percussion

Percussion refers to the family of musical instruments that produce sound primarily by being struck, shaken, or scraped. These instruments generate vibrations when interacted with, creating sound waves that we perceive as tone. Common percussion instruments include drums, cymbals, tambourines, and maracas. They provide rhythm, texture, and emphasis within musical compositions, ranging from soft and subtle to loud and powerful. Percussion play a vital role across all musical genres, serving as timekeepers or adding expressive accents, and are integral to both ensemble and solo performances.