Archaeology of Musical Instruments

Music has been important in civilization for thousands of years. Some of the greatest archaeological finds have been instruments from ancient time. Some of the oldest instruments included drums, small wind pipes made from reeds and wood, and wooden wind chimes. From these instruments we can learn that music has been an important part of the world for a very long time.

History of Musical Instruments

Music instruments have a long and varied history. From the first instruments of drums, wind instruments, and small hand shakers and cymbals, instruments quickly changed into the lyres, harps, and more sophisticated versions of drum and wind instruments. In the middle ages the first string instruments were created as we know them today. At the turn of the 20th century, music changed again with the blending of cultures into the rock instruments that are most common today. Now we have evolved into creating instruments from almost anything from police sirens to trash cans. www.ramblax.com is a good site to visit for more instrument information.

Primitive and prehistoric

The most primitive music instruments were usually drums made from tightened skins, wood sticks hit together, or wooden flutes carved from reeds and other materials. These instruments were in use for thousands of years before any other instruments were created.

Ancient systems

Ancient musical systems were different type of music created all over the world in ancient times. Some of the most well-known music is that of ancient Chinese and Indian music. The sitar was a popular instrument. The Chinese are credited with creating the first instrument played with a bow.

Antiquity

Music during the Greek and Roman heyday was characterized by the lute, lyre, harps, and other string instruments that were plucked. Cymbals were also a popular form of instrument during this time. The flute continued to be used as well.

Middle Ages

The middle ages brought a change to music instruments. The Roman church did not like instruments and so the musical styling of that period are largely characterized by blended singing groups without instrumental accompaniment. However, some instruments did remain popular such as the lute which was popular with traveling bards.

Renaissance

The renaissance period saw a change in the music instruments of the day. For the first time a string instrument was created that was played by pulling a bow across the strings. This opened up a whole new world of musical sounds in Europe.

Baroque

The biggest music instruments change that came during the Baroque period was the invention of the harpsichord. This predecessor to the modern piano changed the way music was played forever.

Modern Musical Instruments

Modern music instruments are not so different from ancient ones. The most popular instruments of today include drums, the piano, wind instruments, brass instruments, guitars, and stringed instruments. There are also many experiments with instruments such as using common household items. For more instruments visit www.ramblax.com.

Famous Musicians

There are many famous musicians. Some of the most memorable come from many different periods in time. Bach is a very famous musician from the Baroque period. Mozart was a famous classical musician. More recently Copeland, The Beatles, Elvis, and Nirvana were all very famous in their own times. Each musician used different music instruments to make unique music.

Sachs-Hornbostel

Sachs-Hornbostel is a system of musical instrument classification created in 1914 and which is still used today to classify instruments. The classification is done on the sound and vibrations each instrument produces. Some common classes are: idiophones, membranophones, chordophones, and aerophones.

Schaeffner

In 1932 another classification method was created that classified instruments in two different categories. These instruments were classified by either vibrating solids or vibrating air.

User interfaces

Modern music is often modified through the computer. There are many user interfaces designed to enhance music. Some programs are designed to eliminate the need for instruments altogether. A great place to find these is at www.ramblax.com.