For teachers

Violin

If the orchestra were a sailing ship, the violins would be its sails. They play almost all the time, there are more of them in the orchestra than any other instrument, and composers usually write the most beautiful melodies for them. All string instruments in the orchestra are mainly played with the right hand using a bow and the left hand pressing the strings.

Viola

The viola is similar to the violin, except it is slightly bigger and has longer strings – which is why it also sounds lower. Since the sound range of violas is somewhere between low and high string instruments, they rarely get to shine with solos.

Cello

The cello is too big to be played under the chin, so it is played in a vertical position between the knees. The strings on a cello are twice as long as those on a viola, which is why the cello is an octave lower.

Double bass

If the violins are the sails of the orchestra, the double basses are its rudder. As the largest and lowest string instrument, the double bass controls both the pulse and the lowest notes of the music. Since a full-size double bass is about two metres high, it is played either standing or sitting on a high stool.

Flute

The flute is the highest-pitched woodwind instrument in the orchestra, unless the composer has written a part for piccolo. As its full name suggests, the transverse or side-blown flute is held horizontally, unlike the recorder, which is rarely played in symphony orchestras.

Oboe

The name oboe comes from the French words haut bois, or high woodwind. The oboe is considered one of the most important instruments in the orchestra. Because its sound carries very far, almost every concert begins with the instruments tuning to a note played by the oboe.

Clarinet

The clarinet is a very versatile instrument. It can play both very low and very high notes, and very quietly or very loudly. Like other woodwinds, the pitch of the clarinet is adjusted by covering holes made in the tube. This shortens or lengthens the distance travelled by the air blown into the instrument.

Bassoon

The bassoon is the biggest and lowest woodwind in the orchestra. It is made of thick wood and has so many metal components that the musician has to carry it using a shoulder strap.

French horn

The French horn, or simply horn, is a very old and versatile instrument. Like other brass instruments, its sound is produced by buzzing the lips against the mouthpiece. The pitch is varied by adjusting the amount of blowing and by pressing the valve keys. The tone can be changed using various mutes or by placing a hand inside the horn.

Trumpet

The trumpet is a simple instrument on which skilled musicians can play dozens of different pitches from just three valves. The sound of the trumpet is very audible and clear, and the spectrum of tones can be expanded almost endlessly using various mutes.

Trombone

The trombone is unique among brass instruments. While the pitch of other brass instruments is changed by pressing valves or keys, the pitch of the trombone is changed by pushing and pulling a long U-shaped slide mechanism. That is why it is sometimes referred to as a slide trombone.

Tuba

The tuba is the largest brass instrument in the orchestra. Its easily recognisable, low-pitched sound carries very far, and it is produced by buzzing the lips loosely inside the mouthpiece.

There are usually many types of percussion instruments in the back row of the orchestra: some, like the glockenspiel, play melodies, while others, like tambourines and timpani drums, mainly play rhythms. The pitch of drums can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the heads.

Timpani

Glockenspiel

Marimba

Triangle

Cymbals

Bass drum

Harp

The harp is the largest instrument in a typical symphony orchestra, yet its sound is soft and delicate. The harp is played by plucking its approximately 45 strings with both hands, the pitch of which can be changed using pedals.