Musical instruments are tools that make music. There are many different kinds! Some you hit, some you blow into, and some you pluck or strum with your fingers. People have been playing instruments for thousands of years.
Every instrument makes its own special sound. Some instruments are big and loud, and some are small and quiet. Musicians can play instruments alone or together in a group.
Instruments are sorted into families based on how they make sound. Percussion instruments like drums, tambourines, and xylophones make sound when you hit or shake them. Wind instruments like flutes, trumpets, and recorders make sound when you blow air into them.
String instruments like guitars, violins, and harps have strings that you pluck or use a bow on. Keyboard instruments like pianos have keys that you press with your fingers. Each family has instruments that are big and small, loud and quiet.
Some instruments are easy for kids to start playing. Recorders, drums, and ukuleles are popular first instruments. Many kids learn to play an instrument at school during music class.
It takes practice to get better at an instrument. Musicians practice scales, songs, and exercises to build their skills. The more you practice, the better the music sounds!
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