Welcome to the Musical Instruments reference

This reference is written for music theory, arranging, composing, song writing and orchestration students of MusicArrangers.com, though we recognise it may have wider appeal. Our students are introduced to this material in the 4th lesson. We believe an early introduction to such advanced material gives them a more stimulating and satisfying learning experience.

Our specialty is modern American arranging: swing, Latin American, symphonic, film score. We focus on the instruments used today by professional commercial recording studio musicians. We do not cover the full extent of classical symphonic instruments. We do not cover indigenous instruments. We do not cover instruments no longer in use.

Our students learn fast the most important things we want to teach them. To achieve this our definitions though essentially correct, may not be completely correct in a historical context. They may not exactly fit in with convention. You may like to refer to texts in addition to this to broaden your general knowledge.

This is a students reference. If you have been given an assignment in music arranging we strongly recommend you speak directly with the players or their management regarding the proper writing of the score and instrumental range. We will not be held liable for any misinformation here within or misinterpretations you experience, though we have taken great care to be accurate. Our reference contains a certain amount of personal opinion formed through experience and is not to be compared with internationally recognised texts on the same subject.

The Musical Instruments reference is a self contained unit. We like to think it is generally understandable to music theory students and the general public. Though if you are completely new to music theory you might find too much of the terminology new and overwhelming. We recommend you consult with a standard introductory music theory reference before continuing.

Please enjoy this reference. We wrote it for you.