Uncommon Instruments Awareness Day

Uncommon Instruments Awareness Day is July 31

Do you know what an oud, a charango, or a kora is? If not, then Uncommon Instruments Awareness Day is the perfect time to find out! On this day each year we take the time to appreciate and honor all of those unique instruments that are often overlooked. It’s also about recognizing how different cultures have contributed to the music industry with their own unique sounds and styles. 

Here is a fun list of Uncommon Instruments from around the world to learn more about and share on this day. 

1. Theremin - Russia: The theremin is an electronic instrument that is played by moving one's hands around two antennas that control the pitch and volume of the sound. It was invented by Russian physicist Lev Termen in the 1920s.

2. Hang drum - Switzerland: The hang drum is a percussion instrument that resembles a UFO in shape, with a series of metal tongues around the edge that are struck to produce different notes. It is played by striking the metal tongues on its surface. It was invented by two Swiss musicians in 2000.

3. Ondes Martenot - France: The ondes Martenot is an electronic instrument that produces eerie, otherworldly sounds. It is played by pressing a keyboard while using a ring to control pitch and volume. It was invented by French musician Maurice Martenot in 1928.

4. Glass Harmonica - Germany: The glass harmonica is a musical instrument that consists of a series of glass bowls that are rotated by a pedal, with the musician playing the different notes by touching the bowls with dampened fingers. It was invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1761.

5. Sitar - India: The sitar is a stringed instrument that is commonly used in Indian classical music. It is a stringed instrument with a long, hollow neck and a pear-shaped body. It has between 18 and 21 strings with movable frets and a gourd-shaped resonating chamber. It is played with a pick and the fingers.

6. Nyckelharpa - Sweden: The nyckelharpa is a stringed instrument that is similar to a fiddle or violin, but with keys or "tangents" that are used to change the pitch of the strings. It is played with a bow, and has keys that are pressed by the player's left hand to change the pitch.It is commonly used in Swedish folk music.

7. Waterphone - U.S.: The Waterphone is a percussion instrument that consists of a metal bowl with metal rods and other objects attached to it that vibrate when the bowl is played. It was invented in the United States in the 1960s by Richard Waters.

8. Hurdy-gurdy -  Europe: The hurdy-gurdy is a stringed instrument with a wheel that is turned by a crank, which rubs against the strings to create sound. It is played with a keyboard and a crank. It originated in Europe in the 11th century. 

9. Chapman Stick - U.S.: The Chapman Stick is a stringed instrument with a long, thin neck and multiple strings that are played by tapping them with the fingers. It was invented in the United States in the 1970s by Emmett Chapman.

10. Contrabass Balalaika - Russia: The contrabass balalaika is a stringed instrument that is played with a pick, and has a deep, resonant sound. It originated in Russia in the 17th century. 

11. Hydraulophone - Canada: The hydraulophone is a wind instrument that is played by pressing water through holes in a pipe, which creates sound. It was invented in Canada in the 1980s by Steve Mann.

12. Serpent - France: The serpent is a wind instrument that looks like a curved tube with finger holes, and is played like a brass instrument. It was invented in France in the 16th century.

13. Oud - Middle East: The uud is a stringed instrument that looks like a lute, with 11 strings and a curved shape. It’s been around for centuries and has been used to create many different types of music, from classical to folk and even rock!

14. Charango - Peru: The charango is a small, pear-shaped guitar with five pairs of strings and is often used to play traditional folk music. It is an Andean instrument that originated in Peru. 

15. Kora - Africa: The kora consists of a large gourd covered in animal hide with 16 to 21 strings attached to it. This traditional harp-like instrument has been used in many different styles of African music.

16. Clavichord - Europe: The clavichord is a keyboard instrument that produces sound by striking brass or iron strings with small metal blades called tangents. It was popular during the Baroque period, and is known for its expressive and intimate sound. It originated in Europe in the 14th century. 

17. Octobass - France: The octobass is a massive stringed instrument that is nearly 12 feet tall and has strings that are up to 18 feet long. It produces an extremely deep and resonant sound, and is rarely used in modern orchestral music. It was invented in France in the 1850s by Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume. 

18. Sho - Japan: The sho is a wind instrument that is made of bamboo and has 17 pipes that are played with the mouth. It is often used in traditional Japanese music, and produces a gentle, airy sound. It originated in Japan in the 8th century. 

19. Alphorn - Switzerland: The alphorn is a wind instrument that is made of wood and can be up to 20 feet long. It is played by blowing air into a mouthpiece and creating different notes by changing the shape of the player's lips. It is often used in folk music and in mountainous regions for communication between shepherds. It originated in Switzerland in the 16th century. 

20. Nyatiti - Kenya and Tanzania: The nyatiti is a traditional stringed instrument of the Luo people. It has between 3 and 8 strings that are played with the fingers, and is often used in traditional and ceremonial music.

These are just a few of the many unique instruments out there and it’s important to recognize them for the contributions they make to the world of music. Take some time this Uncommon Instruments Awareness Day to explore all these amazing instruments! And share your uncommon instruments or favorites today.