One of the common characteristics of woodwind instruments is all the keys and buttons. Look at all the different holes, keys, and buttons on these instruments.

The flute does not use a reed, but rather makes sound by blowing across a hole at one end of the instrument.

Notice how this woman is playing with both hands. She is blowing air across a hole at one end.

The clarinet also has many keys and buttons. It requires a thin piece of wood called a reed to make sound.

Notice the reed, which is the thin piece of wood on the bottom of the mouthpiece (the part in their mouths.) They are also using both hands to play.

Although it looks like a member of the brass family, the saxophone uses a reed and has many keys, just like the clarinet.

This player also has the reed and mouthpiece in his mouth, and he blows air to make a sound.

The oboe also has many keys, but what makes it different is that it uses two reeds put together called a double reed. Instead of using a mouthpiece, oboe players blow air into the double reed.

Although it might look like a clarinet, notice the difference between the clarinet mouthpiece and the oboe's double reed.

Like the oboe, the bassoon uses a double reed. It has lots of keys and buttons and is able to play low notes because it is so big.

Notice how the bassoon players put the double reed in their mouths to play their instrument.

Woodwind instruments are used in so many types of music. Listen for them!