The History of Music

People have been making music since the earliest days of history. The first instruments were simple drums, flutes, and rattles. Music was used for celebrations, stories, and religious ceremonies. Today, music comes in hundreds of styles from all around the world.

Ancient Music

The oldest known musical instruments are bone flutes that are over 40,000 years old. Ancient Egyptians played harps, flutes, and drums. In ancient Greece, people played the lyre, a small stringed instrument. Music was an important part of festivals, weddings, and religious events.

Music Through the Centuries

In medieval Europe, monks sang in churches and troubadours played songs in castles. The piano was invented around 1700. In the 1900s, new styles like jazz, rock and roll, and hip-hop were born. The invention of records, radios, and streaming changed how people listen to music.

Fun Facts

• The oldest known musical instrument is a bone flute found in a cave in Germany.
• The piano has 88 keys and was invented in Italy around the year 1700.
• Mozart started writing music when he was just five years old.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greece, music was considered so important that it was taught in schools alongside reading and math.