands of years. Unlike the harp, which has been associated with divinity in Christianity, the bell has often been associated with the devil due to its use in meditation and many pagan religions. Ironically, bells gain extensive usage in Christian churches despite this association. However, … Read more

One of the oldest surviving instruments, harps have become so revered that they’re a staple of religious imagery. In Christianity, cherubs and other stylized angels are often seen playing small harps, and harps are generally associated with heaven while bells are often linked to hell. But harps go well beyond religious use, and there are … Read more

There are two types of musician: People who think percussion is the easiest family of instruments to play, and those who play them. What makes them so difficult is that each instrument either produces a single or limited number of tones, or must be struck in very specific ways. One of the most diverse types … Read more

One of the more unusual types of brass instrument, tubas are literally a form of trumpet that’s so long it has to be compressed into its trademark spiral or oval shape so it can be wielded. Most tubas are made of brass, although some now have fiberglass construction. Fun Fact: If you were to unravel … Read more