 Resonance is reduced by dampening or muting the drums, and in some cases composers will specify that timpani be played "con sordino" ("with mute") or "coperti" ("covered"), both of which indicate that mutes—typically small pieces of felt or leather—should be placed on the head.Composers will sometimes specify that the timpani should struck with implements other than timpani sticks.It is common in timpani etudes and solos for timpanists to play with their hands or fingers.