parainstrument

A parainstrument is a musical instrument that is not typically considered a standard or conventional instrument within established orchestral, band, or genre-specific ensembles. The term suggests an instrument that occupies a peripheral or supplementary role, often due to its unique sound, unusual construction, or its emergence from non-traditional musical contexts. These instruments might be found in experimental music, avant-garde compositions, or as novel additions to more mainstream genres seeking a distinctive sonic texture.

The classification of an instrument as a parainstrument can be subjective and dependent on historical and cultural contexts. For instance, an instrument that was once novel might become integrated into common practice over time, thus losing its parainstrumental status. Conversely, everyday objects repurposed for musical sound production, such as kitchen utensils, tools, or electronically modified devices, frequently fall into the parainstrument category. Their use often challenges the definition of what constitutes a musical instrument and expands the sonic palette available to composers and performers. The exploration of parainstruments is a common practice in electroacoustic music, sound art, and various forms of improvised music.