The letter 'A' plays host to a diverse array of musical instruments, each with its own unique sound and purpose. From the familiar and cherished acoustic guitar to the lesser-known aeolian harp and array mbira, these instruments play a significant role in the composition and performance of music in bands and orchestras.
Accordion
An instrument with bellows and metal reeds, the accordion is played by opening and closing the bellows to push air through the reeds when a note is opened by pressing a button or key. Popular in Europe and the United States, the accordion's sound is featured in many different genres of music, including folk, jazz, and classical.
Aeolian Harp
The aeolian harp is a stringed instrument played by the wind, essentially a wooden box including a sounding board, with strings stretched lengthwise across two bridges. It is placed in a slightly opened window where the wind can blow across the strings to produce sounds. The strings can be made of different materials (or thicknesses) and all be tuned to the same pitch, or identical strings can be tuned to different pitches. Besides being the only strung instrument played solely by the wind, the aeolian harp is the only stringed instrument that plays solely harmonic frequencies.
Array Mbira
Developed in 1960 by Bill Wesley, the Array Mbira is a modern redesign of the plucked idiophone Mbira – a traditional African folk instrument. It has a wooden base with metal tines organized into five octaves and a distinct sound that I could listen to all day long.
Appalachian Dulcimer
If you're looking for an instrument that creates an old-timey feeling, you'll love the Appalachian Dulcimer: a simple three or four-string instrument that's popular amongst folk and blues musicians. Although it has limited range and tuning capabilities, it produces exquisite sounds with deep resonance and a mellow tone.
Alphorn
Also known as Alpenhorn, the Alphorn instrument is a very tall (7 to 8 feet) and curved wooden horn that's shaped like the letter J. It was originally used by Swiss mountain dwellers to communicate with its impressive sound that can be heard three miles away.
African Harp
With a soft yet powerful sound, pleasing tones, and elegant appearance, the african harp creates beautiful instrumental music to accompany singing and is often used for rhythm functions in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa such as Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal.
Asalto
Asalato is a simple instrument from West Africa. traditionall
