Puhkpillid

Puhkpillid, a Estonian term translating to "wind instruments," encompasses a diverse family of musical instruments that produce sound by the vibration of a column of air. This vibration is typically initiated by the player blowing into or across a mouthpiece, causing the air within the instrument to resonate. The pitch of the sound is altered by changing the length of the vibrating air column, usually through the use of keys, valves, or by covering and uncovering holes along the instrument's body.

Within the broad category of puhkpillid, two main sub-groups are recognized: woodwinds and brass. Woodwind instruments, despite their name, can be made of various materials including wood, metal, or plastic. Sound is produced in woodwinds through several methods: blowing across an edge (like a flute), using a single reed that vibrates against a mouthpiece (like a clarinet or saxophone), or using a double reed that vibrates against itself (like an oboe or bassoon). Brass instruments are traditionally made of brass and produce sound by the player buzzing their lips into a cup-shaped or funnel-shaped mouthpiece. The pitch is then modified by the player's lip tension and the use of valves or a slide. Common examples of puhkpillid include flutes, clarinets, saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and tubas. These instruments are fundamental to orchestras, bands, and various folk music traditions worldwide.