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

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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It is no accident that the most nominated songs on “DTMF” nominated for awards are those with live instrumentation and more “traditional” sounds like salsa, while the reggaetón producers who helped create them are not.

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The rock band, whose debut album “Pain to Power” was released Friday, has carved out a niche in today’s music scene, garnering praise and raising eyebrows for their innovative instrumentation and song composition.

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In fact, it’s where his music blossoms and why there’s such a deep variation in instrumentation across his projects.

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Related Words

• apparatus 
• instrument