what are percussion instruments

Percussion instruments are a diverse group of musical instruments that produce sound when struck, shaken, or scraped. They can be tuned, producing specific notes, or untuned, with no definite pitch. Some common percussion instruments include the timpani, xylophone, cymbals, triangle, snare drum, bass drum, tambourine, maracas, gongs, chimes, celesta, and piano. Other instruments in the percussion family include the marimba, vibraphone, glockenspiel, cowbells, and temple blocks. Percussionists play these instruments with their hands or with beaters such as drumsticks, mallets, rods, or wire brushes.