Singing and playing the clarinet, flute, French horn, and trumpet produces aerosols that carry the COVID-19 virus. Researchers at the University of Colorado found that aerosols remain airborne for extended periods of time, varying in time length due to different amounts being released by different instruments. The spread of the aerosols was decreased (in some cases by half!) by using instrument covers.

Other studies regarding instrument playing and COVID-19 suggest that in order to reduce the spread of the virus, the following measures should be adopted for bands and choirs: (1) social distancing of 2 meters between performers should be enforced; (2) the use of HEPA filters should be implemented in indoor rehearsal and concert spaces; and (3) instrument covers should be used. Researchers of these studies generally agree that more research is needed regarding COVID-19 aerosols and how they spread.