Percussion is the world's oldest and most widespread family of instruments. Examples are found in almost every culture from Africa to the Americas, Egypt to Asia, Europe, India, Siberia, Australia - just about everywhere!

Some instruments, like drums, make a sound or tone when they are struck. A stick or mallet may be used to play the instrument, or a player (called a percussionist) may use his or her fingers and hands to make the sounds. Tambourines and maracas make a sound when they are shaken, while cymbals and castinets are played by crashing or clicking a pair together. Some instruments are "tuned" to create a specific note, (such as a tympani or xylophone), while others rely on the player's skill to create a variety of sounds.

With the vast array of percussion instruments available today, players can choose from a truly unique set of instruments that will allow them to find their own musical "voices."