Have you ever wanted to learn how to play the drums, or any percussion instrument? Find out what classical pieces they are featured in, and how they add excitement to the music.

Richard Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra — There are two notes played back and forth on timpani. It's a pitched, percussion instrument. Can you hear the two different pitches on the timpani?

LISTEN — Richard Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra

Maurice Ravel: Bolero — One of the most famous pieces in classical music featuring the snare drum.

LISTEN — Maurice Ravel: Bolero

Aaron Copland: "Hoe Down" from Rodeo — This is a really fun piece of ballet music featuring the xylophone. The xylophone almost looks like a keyboard, but you strike the wooden bars with mallets.

LISTEN — Aaron Copland: Hoe Down from Rodeo

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