Mocomi & Anibrain Digital Technologies
Mocomi: Types of Musical Instruments
Provides a list of musical instruments and how they work.
New York Times
New York Times: Crossword Puzzle: Musical Instruments
An interactive and printable crossword puzzle developed by the New York Times Learning Network. The theme of this puzzle is Musical Instruments.
University of Michigan
University of Michigan: Instrument Encyclopedia: Saxophone
The University of Michigan provides general information on the saxophone, a single-reed woodwind instrument, invented by Adolphe Sax. This resource also includes images and references for further reading and research.
University of Michigan
University of Michigan: Instrument Encyclopedia: Bassoon
This essay provides general and historical information on the woodwind instrument, the bassoon, which is a "larger and lower-voiced version of the oboe." Included are references to famous musicians who worked with the bassoon and several...
University of Michigan
University of Michigan: Instrument Encyclopedia: Clarinet
This article, providing general information on the clarinet -- "a very popular woodwind instrument which originated in Islamic and Asian countries" -- includes an image of a clarinet, several references for reading and research, and a...
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan: Instrument Encyclopedia: Transverse Flute
In addition to providing general information on the transverse flute and references for further reading and research, this lesson includes an audio file so that you can hear "the sound of a baroque wooden flute."
PBS
Classics for Kids: Musical Instruments
An A-to-Z directory of all the instruments and tools of the orchestra. Each entry includes a description, a picture, and a sound sample.
Other
Alien Travel Guide: Musical Instruments
This site contains links to articles that explain how musical instruments work, describes vocal mechanics, and the three main vocal groups.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Orchestra Instruments
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart describes the various instrument families and the instruments that fit in each family. Sound files are attached to the instruments so that students can hear what each sounds like.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Flute
Read about the flute, how it produces sound, and how it's made. Learn about the woodwind family and the differences in the divisions in the three branches of this family. Use RealAudio or Windows Media Player to hear the flute alone, and...
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Clarinet
Use this resource to learn about the clarinet, and the characteristics of the woodwind family. Use RealAudio or Windows Media Player to hear the clarinet alone and with the orchestra.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Saxophone
Read more about the saxophone, and the characteristics of the woodwind family. Use RealAudio or Windows Media Player to hear the saxophone play with the orchestra.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Oboe
Learn about the oboe and how it is played. Read more about the woodwind family. Use RealAudio or Windows Media Player to hear the oboe on its own or with the orchestra.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: English Horn
Use this resource to learn about the English horn and read about the woodwind family. Use ReadAudio or Windows Media Player to hear the English Horn by itself and with the orchestra.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Bass Clarinet
Use this resource to learn about the bass clarinet, and read about the woodwind family. Use RealAudio or Windows Media Player to hear the bass clarinet on its own and with the orchestra.
Other
Pay the Piper: The Saxophone
This is a site to read about the advantages and disadvantages of playing the saxophone. The page gives great background information about this woodwind instrument.
OpenStax
Open Stax: Catherine Schmidt Jones: Orchestral Instruments
This is a brief introduction to the various instruments on the modern orchestra. It is broken into sections based on the instrument families. Each instrument is briefly defined.
Text Project
Text Project: Fyi for Kids: Horns: The Sound of the Wind [Pdf]
This FYI for Kids (Volume 2, Issue 7) article is about horn musical instruments. It explains how they work, materials they have been made from, what they are used for, and even how students can make a simple one for themselves.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Instrument Families
[Free Registration/Login Required] Discover which musical instruments fit into which categories. A comprehensive listing of instruments with pictures is included in the flipchart.
Other
Circular Breathing
Circular breathing is a method of breathing that is used to "maintain a sound for a long period of time." This article explains how to engage circular breathing as a technique for playing the instrument.
Other
Saxlessons
The complete saxophone resource. Students are guided through lessons. Also, a wealth of information about the saxophone.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Contrabassoon
Learn about the contrabassoon, a member of the woodwind family of instruments. Use RealAudio or Windows Media Player to hear the contrabassoon.
