What makes an instrument part of the percussion family?

The defining characteristic of a percussion instrument is that it is played by being struck, shaken, or scraped. This produces sound through the vibration of the instrument itself, as opposed to the vibration of strings, reeds, or air columns inside the instrument.

Percussion instruments come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and they can be made from a variety of materials. Some common percussion instruments include the drums, cymbals, marimba, xylophone, and triangle.

Percussion instruments are used in a wide range of musical genres, from classical music to rock and roll. They can provide rhythm, melody, and texture to a piece of music.