Woodwind Instruments: Sound Production

Most woodwind instruments use a small wooden sliver called a reed to create sound.  The reed is attached to the instrument’s mouthpiece.  When the instrumentalist puts the mouthpiece into their mouth, the reed is moistened.  Woodwind musicians must create a specific shape around the mouthpiece and blow air across the reed to create vibration.  This is what makes the woodwind instrument’s unique timbre, or characteristic sound.