The Instrument Atlas

Every instrument cares differently

Different timbres create different feelings. Here I explore the character of each instrument family and how they might serve different kinds of support.

Featured: Euphonium

Euphonium Sample (Festal Scenes Excerpt)

Euphonium on warm minimal gradient background

Euphonium

Euphonium Sample (Festal Scenes Excerpt)

The euphonium is my primary instrument. It has a warm, mellow tone that sits in the tenor range. It's often called the 'singing voice' of the brass family. To me, its sound feels like being gently lifted—supportive without being overwhelming.

Woodwinds

Light, airy, and often bright. Woodwinds can create feelings of openness and clarity.

Flute on warm minimal gradient background

Flute

Lighter Air

Clear, bright, and lifting. The flute can feel like a breath of fresh air—opening and clarifying.

Clarinet on warm minimal gradient background

Clarinet

Warm Depth

Rich in the low register, clear and focused in the high. The clarinet has remarkable range and expressiveness.

Alto Saxophone on warm minimal gradient background

Alto Saxophone

Expressive Voice

Versatile and expressive, the alto saxophone can be smooth and mellow or bold and vibrant.

Oboe on warm minimal gradient background

Oboe

Poignant Clarity

Distinctive and penetrating, the oboe has a quality that can feel both ancient and intimately human.

Bassoon on warm minimal gradient background

Bassoon

Grounded Warmth

Deep and resonant with a hint of woodiness. The bassoon provides grounded warmth in the lower frequencies.

Brass

Warm, powerful, and resonant. Brass instruments create feelings of stability, warmth, and majesty.

Trumpet on warm minimal gradient background

Trumpet

Bright Call

Clear, brilliant, and commanding. The trumpet can announce and energize, or play softly with surprising tenderness.

French Horn on warm minimal gradient background

French Horn

Warm Embrace

Rich, noble, and enveloping. The French horn can wrap around you like a warm embrace.

Trombone on warm minimal gradient background

Trombone

Noble Depth

Capable of great power and great gentleness. The trombone adds depth and gravitas.

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Tuba

Stable Ground

Deep, steady, and grounding. The tuba provides a foundation—it can feel like stable ground beneath your feet.

Percussion

Rhythmic and textural. Percussion provides pulse, movement, and a wide range of tonal colors.

Snare Drum on warm minimal gradient background

Snare Drum

Crisp Pulse

Sharp, articulate, and driving. The snare provides rhythmic clarity and forward motion.

Mallet Percussion on warm minimal gradient background

Mallet Percussion

Shimmering Tones

Marimba, vibraphone, bells—mallet instruments create shimmering, ringing tones that can feel magical.

The descriptions above reflect subjective, poetic impressions of instrumental timbres. Individual experiences may vary. This content is for educational and inspirational purposes only.