Instruments
Violin bows: how to hold them, what they are made of and where to buy the best violin bows
We all know that a bow is an essential part of playing a string instrument, but that's just the beginning. We're here to answer all your questions about violin bows and the different types and styles to choose from
The best music for the accordion
The accordion is one of the most versatile instruments to write for, appearing most prevalently in South American music, but also cropping up in jazz and more traditional forms of classical music. We have rounded up a varied selection of the best accordion music for you to discover
The best works for the theremin
The theremin is a no-contact electronic instrument created in the early 20th century. We've chosen some of the best pieces of music to have been written for this surprising instrument
The history of the accordion: its invention, evolution and famous piano accordion makers
The history of the accordion is rich and varied, with the instrument crossing musical traditions around the globe and undergoing many technical developments
The 10 best viola jokes
The poor viola is always the butt of every joke, and we pity viola players the world over for having to roll their eyes every time their maligned instrument is mentioned in orchestra rehearsal. Here are the some of the funniest and best viola jokes for you to have up your sleeve...
Viola: how to play, tune and clean a viola
The viola can sometimes be the laughing stock of the music world, but it's a great instrument to learn with lots of opportunities for orchestral playing. Here's why
The trumpet: its valves, keys, mutes and how to hold, play and tune it
Intrigued by the trumpet? We're here to tell you everything you need to know about its valves, mutes, the different parts of the instrument and how to hold and play it
The history of the trumpet: its invention, evolution and famous trumpet makers
The trumpet has undergone one of the most significant makeovers of all musical instruments, transforming from valveless natural trumpets using harmonics to the versatile instrument used in classical and jazz music today
Cornet vs trumpet: what's the difference?
Despite looking similar the cornet and trumpet are actually two very different instruments as we explain
What instruments make up a jazz band?
A wide variety of instruments can make up a traditional jazz band, from pianos to saxophones. Here are the main ones...
Terrible treatments of the piano
We present 4 truly unpleasant ways in which pianos have been treated over the years, which have been, alas, filmed for posterity. Here they are...
Pianola: what is it and how does it differ to the 'reproducing piano'
All you need to know about the pianola, which was hugely popular in the early 20th century
Music stands: the best on the market and what to look for
Whether you're performing in the back row of a symphony orchestra or alone on a recital stage, a good music stand is crucial. We've tried out different models at all budgets – and these are the best music stands on the market
The bassoon: a guide to the orchestra's largest wind instrument
Like its cousin the oboe, the bassoon has a double reed which gives it a particularly distinctive sound
What musical instrument should you learn? Here's the five things you need to ask yourself
We've all heard the benefits of learning an instrument – but sometimes the choice can be overwhelming. Decide which instrument you or your child should learn with our handy guide
The cello: a comprehensive guide
The larger cousin of the violin and viola, but smaller than the double bass, the cello is a popular bowed stringed instrument, capable of great range and expression
Harmonium history: tracing the evolution, rise and demise of the pump organ
Far from being dusty and dreary, harmoniums, or pump organs, were grand instruments that took their place at the heart of 19th-century French music, says Andrew Green
History of the clarinet: its invention, evolution and famous clarinet makers
One of the youngest members of the woodwind family, the clarinet has undergone several major stylistic and technical developments over the centuries. Here, we run you through the history of the clarinet
These are the 7 things to look for when you're choosing a music teacher
You've decided you want to learn a musical instrument, but what's next? You need a music teacher! Consult our guide for how to find a music teacher – and what you should be looking for
What actually is the world's smallest violin? Our experts investigate
It's become one of the most widely used memes on the internet, but what actually is the world's smallest violin and where did the saying come from? Our crack team of classical music experts investigate
Rosin: what it is, the different types and why string instruments need it
Used by violinists, violists, cellists and double bassists, rosin helps to create friction between the bow hair and strings
Most expensive instruments of all time: the musical objects fetching eye-watering sums of money
How much? From a lavish pipe organ to Charlie Parker's saxophone, these are the most expensive musical instruments of all time.
Viola vs violin: what's the difference?
We explain the differences between the two string instruments, the violin and the viola
History of the violin: its invention, evolution and famous Italian violin makers
Its appearance and sound is oh-so familiar, but what’s the story behind the violin? Here’s some background to this most sweet and noble of musical instruments.