What is mallet drums?

Mallet drums, also known as keyboard percussion or tuned percussion, are musical instruments that produce melodic and harmonic tones when struck by mallets. These instruments are usually made up of a number of bars or tubes that are arranged in order of pitch, and are typically made of materials such as wood, metal, or synthetic materials.

Some common types of mallet drums include the xylophone, marimba, vibraphone, glockenspiel, and chimes. Each of these instruments has its own unique sound and range of notes.

Mallet drums are typically played in orchestras and bands, as well as in solo performances and chamber music. They are often used to provide rhythmic and melodic support to other instruments, and can also be used as solo instruments to showcase a performer's skill and musicality.

To play mallet drums, one needs to have good hand-eye coordination, a sense of rhythm, and the ability to read sheet music. The mallets used to strike the bars or tubes come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, and can produce a wide range of tones and timbres depending on how they are struck.