Drum instruments make sound through vibration. Here’s how it works:

1. Striking the Drumhead: When you hit the drumhead (the top membrane), it vibrates. This is usually done with sticks, hands, or mallets.

2. Vibrations: The vibrations from the drumhead travel through the drum body, creating sound waves. The size and shape of the drum influence the pitch and tone of the sound produced.

3. Resonance: The air inside the drum also vibrates, amplifying the sound. Larger drums typically produce deeper sounds, while smaller drums create higher pitches.

4. Materials: Different materials (wood, metal, plastic) can affect the timbre, or quality, of the sound, giving each drum its unique voice.

Overall, the combination of striking the drumhead and the resulting vibrations creates the rhythmic sounds we hear.