Enhance your woodwind musical instrument knowledge with our educational guides and resources. Instrument history, players, composers and great brass compositions.
Chirimía Instrument Summary The Chirimía is a traditional wind instrument, typically made of wood, that has its origins in Spain and was brought to the Americas during the colonial period. It is similar to an oboe, with a double reed…
Pífano Instrument Summary The Pífano is a traditional Brazilian wind instrument, similar to a flute, that is commonly used in rural and folk music, especially in the northeastern regions of Brazil. It is usually made from bamboo or wood and…
Pito de Carrizo Instrument Summary The Pito de Carrizo is a traditional Mexican wind instrument, often crafted from carrizo reed, known for its sharp and high-pitched sound. It is commonly used in indigenous and folk music throughout Mexico, especially in…
Sheng Instrument Summary The Sheng is a traditional Chinese wind instrument known for its unique, multi-piped design and rich, harmonic sound. It features multiple bamboo pipes of varying lengths arranged in a circular or rectangular shape, each with a free…
What is a Xiao Instrument? The Xiao is a traditional Chinese wind instrument known for its deep, mellow sound and elegant bamboo construction. It is a vertical end-blown flute that produces a soft, ethereal tone. The xiao is a key…
Dizi Instrument Summary The Dizi is a traditional Chinese wind instrument known for its bright, penetrating sound and distinctive bamboo construction. It features a unique membrane that vibrates to create a resonant, buzzing tone. The dizi is a key instrument…
Quena Instrument Description The Quena is a traditional Andean wind instrument known for its distinct, haunting sound. It is a notched flute typically made of bamboo or wood and features a unique mouthpiece and finger hole arrangement. The quena is…
Moxeño Instrument Description The Moxeño is a traditional wind instrument from the Andes, particularly used by indigenous communities in Bolivia. It is a large bamboo flute known for its deep, resonant sound. The moxeño is typically played at traditional music…
Tarka Instrument Description The Tarka is a traditional Andean wind instrument known for its distinct, piercing sound. It is typically made of wood and has a rectangular shape with a block mouthpiece. The instrument is commonly played during festivals and…
The piccolo is the smallest and highest-pitched member of the flute family, known for its bright, piercing tone. It features a cylindrical body, usually made of metal or wood, and is half the size of a standard concert flute. The…
