What is a Musical Instrument?
A musical instrument is a device for creating and expressively shaping sound. Musical instruments are used to control sound for communication through hearing. Every musical instrument generates vibrations in some manner, and then transmits those vibrations through a medium such as air or water. In a violin or guitar, the vibrating element is a string. In a flute or saxophone, the vibrating element is the column of air inside the instrument. In a snare drum, the vibrating elements include both the skin or membrane of the drum and metal springs stretched against the drum skin. In a cymbal or gong, the vibrating element is the entire instrument. In a digital instrument, such as a synthesizer, vibrations are created by transforming the digital signal into an electric current that drives a loudspeaker. Musical instruments do more than make vibrations: they also provide various means for shaping those vibrations in a controlled manner. In a violin, the means include the fingerboard (for cont
