A wind instrument is a musical instrument whose sound is produced thanks to the vibrations caused by the breath of an instrumentalist (trumpet, saxophone), a mechanical blower (organ, accordion) or an air pocket ( bagpipes, veuze…). The family of wind instruments is divided into 2 categories:

Brass: set in vibration by the lips of the musician, like the trumpet (in metal) and the didgeridoo (in wood) or the olifant (in ivory) and the woodwinds.

Woods: vibrating on a bevel or by a reed (recorder, clarinet, saxophone...)

There are also electronic wind instruments that use breath and wind instrument fingerings and can also be used as a controller with music production software (such as the AKAI EWI electronic flute).

The saxophone

It is one of the best known and most used wind instruments. We hear it through a wide variety of music, even if the one that gives it pride of place is unquestionably jazz. This instrument has the advantage of agreeing equally well with other wind instruments as well as those with strings.

The Alto model is easier to play, which explains its popularity with beginner musicians. Its fingering is close to that of a recorder or transverse flute.

The clarinet

It is common to hear this instrument both in a large orchestra and in chamber music.

For your debut, we advise you to turn to a Soprano model in Bb. This is also the most common choice towards which clarinet teachers guide their students. This clarinet model will allow you to learn both jazz and Mozart's famous clarinet concerto.

The transverse flute

The transverse flute is an ancient instrument that belongs to the wind family.

Unlike other flute models, the traverse is held horizontally.

Its sound is bright and warm and it is common to hear it in a classical music orchestra; which did not prevent Jethro Tull, a British group from the 70s, from adopting it brilliantly within a rock formation.

There are several variations of transverse flutes. To begin, we recommend learning on a transverse flute with a curved headstock. This feature offers the advantage of reducing the space between the keys and the mouthpiece, which will make it easier for children whose hands are smaller than those of adults.

The trumpet

Usually made from brass, this instrument is part of the large brass family. It has pistons and a mouthpiece.

Even though they differ slightly in shape and size from the trumpet, cornets and flugelhorns are considered trumpets.

The sound volume of this instrument is high and its tone bright.

Picolo clarinets are often used for symphonic music.

To get started, it is recommended to turn to a study model. As progress is made, you can then consider switching to an intermediate model, then a professional one.

The use of a mute modifies the sound reproduction of the instrument in a very marked way. Miles Davis, to name only him, knew how to use this accessory brilliantly.

The trombone

Like the trumpet, the trombone is also part of the brass family. Although there are models with pistons, the best known and used is undoubtedly the one with a slide.

Whether tenor or bass, the trombone is used in a variety of musical styles. It is not rare to hear it, as well within a classical formation, as in jazz, salsa, and even in military music.

Their users are called trombonists.

The harmonica

With a smaller footprint, this instrument has many followers because it is relatively simple to learn. There are 3 families of harmonicas: diatonic, chromatic and tremolo.

The diatonic harmonica, well known by country and blues music players, it can be used for all genres of music.

The chromatic harmonica, its design was based on the idea that certain notes were missing from diatonic patterns. It is widely used in Jazz and sometimes even in classical music.

The tremolo harmonica, recommended for lovers of traditional music, the tremolo has been adopted in the mode of folk, country and also gospel.

The Accordion

The accordion often presents a somewhat outdated image to young people. This is probably due to the fact that it has long been part of some popular music. Nevertheless, it remains a very rich instrument in sound and very popular with some jazz music lovers and the alternative rock scene. Some bands of the 80s brought this instrument up to date. This change in trend has also prompted the manufacturer Roland to offer electrified versions of this instrument.

Which wind instrument to turn to?

Although the budget is a determining factor for the choice of an instrument, it is necessary to keep in mind that the 'first prices' are to be avoided for those with wind.

The difficulty that some beginners have in 'getting' an audible sound out of their trumpet, their saxophone or their recorder, deserves that the instrument on which they practice be of good quality; this in order to avoid discouraging them. So, without spending a fortune, we advise you not to rush on an instrument that is too cheap.

If your learning goes through lessons with a teacher, it is probably best to seek his advice.