instrumentation

[in-struh-men-tey-shuhn]

noun

1. the arranging of music for instruments, especially for an orchestra.

2. the list of instruments for which a composition is scored.

3. the use of, or work done by, instruments.

4. instrumental agency; instrumentality.

5. the science of developing, manufacturing, and utilizing instruments, especially those used in science and industry.

instrumentation

/ ˌɪnstrəmɛnˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. the instruments specified in a musical score or arrangement

2. the arrangement of a piece of music for an orchestra; orchestration

3. the study of the characteristics of musical instruments

4. the use of instruments or tools

5. means; agency

Word History and Origins

Origin of instrumentation¹

1835–45; instrument (v.) + -ation

Example Sentences

And now, if you look at alternative music, I mean, there’s been an absolute explosion of people using unconventional instrumentation within the breath of alternative music, as it should be.

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There’s no banjo, slide, or pedal-steel guitar here, and the arrangements zero in on simplicity, conveying harmonic structure and mood with only essential instrumentation, which keeps the emphasis on the songwriting.

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Composed of icy club beats and steadfast synthetics, she describes the album as “sonically concise,” in that she intentionally used limited instrumentation.

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He tends to favor spare instrumentation, drawing the ear to his husky voice and often wrenching lyrics.

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“Hard Headed Woman” places Price back on firmer grounding — chiefly, her love for country songwriting and instrumentation.

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Related Words

• apparatus 
• instrument