Which instrument family includes flutes, trumpets, and horns?

• A. Membranophone
• B. Idiophone
• C. Aerophone
• D. Vocal

Answer: (C)

Sound in these instruments is produced by vibrating air, which is what defines the aerophone family. In a flute, you blow across the edge and the air inside the tube vibrates, creating pitches. In brass instruments like trumpets and horns, the musician buzzes the lips against the mouthpiece, setting the air column inside the instrument vibrating. The vibrating air is what carries the pitch. Other families describe different ways sound is produced—membranophones use stretched skins (drums), idiophones produce sound from the instrument’s own material (like a xylophone or a bell), and vocal refers to the human voice. So flutes, trumpets, and horns are grouped as aerophones because they all generate sound through vibrating air.