A Brief History of Musical Instruments

Musical instruments date back as far as the start of human culture. The earliest evidence of a musical instrument, an early type of flute, is around 35000BC. The topic of the first musical instrument is however the subject of much debate amongst historians, since the majority feel that the definition of a musical instrument is too broad and subjective to attach a date to the first instrument. That is, if any sound-producing object can be defined as a musical instrument then it is an impossible task to establish the first instrument of music. If however musical instrument representation is more clearly defined, say as an object for which the sole purpose is to create sound for music, then the subject might be open to less scrutiny and subjectivity.

Whilst many musical instruments were originally developed exclusively in specific countries and regions of the world, the increased contact between nations over the years lead to these instruments being accepted, and in many cases adapted, by other civilisations.