Musical Instruments Across America

Music is an important part of every culture. It brings people together through song and dance. In America there are various musical instruments that reflect the culture.

The Banjo

The banjo is a traditional instrument of African American folk music. It has got a round body with a long neck and metal strings. In the early 1800s, the banjo was often played at African American gatherings where people would dance, sing and tell stories. It soon became a popular instrument all over America. The banjo influenced the development of American folk, country and jazz music.

The Powwow Drum

A powwow drum is one of the oldest and most basic instruments in Native American music. It is large and made from carved wood, with buffalo, deer or cow skin stretched on top. Several men form a circle and strike the drum together with covered mallets. The men sing along to the beat of the drum. The songs are in Native American languages and have great spiritual meaning.

The ‘Uli‘Uli

The ‘uli‘uli is one of the most popular instruments used in Hawaiian music. It is a beautiful rattle made from a coconut filled with seeds and fitted with a feathered handle. Men and women play the ‘uli‘uli in traditional hula dancing performances. Dancers hold them and shake them to create a rattling sound while gracefully swaying their hips from side to side.