A close-up look at the world of music discusses the history of music and the development of the diverse types of wind, percussion, brass, string, and electronic instruments--from early panpipes to high-tech synthesizers.

Describes various musical instruments from the twentieth century, both ones that have been recently invented and traditional ones that have been improved or redesigned.

Describes the human voice, instruments of the orchestra, American folk instruments, and the creation of musical sounds with electricity.

ions of some of the instruments in the string, woodwind, brass, and percussion families and describes different groups of musicians.

Traces the development of stringed instruments through various cultures. Includes projects for making different kinds of instruments and exploring how sound is made on strings.

A band of animal musicians introduces the symphony orchestra.

Intended to supplement classroom activity and instruction, each chapter provides an introduction to musical theory, explaining how music is written down and how to read it. Gives practical guidelines on tuning and maintenance, different styles of playing, and a history of relevant composers, soloists and music.