Instruments in the Woodwind Family

There is a wide range of instruments in the woodwind family, from the recorder to the bassoon.

A woodwind instruments list typically includes popular instruments like flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, and saxophone. These instruments produce sound by blowing air into them through a mouthpiece or reed. Each woodwind instrument has a unique sound and is commonly used in orchestras, bands, and solo performances.

In this article we will summarize the main instruments in this family, and give an honorable mention to some of the wonderful lesser-known auxiliary instruments.

These used to all be made of wood, and they are played by blowing air (or wind) into a mouthpiece or reed, hence the name “woodwind”. Nowadays, some of the instruments are made from plastic and metal, but the way they are played has not changed for centuries.

The woodwind family is made up of a large number of instruments, some more well known than others. The “main” instruments are flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and saxophone, but did you know that the recorder, and even the bagpipes are also in the family?

Some family members are also known as reed instruments. These include the oboe, clarinet, and saxophone. These instruments need a single or double reed made out of cane to make a sound. The woodwind family also includes instruments without reeds, such as the flute and recorder.

The recorder is an ideal first instrument. In fact, many musicians start their musical journey playing the recorder.

It’s very easy (sometimes too easy!) to produce a sound on the recorder, they are a doddle to clean and are quite cheap. Student recorders are made out of plastic and fairly indestructible (that’s not a challenge!).

The recorder isn’t just for primary school children! Some musicians choose to play this versatile wind instrument professionally and there is some fantastic repertoire written for the recorder.

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