What is a wind instrument?

Music

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by Kate Simmons >> more about the author

Have you ever heard the strong and steady pulse of a tuba, or the magical sound of the flute? When we talk about the moving air these wind instruments need in order to work, we’re not referring to windy weather! Wind instruments are musical instruments that use the player’s breath to help create their sound.

There are two types of wind instruments: woodwind instruments and brass instruments. Many woodwind instruments are made of wood, and many brass instruments are made of brass. But what about the saxophone, which is a woodwind instrument made of brass?!

As it turns out, the way you play a wind instrument is more important than what it’s made of when it comes to its name! Woodwind instruments, such as the clarinet, oboe and bassoon, make noise when the player blows into a mouthpiece while using his or her fingers to cover and uncover holes. Some woodwind instruments use a vibrating mouthpiece called a reed, which moves when air passes over it.

Instead of vibrating a mouthpiece, the players of brass instruments vibrate their lips by buzzing against a mouthpiece to create sound. And instead of covering and uncovering holes, players press down on buttons called valves to help create the notes. The trumpet, trombone and French horn are all examples of brass instruments.

Wind instruments add a powerful sound to a musical ensemble. Can you imagine an orchestra without them?!

On one end of a wind instrument is the mouthpiece. On the other end is a wider opening called a bell. In fact, the shape of this opening may remind you of the flare of another kind of bell—one that you can ring!