Instrument Exploration

Instrument Exploration: Cello

Explore the cello through a piece called ‘The Escape Artist,‘ by Zoe Keating.

Instrument Exploration: Harp

In this lesson, learn about and listen to the harp most commonly used in orchestras: the "pedal harp."

Instrument Exploration: Meet The Organ (Part One)

Meet four organists, or people who play the organ, in four different settings.

Instrument Exploration: How the Pipe Organ Works (Part Two)

Learn more about how the pipe organ works- part two of a three-part series!

Instrument Exploration: Composers and the Pipe Organ (Part Three)

Compare and contrast four musical pieces written for this instrument!

Instrument Exploration: Viola

The viola looks like the violin, but it’s just a little bigger! Learn about the viola and listen to several Class Notes artists demonstrate their instrument.

Instrument Exploration: Oboe

Did you know most oboe players make their own reeds? Learn about this woodwind instrument and hear what it sounds like in this instrument exploration lesson!

Instrument Exploration: Recorder

Learn to identify the recorder by sound and sight in this free lesson plan for elementary school students.

Instrument Exploration: Trumpet

Learn to identify the trumpet by sound and sight in this free lesson plan for elementary school students.

Instrument Exploration: Loop Pedal

Learn to identify the loop pedal by sound and sight in this free lesson plan for elementary school students.

Instrument Exploration: Guitar

Learn to identify the guitar by sound and sight in this free lesson plan for elementary school students.

Instrument Exploration: Piano

The piano has 88 keys! Explore how sound is made on this keyboard instrument.

Instrument Exploration: Flute

Even though it’s made of metal, the flute is a member of the woodwind family! Listen to and learn about the flute in this lesson.

Instrument Exploration: Saxophone

Bari, Tenor, Alto, Soprano - learn about these four saxophones in this instrument exploration lesson.

Instrument Exploration: Violin

The violin is the smallest instrument in the string family! Learn to identify the violin by sight and sound! Listen to several Class Notes artists demonstrate their instrument.

Instrument Exploration: Trombone

The trombone is a member of the brass family! Learn a little about the instrument, and hear its sound in several different settings.

Instrument Exploration: French Horn

Did you know the French horn isn't really French? Learn about this brass instrument and watch some videos in unique or unusual settings.

Instrument Exploration: Bassoon

The bassoon is sometimes called the "comedian of the orchestra.” Learn about this unique woodwind instrument!

Instrument Exploration: Clarinet

Did you know the clarinet is nicknamed "the licorice stick"? Learn about this woodwind instrument and enjoy several listening examples.

Instrument Exploration: Mandolin

The mandolin is a string instrument that can be used in many different genres of music! Learn about the instrument and listen to it in several different styles of music.

Instrument Exploration: Double Bass

The double bass is the largest, and lowest-sounding, string instrument. Learn to identify it by sight and sound!

Instrument Exploration: The Brass Family

The brass family is one of four main instrument families in the orchestra. Learn how to make a sound on a brass instrument and hear recordings of various brass instruments.

Instrument Exploration: Mallet Instruments

Mallet instruments are a part of the percussion family. Explore four kinds of mallet instruments in this lesson.

Instrument Exploration: Cymbals

Crash! Bang! Learn about this percussion instrument, and try making (and playing) your own cymbals with household objects.

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This activity is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

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