The document discusses the tam-tam, an ancient Chinese percussion instrument. It provides a brief history noting the tam-tam was first mentioned in 500 BC in China and was introduced to France in 1791. The document describes the tam-tam as a flat circular metal plate, usually made of bronze, that produces an indeterminate sound when struck and can be played with dynamics from pianissimo to fortissimo. Instructions are provided on how to properly play the tam-tam by advancing the hit as the sound lasts for several tenths of a second and muffling the sound with hands or hugging the instrument. Example videos of tam-tam playing are listed.