I understand from my music theory class that for reed and brass instruments, the "primary oscillator" is the modulation of an airstream. Comparatively, for wood winds, the "primary oscillator" is the air column.
I also understand that "oscillatIon" is a repeating waveform with a f0 and peak amplitude.
Fine, but what is a "primary oscillator" that is common to reed, brass, and woodwinds in the most generic sense of the word?
Thanks!