Timpani

Timpani are a set of drums that can be tuned to specific pitches. One drum might be tuned to a D, while another one is tuned to an A, and still another one is tuned to an F Sharp. Watch the tuning video below to see how a musician tunes each drum. 

Check out the other videos to see some amazing timpani playing!

How to Tune a Timpani

Watch as Angela Zator Nelson, with the Philadelphia Orchestra, tunes a timpani backstage.

Hear a Timpanist talk about himself and watch him play with an orchestra!

Holy Moly! Watch Jauvon Gilliam play on a riser above the orchestra to get a close-up view of playing, while also hearing about his background.

Tuning while playing

Check out Leonardo Soto (Principal Tympanist of the Houston Symphony Orchestra) play "Etude #1" by Tom Freer. Watch his feet as he tunes two of the middle tympani while he plays the music!

Timpani Duet

Two timpanists play in the middle of many timpani. Listen to all of the different notes that they can play!