by Thomas D Rossing (Northern Illinois University)

Table of Contents (119k)
Preface (67k)
Chapter 1: The Percussion Family (298k)

Percussion instruments may be our oldest musical instruments, but only recently have they become the subject of extensive scientific study. This book focuses on how percussion instruments vibrate and produce sound and how these sounds are perceived by listeners.

• The Percussion Family
• Drums with Definite Pitch
• Interlude: Sound and Hearing
• Drums with Indefinite Pitch
• Interlude: Vibrations of Bars and Air Columns
• Xylophones and Marimbas
• Metallophones
• Interlude: Vibrations of Plates and Shells
• Cymbals, Gongs, and Plates
• Music from Oil Drums: Caribbean Steelpans
• Church Bells and Carillon Bells
• Handbells, Choirchimes, Crotals, and Cow Bells
• Eastern Bells
• Glass Musical Instruments
• Other Percussion Instruments