CLASSIFYING MUSIC INSTRUMENTS (GRADE 4 - SEPT. 2024) NOTES

​CLASSIFYING MUSIC INSTRUMENTS





Grade 4

HOW MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS ARE CLASSIFIED

This system of classifying music is based on how sound is produced on different instruments. It is known as the HORNBOSTEL-SACHS classification system.

​There are 4 categories of instruments named in this system:

• Aerophones

• Chordophones

• Membranophones

• Idiophones

Aerophones produce sound by the vibration of AIR.

Examples of aerophones are:

​AEROPHONES (Wind Instruments)

• Flute

• Trumpet

• Trombone

• French Horn

Chordophones produce sound by the vibration of STRINGS.

Examples of chordoophones are:

​CHORDOPHONES (String Instruments)

• Guitar

• Viola

• Violin

• Cello

• Double Bass

• Harp

Membranophones produce sound by the vibration of a stretched membrane or skin.

Examples of membranophones are:

​MEMBRANOPHONES

• Tambourines

• Conga Drum

• Bongos

• Snare drum

Idiophones produce sound by the vibration of the instrument itself whether by, shaking, hitting/tapping or scraping.

Examples of idiophones are:

​ IDIOPHONES

• Triangles

• Maracas

• Xylophones

• Cymbals