Add 3 new synths + 38 instrument presets

New synths:
- pluck_synth: Karplus-Strong physical modeling (guitar, harp, koto)
- organ_synth: Hammond-style additive drawbar synthesis
- strings_synth: Filtered saw with body resonance formants

38 instrument presets across 7 categories: keys, strings, woodwinds,
brass, plucked, synth, percussion/mallet. Each preset combines synth,
envelope, and effects to approximate real instruments.

score.part("lead", instrument="violin")
Score.list_instruments()

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 (1M context) <noreply@anthropic.com>

CHANGELOG.md

@@ -2,6 +2,21 @@
 
 All notable changes to PyTheory are documented here.
 
+## 0.30.0
+
+- Drums are a real Part — same effects pipeline as any voice
+- `score.drums("rock", split=True)` splits kit into kick/snare/hats/toms/cymbals/percussion Parts
+- Each split Part gets independent effects (reverb on snare, LP on hats, etc.)
+- `set_drum_effects()` applies to all drum Parts (split or not)
+- Sidechain triggers on kick only — hats and snare don't duck the pad
+- MIDI import via `Score.from_midi(path)`
+
+## 0.29.3
+
+- Drums are now a real Part — same effects pipeline as any other voice, zero code duplication
+- `score.parts["drums"]` is a standard Part with reverb, delay, lowpass, etc.
+- `set_drum_effects()` is sugar over the Part's attributes
+
 ## 0.29.2
 
 - Add `score.set_drum_effects()` — reverb, delay, lowpass, distortion, chorus on the drum bus

LICENSE

@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+MIT License
+
+Copyright (c) 2026 Kenneth Reitz
+
+Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy
+of this software and associated documentation files (the "Software"), to deal
+in the Software without restriction, including without limitation the rights
+to use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense, and/or sell
+copies of the Software, and to permit persons to whom the Software is
+furnished to do so, subject to the following conditions:
+
+The above copyright notice and this permission notice shall be included in all
+copies or substantial portions of the Software.
+
+THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR
+IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY,
+FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE
+AUTHORS OR COPYRIGHT HOLDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER
+LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM,
+OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE
+SOFTWARE.

docs/guide/drums.rst

@@ -29,6 +29,50 @@ Score:
 
 The default is 0.15 — just enough to feel alive without sounding loose.
 
+Drums Are Parts
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+
+Drums are a real Part — the same as any melodic voice. You can set
+effects on them the same way:
+
+.. code-block:: python
+
+   score.drums("rock", repeats=4)
+   score.parts["drums"].reverb_mix = 0.2
+   score.parts["drums"].reverb_type = "plate"
+
+Or use the shorthand:
+
+.. code-block:: python
+
+   score.set_drum_effects(reverb=0.2, reverb_type="plate", lowpass=8000)
+
+Split Drums
+~~~~~~~~~~~
+
+For maximum control, split the kit into separate Parts — kick, snare,
+hats, toms, cymbals, and percussion — each with independent effects:
+
+.. code-block:: python
+
+   score.drums("rock", repeats=4, split=True)
+
+   # Now each group is its own Part
+   score.parts["snare"].reverb_mix = 0.3
+   score.parts["snare"].reverb_type = "plate"
+   score.parts["hats"].lowpass = 7000
+   score.parts["kick"]  # dry, no effects
+
+   # set_drum_effects still works — applies to all drum Parts
+   score.set_drum_effects(reverb=0.1)
+
+This is how real studios work — the snare gets its own reverb send,
+the hats get their own EQ, the kick stays dry and punchy. Now you
+can do the same thing in Python.
+
+Sidechain compression triggers on kick hits only — hi-hats and snares
+don't duck the pad.
+
 Every drum sound is stereo-panned like a real kit — kick and snare
 center, hi-hat right, crash left, toms spread across the field,
 percussion instruments placed naturally. Put on headphones and you'll

pyproject.toml

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 [project]
 name = "pytheory"
-version = "0.29.0"
+version = "0.30.0"
 description = "Music Theory for Humans"
 readme = "README.md"
 license = "MIT"

pytheory/__init__.py

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 """PyTheory: Music Theory for Humans."""
 
-__version__ = "0.29.0"
+__version__ = "0.30.0"
 
 from .tones import Tone, Interval
 from .systems import System, SYSTEMS
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ from .scales import TonedScale, Key, PROGRESSIONS
 from .chords import Chord, Fretboard, analyze_progression
 from .charts import CHARTS, Fingering, charts_for_fretboard
 
-from .rhythm import Duration, TimeSignature, Rest, Score, Part, Section, DrumSound, Pattern
+from .rhythm import Duration, TimeSignature, Rest, Score, Part, Section, DrumSound, Pattern, INSTRUMENTS
 from .rhythm import Note as RhythmNote  # rhythm.Note (tone + duration pairing)
 
 from .play import (play, save, save_midi, play_progression, play_pattern,
@@ -25,5 +25,5 @@ __all__ = [
     "play", "save", "save_midi", "play_progression", "play_pattern",
     "play_score", "Synth", "Envelope",
     "Duration", "TimeSignature", "RhythmNote", "Rest", "Score", "Part",
-    "DrumSound", "Pattern", "Section",
+    "DrumSound", "Pattern", "Section", "INSTRUMENTS",
 ]

pytheory/play.py

@@ -190,6 +190,97 @@ def pwm_fast_wave(hz, peak=SAMPLE_PEAK, n_samples=SAMPLE_RATE):
     return pwm_wave(hz, peak, n_samples, lfo_rate=3.0)
 
 
+def pluck_wave(hz, peak=SAMPLE_PEAK, n_samples=SAMPLE_RATE):
+    """Karplus-Strong plucked string synthesis.
+
+    A burst of noise is fed into a short delay line with feedback —
+    the delay length determines the pitch, and the feedback filter
+    determines the decay. This is how every physical modeling synth
+    since 1983 does plucked strings. It sounds genuinely like a real
+    guitar, harp, or koto — not a synth approximation.
+
+    The algorithm: fill a buffer with random noise the length of one
+    period, then repeatedly average adjacent samples. The averaging
+    acts as a lowpass filter, gradually removing high harmonics —
+    exactly what a real vibrating string does as energy dissipates.
+    """
+    period = int(SAMPLE_RATE / hz)
+    if period < 2:
+        period = 2
+    # Initial noise burst — the "pluck"
+    buf = numpy.random.uniform(-1.0, 1.0, period).astype(numpy.float64)
+    out = numpy.zeros(n_samples, dtype=numpy.float64)
+    for i in range(n_samples):
+        out[i] = buf[i % period]
+        # Averaging filter: smooth adjacent samples (Karplus-Strong)
+        buf[i % period] = 0.5 * (buf[i % period] + buf[(i + 1) % period]) * 0.998
+    return (peak * out).astype(numpy.int16)
+
+
+def organ_wave(hz, peak=SAMPLE_PEAK, n_samples=SAMPLE_RATE):
+    """Hammond organ — additive synthesis with drawbar harmonics.
+
+    A real Hammond B3 has 9 drawbars that mix sine waves at different
+    harmonics. This models the classic "full" registration with all
+    drawbars pulled: fundamental, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 8th
+    harmonics at musical levels.
+
+    The result is warm, rich, and unmistakably organ — somewhere
+    between a sine wave and a square wave, with that characteristic
+    hollow roundness.
+    """
+    t = numpy.arange(n_samples, dtype=numpy.float64) / SAMPLE_RATE
+    # Drawbar levels (inspired by 888800000 — full even harmonics)
+    wave = (numpy.sin(2 * numpy.pi * hz * t) * 1.0 +           # 16' fundamental
+            numpy.sin(2 * numpy.pi * hz * 2 * t) * 0.8 +       # 8'
+            numpy.sin(2 * numpy.pi * hz * 3 * t) * 0.6 +       # 5 1/3'
+            numpy.sin(2 * numpy.pi * hz * 4 * t) * 0.5 +       # 4'
+            numpy.sin(2 * numpy.pi * hz * 5 * t) * 0.3 +       # 2 2/3'
+            numpy.sin(2 * numpy.pi * hz * 6 * t) * 0.25 +      # 2'
+            numpy.sin(2 * numpy.pi * hz * 8 * t) * 0.15)       # 1 3/5'
+    wave /= 3.5  # normalize
+    return (peak * wave).astype(numpy.int16)
+
+
+def strings_wave(hz, peak=SAMPLE_PEAK, n_samples=SAMPLE_RATE):
+    """String ensemble — filtered saw with body resonance formants.
+
+    Goes beyond raw sawtooth by modeling the resonant body of a
+    stringed instrument. Two formant peaks (at ~500 Hz and ~1500 Hz)
+    shape the spectrum the way a violin or cello body does — boosting
+    certain frequencies and cutting others.
+
+    The result is warmer and more "wooden" than a raw saw wave,
+    with the characteristic nasal quality of bowed strings.
+    """
+    # Base: sawtooth (all harmonics, like a bowed string)
+    length = SAMPLE_RATE / float(hz)
+    omega = numpy.pi * 2 / length
+    xvalues = numpy.arange(int(length)) * omega
+    onecycle = scipy.signal.sawtooth(xvalues, width=1)
+    wave = numpy.resize(onecycle, (n_samples,)).astype(numpy.float64)
+
+    # Body resonance formants — two bandpass peaks
+    # Formant 1: ~500 Hz (body resonance)
+    f1 = 500
+    bw1 = 200
+    b1, a1 = scipy.signal.butter(2, [max(20, f1 - bw1), f1 + bw1],
+                                  btype='band', fs=SAMPLE_RATE)
+    formant1 = scipy.signal.lfilter(b1, a1, wave)
+
+    # Formant 2: ~1500 Hz (bridge/top plate)
+    f2 = 1500
+    bw2 = 400
+    b2, a2 = scipy.signal.butter(2, [f2 - bw2, f2 + bw2],
+                                  btype='band', fs=SAMPLE_RATE)
+    formant2 = scipy.signal.lfilter(b2, a2, wave)
+
+    # Mix: original (attenuated) + formants
+    mixed = wave * 0.3 + formant1 * 0.4 + formant2 * 0.3
+
+    return (peak * mixed).astype(numpy.int16)
+
+
 def _apply_envelope(samples, attack, decay, sustain, release, sample_rate=SAMPLE_RATE):
     """Apply an ADSR amplitude envelope to a sample array.
 
@@ -291,6 +382,9 @@ class Synth(Enum):
     SUPERSAW = "supersaw"
     PWM_SLOW = "pwm_slow"
     PWM_FAST = "pwm_fast"
+    PLUCK = "pluck_synth"
+    ORGAN = "organ_synth"
+    STRINGS = "strings_synth"
 
     def __call__(self, hz, **kwargs):
         """Make Synth members callable — dispatches to the wave function."""
@@ -302,6 +396,8 @@ _SYNTH_FUNCTIONS = {
     "square": square_wave, "pulse": pulse_wave, "fm": fm_wave,
     "noise": noise_wave, "supersaw": supersaw_wave,
     "pwm_slow": pwm_slow_wave, "pwm_fast": pwm_fast_wave,
+    "pluck_synth": pluck_wave, "organ_synth": organ_wave,
+    "strings_synth": strings_wave,
 }
 
 
@@ -1952,54 +2048,57 @@ def render_score(score):
         DrumSound.MARACAS.value: 0.3,
     }
 
-    # Drum hits — render to mono sidechain trigger + stereo output
+    # Render all drum Parts (may be one "drums" or split into kick/snare/hats/etc.)
     import random as _drum_rnd
-    drum_buf = numpy.zeros(total_samples, dtype=numpy.float32)  # mono for sidechain
+    drum_buf = numpy.zeros(total_samples, dtype=numpy.float32)  # mono for sidechain (kick only)
     drum_stereo = numpy.zeros((total_samples, 2), dtype=numpy.float32)
     drum_swing = score.swing
-    drum_humanize = getattr(score, '_drum_humanize', 0.3)  # subtle by default
-    for hit in score._drum_hits:
-        pos = hit.position
-        if drum_swing > 0:
-            beat_frac = pos % 1.0
-            if 0.1 < beat_frac < 0.9:
-                pos += drum_swing * 0.15
-        if has_tempo_changes:
-            start = _beat_to_sample(pos, tempo_map)
-        else:
-            start = int(pos * samples_per_beat)
-        # Humanize: random timing jitter + velocity variation
-        if drum_humanize > 0:
-            max_offset = int(drum_humanize * 0.03 * samples_per_beat)
-            start += _drum_rnd.randint(-max_offset, max_offset)
-            start = max(0, start)
-        if start >= total_samples or start < 0:
-            continue
-        remaining = total_samples - start
-        hit_len = min(int(SAMPLE_RATE * 0.5), remaining)
-        wave = _render_drum_hit(hit.sound.value, hit_len)
-        vel = hit.velocity
-        if drum_humanize > 0:
-            vel_jitter = int(drum_humanize * 10)
-            vel = max(1, min(127, vel + _drum_rnd.randint(-vel_jitter, vel_jitter)))
-        vel_scale = vel / 127.0
-        mono_hit = wave * vel_scale * 0.7
-        # Mono sidechain trigger (always center)
-        drum_buf[start:start + hit_len] += mono_hit
-        # Stereo panned output
-        pan = _DRUM_PAN.get(hit.sound.value, 0.0)
-        panned = _pan_to_stereo(mono_hit, pan)
-        drum_stereo[start:start + hit_len] += panned
+    drum_humanize = getattr(score, '_drum_humanize', 0.15)
 
-    # Apply drum Part effects through the same pipeline as any other Part
-    drums_part = score.parts.get("drums")
-    if drums_part:
-        has_drum_fx = (drums_part.lowpass > 0 or drums_part.delay_mix > 0
-                       or drums_part.reverb_mix > 0 or drums_part.distortion_mix > 0
-                       or drums_part.chorus_mix > 0)
+    drum_parts = [p for p in score.parts.values() if p.is_drums]
+    for drum_part in drum_parts:
+        part_stereo = numpy.zeros((total_samples, 2), dtype=numpy.float32)
+        for hit in drum_part._drum_hits:
+            pos = hit.position
+            if drum_swing > 0:
+                beat_frac = pos % 1.0
+                if 0.1 < beat_frac < 0.9:
+                    pos += drum_swing * 0.15
+            if has_tempo_changes:
+                start = _beat_to_sample(pos, tempo_map)
+            else:
+                start = int(pos * samples_per_beat)
+            if drum_humanize > 0:
+                max_offset = int(drum_humanize * 0.03 * samples_per_beat)
+                start += _drum_rnd.randint(-max_offset, max_offset)
+                start = max(0, start)
+            if start >= total_samples or start < 0:
+                continue
+            remaining = total_samples - start
+            hit_len = min(int(SAMPLE_RATE * 0.5), remaining)
+            wave = _render_drum_hit(hit.sound.value, hit_len)
+            vel = hit.velocity
+            if drum_humanize > 0:
+                vel_jitter = int(drum_humanize * 10)
+                vel = max(1, min(127, vel + _drum_rnd.randint(-vel_jitter, vel_jitter)))
+            vel_scale = vel / 127.0
+            mono_hit = wave * vel_scale * 0.7
+            # Sidechain trigger — kick only
+            if hit.sound.value == DrumSound.KICK.value:
+                drum_buf[start:start + hit_len] += mono_hit
+            # Stereo panned output for this drum Part
+            pan = _DRUM_PAN.get(hit.sound.value, 0.0)
+            panned = _pan_to_stereo(mono_hit, pan)
+            part_stereo[start:start + hit_len] += panned
+
+        # Apply this drum Part's effects
+        has_drum_fx = (drum_part.lowpass > 0 or drum_part.delay_mix > 0
+                       or drum_part.reverb_mix > 0 or drum_part.distortion_mix > 0
+                       or drum_part.chorus_mix > 0)
         if has_drum_fx:
             for ch in range(2):
-                drum_stereo[:, ch] = _apply_part_effects(drum_stereo[:, ch], drums_part)
+                part_stereo[:, ch] = _apply_part_effects(part_stereo[:, ch], drum_part)
+        drum_stereo += part_stereo
 
     # Apply sidechain compression to parts that request it
     for part, part_buf in _pending_sidechain:

pytheory/rhythm.py

@@ -7,6 +7,217 @@ from enum import Enum
 from typing import Optional
 
 
+# ── Instrument presets ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+# Predefined combinations of synth, envelope, effects, and parameters that
+# approximate real instruments.  Used by ``Score.part(instrument=...)``.
+
+INSTRUMENTS = {
+    # ── Keys ──
+    "piano": {
+        "synth": "fm", "envelope": "piano",
+        "detune": 5, "chorus": 0.1, "chorus_rate": 0.3,
+        "lowpass": 6000,
+    },
+    "electric_piano": {  # Rhodes/Wurlitzer
+        "synth": "fm", "envelope": "piano",
+        "detune": 6, "chorus": 0.2, "chorus_rate": 1.0,
+        "lowpass": 4000,
+    },
+    "organ": {
+        "synth": "organ_synth", "envelope": "organ",
+        "chorus": 0.2, "chorus_rate": 5.5,
+        "lowpass": 5000,
+    },
+    "harpsichord": {
+        "synth": "pluck_synth", "envelope": "none",
+        "lowpass": 3500,
+    },
+    "celesta": {
+        "synth": "fm", "envelope": "bell",
+        "lowpass": 8000,
+        "reverb": 0.3, "reverb_type": "plate",
+    },
+    "music_box": {
+        "synth": "sine", "envelope": "bell",
+        "lowpass": 6000,
+        "reverb": 0.25, "reverb_type": "plate",
+    },
+
+    # ── Strings ──
+    "violin": {
+        "synth": "strings_synth", "envelope": "strings",
+        "detune": 4, "lowpass": 5000,
+        "humanize": 0.15,
+    },
+    "viola": {
+        "synth": "strings_synth", "envelope": "strings",
+        "detune": 4, "lowpass": 3500,
+        "humanize": 0.15,
+    },
+    "cello": {
+        "synth": "strings_synth", "envelope": "strings",
+        "detune": 4, "lowpass": 2500,
+        "humanize": 0.15,
+    },
+    "contrabass": {
+        "synth": "strings_synth", "envelope": "strings",
+        "detune": 3, "lowpass": 1500,
+        "humanize": 0.1,
+    },
+    "string_ensemble": {
+        "synth": "strings_synth", "envelope": "pad",
+        "detune": 12, "spread": 0.6,
+        "chorus": 0.2, "chorus_rate": 0.5,
+        "lowpass": 4000,
+    },
+
+    # ── Woodwinds ──
+    "flute": {
+        "synth": "sine", "envelope": "strings",
+        "lowpass": 4000,
+        "humanize": 0.2,
+    },
+    "clarinet": {
+        "synth": "square", "envelope": "strings",
+        "lowpass": 3000,
+        "humanize": 0.15,
+    },
+    "oboe": {
+        "synth": "saw", "envelope": "strings",
+        "lowpass": 3500, "lowpass_q": 1.2,
+        "humanize": 0.15,
+    },
+    "bassoon": {
+        "synth": "saw", "envelope": "strings",
+        "lowpass": 2000,
+        "humanize": 0.15,
+    },
+
+    # ── Brass ──
+    "trumpet": {
+        "synth": "saw", "envelope": "pluck",
+        "detune": 3, "lowpass": 4000, "lowpass_q": 1.1,
+        "humanize": 0.15,
+    },
+    "trombone": {
+        "synth": "saw", "envelope": "strings",
+        "detune": 3, "lowpass": 2500,
+        "humanize": 0.15,
+    },
+    "french_horn": {
+        "synth": "saw", "envelope": "strings",
+        "detune": 4, "lowpass": 2000,
+        "chorus": 0.1,
+        "humanize": 0.15,
+    },
+    "tuba": {
+        "synth": "saw", "envelope": "strings",
+        "detune": 3, "lowpass": 1200,
+        "humanize": 0.1,
+    },
+    "brass_ensemble": {
+        "synth": "saw", "envelope": "strings",
+        "detune": 10, "spread": 0.4,
+        "lowpass": 3000,
+        "chorus": 0.15,
+    },
+
+    # ── Plucked ──
+    "acoustic_guitar": {
+        "synth": "pluck_synth", "envelope": "none",
+        "lowpass": 4000,
+        "humanize": 0.2,
+    },
+    "electric_guitar": {
+        "synth": "saw", "envelope": "pluck",
+        "detune": 5, "lowpass": 3500,
+        "humanize": 0.15,
+    },
+    "distorted_guitar": {
+        "synth": "saw", "envelope": "pluck",
+        "detune": 8, "distortion": 0.6, "distortion_drive": 5.0,
+        "lowpass": 3000,
+        "humanize": 0.15,
+    },
+    "bass_guitar": {
+        "synth": "triangle", "envelope": "pluck",
+        "lowpass": 1000,
+        "humanize": 0.1,
+    },
+    "upright_bass": {
+        "synth": "sine", "envelope": "pluck",
+        "lowpass": 800,
+        "humanize": 0.15,
+    },
+    "harp": {
+        "synth": "pluck_synth", "envelope": "none",
+        "lowpass": 5000,
+        "reverb": 0.3, "reverb_type": "plate",
+    },
+    "sitar": {
+        "synth": "saw", "envelope": "pluck",
+        "detune": 12, "lowpass": 3000, "lowpass_q": 1.5,
+        "humanize": 0.2,
+    },
+    "koto": {
+        "synth": "pluck_synth", "envelope": "none",
+        "lowpass": 4000,
+        "reverb": 0.2,
+    },
+
+    # ── Synth presets ──
+    "synth_lead": {
+        "synth": "saw", "envelope": "pluck",
+        "detune": 8, "lowpass": 3000,
+        "delay": 0.2, "delay_time": 0.25, "delay_feedback": 0.3,
+    },
+    "synth_pad": {
+        "synth": "supersaw", "envelope": "pad",
+        "detune": 12, "spread": 0.6,
+        "chorus": 0.2,
+    },
+    "synth_bass": {
+        "synth": "saw", "envelope": "pluck",
+        "lowpass": 800, "lowpass_q": 1.3,
+    },
+    "acid_bass": {
+        "synth": "saw", "envelope": "pad",
+        "legato": True, "glide": 0.03,
+        "distortion": 0.7, "distortion_drive": 8.0,
+        "lowpass": 800, "lowpass_q": 5.0,
+    },
+    "808_bass": {
+        "synth": "sine", "envelope": "pluck",
+        "distortion": 0.4, "distortion_drive": 2.5,
+        "lowpass": 200, "lowpass_q": 1.5,
+    },
+
+    # ── Percussion / Mallet ──
+    "vibraphone": {
+        "synth": "fm", "envelope": "bell",
+        "lowpass": 5000,
+        "reverb": 0.3, "reverb_type": "plate",
+    },
+    "marimba": {
+        "synth": "sine", "envelope": "pluck",
+        "lowpass": 3000,
+    },
+    "xylophone": {
+        "synth": "fm", "envelope": "pluck",
+        "lowpass": 6000,
+    },
+    "glockenspiel": {
+        "synth": "fm", "envelope": "bell",
+        "lowpass": 8000,
+        "reverb": 0.2,
+    },
+    "tubular_bells": {
+        "synth": "fm", "envelope": "bell",
+        "reverb": 0.4, "reverb_type": "cathedral",
+    },
+}
+
+
 class Duration(Enum):
     """Note durations in beats (quarter note = 1 beat)."""
 
@@ -1837,45 +2048,54 @@ class Score:
         }
 
     def set_drum_effects(self, **kwargs) -> "Score":
-        """Set effects on the drum bus.
+        """Set effects on all drum parts.
 
-        The drums Part is a real Part — set effects the same way
-        you would on any other part.
+        When drums are split, applies to every drum Part (kick, snare,
+        hats, etc.). When not split, applies to the single drums Part.
 
         Example::
 
             score.set_drum_effects(reverb=0.2, reverb_type="plate")
         """
-        p = self._ensure_drums_part()
         param_map = {"reverb": "reverb_mix", "delay": "delay_mix",
                      "distortion": "distortion_mix", "chorus": "chorus_mix"}
-        for k, v in kwargs.items():
-            attr = param_map.get(k, k)
-            setattr(p, attr, v)
+        drum_parts = [p for p in self.parts.values() if p.is_drums]
+        if not drum_parts:
+            drum_parts = [self._ensure_drums_part()]
+        for p in drum_parts:
+            for k, v in kwargs.items():
+                attr = param_map.get(k, k)
+                setattr(p, attr, v)
         return self
 
-    def part(self, name: str, *, synth: str = "sine",
-             envelope: str = "piano", volume: float = 0.5,
-             reverb: float = 0.0, reverb_decay: float = 1.0,
-             reverb_type: str = "algorithmic",
-             delay: float = 0.0, delay_time: float = 0.375,
-             delay_feedback: float = 0.4,
-             lowpass: float = 0.0, lowpass_q: float = 0.707,
-             distortion: float = 0.0, distortion_drive: float = 3.0,
-             legato: bool = False, glide: float = 0.0,
-             chorus: float = 0.0, chorus_rate: float = 1.5,
-             chorus_depth: float = 0.003,
+    def part(self, name: str, *, instrument: str = None,
+             synth: str = None, envelope: str = None,
+             volume: float = None,
+             reverb: float = None, reverb_decay: float = None,
+             reverb_type: str = None,
+             delay: float = None, delay_time: float = None,
+             delay_feedback: float = None,
+             lowpass: float = None, lowpass_q: float = None,
+             distortion: float = None, distortion_drive: float = None,
+             legato: bool = None, glide: float = None,
+             chorus: float = None, chorus_rate: float = None,
+             chorus_depth: float = None,
              swing: Optional[float] = None,
-             humanize: float = 0.0,
-             sidechain: float = 0.0,
-             sidechain_release: float = 0.1,
-             detune: float = 0.0,
-             pan: float = 0.0,
-             spread: float = 0.0) -> Part:
+             humanize: float = None,
+             sidechain: float = None,
+             sidechain_release: float = None,
+             detune: float = None,
+             pan: float = None,
+             spread: float = None) -> Part:
         """Create a named part with its own synth voice and effects.
 
         Args:
             name: Part name (e.g. ``"lead"``, ``"bass"``, ``"pads"``).
+            instrument: Instrument preset name (e.g. ``"piano"``,
+                ``"violin"``, ``"808_bass"``).  See :data:`INSTRUMENTS`
+                for the full list.  When set, the preset's synth, envelope,
+                and effects are used as defaults; any explicit keyword
+                argument still overrides the preset value.
             synth: Waveform — ``"sine"``, ``"saw"``, ``"triangle"``,
                 ``"square"``, ``"pulse"``, ``"fm"``, ``"noise"``,
                 ``"supersaw"``, ``"pwm_slow"``, ``"pwm_fast"``.
@@ -1923,23 +2143,72 @@ class Score:
 
             lead = score.part("lead", synth="saw", envelope="pluck",
                               reverb=0.3, delay=0.25, lowpass=3000)
+
+            # Or use an instrument preset:
+            piano = score.part("keys", instrument="piano")
         """
-        p = Part(name, synth=synth, envelope=envelope, volume=volume,
-                 reverb=reverb, reverb_decay=reverb_decay,
-                 reverb_type=reverb_type,
-                 delay=delay, delay_time=delay_time,
-                 delay_feedback=delay_feedback,
-                 lowpass=lowpass, lowpass_q=lowpass_q,
-                 distortion=distortion, distortion_drive=distortion_drive,
-                 legato=legato, glide=glide,
-                 chorus=chorus, chorus_rate=chorus_rate,
-                 chorus_depth=chorus_depth,
-                 swing=swing, humanize=humanize,
-                 sidechain=sidechain, sidechain_release=sidechain_release,
-                 detune=detune, pan=pan, spread=spread)
+        # Default values for all Part parameters.
+        _defaults = {
+            "synth": "sine", "envelope": "piano", "volume": 0.5,
+            "reverb": 0.0, "reverb_decay": 1.0, "reverb_type": "algorithmic",
+            "delay": 0.0, "delay_time": 0.375, "delay_feedback": 0.4,
+            "lowpass": 0.0, "lowpass_q": 0.707,
+            "distortion": 0.0, "distortion_drive": 3.0,
+            "legato": False, "glide": 0.0,
+            "chorus": 0.0, "chorus_rate": 1.5, "chorus_depth": 0.003,
+            "swing": None, "humanize": 0.0,
+            "sidechain": 0.0, "sidechain_release": 0.1,
+            "detune": 0.0, "pan": 0.0, "spread": 0.0,
+        }
+
+        # If an instrument preset is specified, layer it on top of defaults.
+        if instrument is not None:
+            preset = INSTRUMENTS.get(instrument)
+            if preset is None:
+                raise ValueError(
+                    f"Unknown instrument: {instrument!r}. "
+                    f"Use Score.list_instruments() to see available presets."
+                )
+            _defaults.update(preset)
+
+        # Collect explicitly-provided kwargs (non-None) and override defaults.
+        explicit = {}
+        _locals = {
+            "synth": synth, "envelope": envelope, "volume": volume,
+            "reverb": reverb, "reverb_decay": reverb_decay,
+            "reverb_type": reverb_type,
+            "delay": delay, "delay_time": delay_time,
+            "delay_feedback": delay_feedback,
+            "lowpass": lowpass, "lowpass_q": lowpass_q,
+            "distortion": distortion, "distortion_drive": distortion_drive,
+            "legato": legato, "glide": glide,
+            "chorus": chorus, "chorus_rate": chorus_rate,
+            "chorus_depth": chorus_depth,
+            "swing": swing, "humanize": humanize,
+            "sidechain": sidechain, "sidechain_release": sidechain_release,
+            "detune": detune, "pan": pan, "spread": spread,
+        }
+        for k, v in _locals.items():
+            if v is not None:
+                explicit[k] = v
+
+        merged = {**_defaults, **explicit}
+
+        p = Part(name, **merged)
         self.parts[name] = p
         return p
 
+    @classmethod
+    def list_instruments(cls) -> list:
+        """Return a sorted list of available instrument preset names.
+
+        Example::
+
+            Score.list_instruments()
+            # ['808_bass', 'acid_bass', 'acoustic_guitar', ...]
+        """
+        return sorted(INSTRUMENTS.keys())
+
     def add_pattern(self, pattern, repeats: int = 1) -> "Score":
         """Add a drum pattern to this score.
 
@@ -1967,46 +2236,84 @@ class Score:
         return self.add_pattern(fill_pattern, repeats=1)
 
 
-    def drums(self, preset: str, repeats: int = 4, fill: str = None,
-              fill_every: int = None) -> "Score":
-        """Add a drum pattern by preset name, with optional auto-fills.
+    # Drum sound groups for split mode
+    _DRUM_GROUPS = {
+        "kick": {DrumSound.KICK.value},
+        "snare": {DrumSound.SNARE.value, DrumSound.RIMSHOT.value, DrumSound.CLAP.value},
+        "hats": {DrumSound.CLOSED_HAT.value, DrumSound.OPEN_HAT.value, DrumSound.PEDAL_HAT.value},
+        "toms": {DrumSound.LOW_TOM.value, DrumSound.MID_TOM.value, DrumSound.HIGH_TOM.value},
+        "cymbals": {DrumSound.CRASH.value, DrumSound.RIDE.value, DrumSound.RIDE_BELL.value},
+        "percussion": {DrumSound.COWBELL.value, DrumSound.CLAVE.value, DrumSound.SHAKER.value,
+                       DrumSound.TAMBOURINE.value, DrumSound.CONGA_HIGH.value, DrumSound.CONGA_LOW.value,
+                       DrumSound.BONGO_HIGH.value, DrumSound.BONGO_LOW.value, DrumSound.TIMBALE_HIGH.value,
+                       DrumSound.TIMBALE_LOW.value, DrumSound.AGOGO_HIGH.value, DrumSound.AGOGO_LOW.value,
+                       DrumSound.GUIRO.value, DrumSound.MARACAS.value},
+    }
 
-        Shorthand for ``score.add_pattern(Pattern.preset(name), repeats=n)``.
+    def drums(self, preset: str, repeats: int = 4, fill: str = None,
+              fill_every: int = None, split: bool = False) -> "Score":
+        """Add a drum pattern by preset name, with optional auto-fills.
 
         Args:
             preset: Pattern preset name (e.g. ``"bossa nova"``, ``"rock"``).
             repeats: Number of times to repeat (default 4).
-            fill: Optional fill name. When provided, groove bars are
-                periodically replaced with the named fill pattern.
-            fill_every: Replace every Nth bar with a fill. If *fill* is
-                provided but *fill_every* is not, defaults to filling only
-                the last bar.
+            fill: Optional fill name.
+            fill_every: Replace every Nth bar with a fill.
+            split: If True, create separate Parts for kick, snare, hats,
+                toms, cymbals, and percussion — each with independent
+                effects. Access via ``score.parts["kick"]``, etc.
 
         Returns:
             Self for chaining.
 
         Example::
 
-            >>> score = Score("4/4", bpm=140)
-            >>> score.drums("bossa nova", repeats=4)
+            >>> score.drums("rock", repeats=4, split=True)
+            >>> score.parts["snare"].reverb_mix = 0.3
+            >>> score.parts["hats"].lowpass = 6000
         """
         if fill is None:
-            return self.add_pattern(Pattern.preset(preset), repeats=repeats)
+            self.add_pattern(Pattern.preset(preset), repeats=repeats)
+        else:
+            groove = Pattern.preset(preset)
+            fill_pattern = Pattern.fill(fill)
+            if fill_every is None:
+                fill_every = repeats
+            for bar in range(1, repeats + 1):
+                if bar % fill_every == 0:
+                    self.add_pattern(fill_pattern, repeats=1)
+                else:
+                    self.add_pattern(groove, repeats=1)
 
-        groove = Pattern.preset(preset)
-        fill_pattern = Pattern.fill(fill)
+        if split:
+            self._split_drums()
 
-        if fill_every is None:
-            # Fill only the last bar
-            fill_every = repeats
-
-        for bar in range(1, repeats + 1):
-            if bar % fill_every == 0:
-                self.add_pattern(fill_pattern, repeats=1)
-            else:
-                self.add_pattern(groove, repeats=1)
         return self
 
+    def _split_drums(self):
+        """Move drum hits from the 'drums' Part into separate group Parts."""
+        drums_part = self.parts.get("drums")
+        if not drums_part:
+            return
+
+        all_hits = list(drums_part._drum_hits)
+        pattern_beats = drums_part._drum_pattern_beats
+        drums_part._drum_hits.clear()
+        drums_part._drum_pattern_beats = 0.0
+
+        for group_name, sound_values in self._DRUM_GROUPS.items():
+            group_hits = [h for h in all_hits if h.sound.value in sound_values]
+            if group_hits:
+                if group_name not in self.parts:
+                    self.parts[group_name] = Part(group_name, synth="sine", volume=0.7)
+                p = self.parts[group_name]
+                p._drum_hits.extend(group_hits)
+                p._drum_pattern_beats = max(p._drum_pattern_beats, pattern_beats)
+
+        # Remove empty drums Part
+        if not drums_part._drum_hits and "drums" in self.parts:
+            del self.parts["drums"]
+
     def add(self, tone_or_chord, duration=Duration.QUARTER) -> "Score":
         """Add a note to the default (unnamed) part.
 

test_pytheory.py

@@ -5312,7 +5312,7 @@ def test_supersaw_wave():
 @needs_portaudio
 def test_all_synths_in_enum():
     from pytheory.play import Synth
-    assert len(Synth) == 10
+    assert len(Synth) == 13
     for s in Synth:
         wave = s(440, n_samples=1000)
         assert len(wave) == 1000
@@ -6451,3 +6451,77 @@ def test_from_midi_note_durations(tmp_path):
     assert len(sounding) == 2
     assert abs(sounding[0].beats - 4.0) < 0.01
     assert abs(sounding[1].beats - 2.0) < 0.01
+
+
+# ── Instrument presets ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+def test_instrument_piano():
+    from pytheory import Score, Duration
+    score = Score("4/4", bpm=120)
+    p = score.part("p", instrument="piano")
+    assert p.synth == "fm"
+    assert p.envelope == "piano"
+    assert p.detune == 5
+    assert p.lowpass == 6000
+    assert p.chorus_mix == 0.1
+
+
+def test_instrument_violin():
+    from pytheory import Score
+    score = Score("4/4", bpm=120)
+    p = score.part("v", instrument="violin")
+    assert p.synth == "strings_synth"
+    assert p.envelope == "strings"
+    assert p.humanize == 0.15
+    assert p.lowpass == 5000
+
+
+def test_instrument_override():
+    from pytheory import Score
+    score = Score("4/4", bpm=120)
+    # Explicit synth overrides the preset's "fm"
+    p = score.part("p", instrument="piano", synth="saw")
+    assert p.synth == "saw"
+    # Other preset values still apply
+    assert p.envelope == "piano"
+    assert p.detune == 5
+
+
+def test_instrument_unknown_raises():
+    from pytheory import Score
+    score = Score("4/4", bpm=120)
+    with pytest.raises(ValueError, match="Unknown instrument"):
+        score.part("x", instrument="kazoo")
+
+
+def test_list_instruments():
+    from pytheory import Score, INSTRUMENTS
+    result = Score.list_instruments()
+    assert isinstance(result, list)
+    assert result == sorted(result)
+    assert "piano" in result
+    assert "violin" in result
+    assert "808_bass" in result
+    assert len(result) == len(INSTRUMENTS)
+
+
+def test_instrument_effects():
+    from pytheory import Score
+    score = Score("4/4", bpm=120)
+    p = score.part("c", instrument="celesta")
+    assert p.reverb_mix == 0.3
+    assert p.reverb_type == "plate"
+    assert p.synth == "fm"
+    assert p.envelope == "bell"
+
+
+def test_instrument_808_bass():
+    from pytheory import Score
+    score = Score("4/4", bpm=120)
+    p = score.part("b", instrument="808_bass")
+    assert p.distortion_mix == 0.4
+    assert p.distortion_drive == 2.5
+    assert p.lowpass == 200
+    assert p.lowpass_q == 1.5
+    assert p.synth == "sine"
+    assert p.envelope == "pluck"

uv.lock

@@ -707,7 +707,7 @@ wheels = [
 
 [[package]]
 name = "pytheory"
-version = "0.29.0"
+version = "0.30.0"
 source = { editable = "." }
 dependencies = [
     { name = "numeral" },