The Harmonious Sounds of Musical Instruments
World Music, Pictures of Musical Instruments, Musical Composition, and More!
Delve into the harmonious world of musical instruments at the Virtual Museum of Canada (VMC) and embrace a variety of world music! Here you will learn about the history of many very different and unusual musical instruments when browsing through the many pictures of musical instruments. Then, complete your experience by creating your very own musical composition!
A picture of a musical instrument from The Astonishing World of Musical Instruments virtual exhibit.
World Music
The VMC presents
The Astonishing World of Musical Instruments and Staying
in Tune exhibits, featuring pictures of musical instruments from
around the world! Discover the traditions and customs involving a variety
of world
music from ancient times to present-day. From the saxophone
to the gong
tatchoota, find out what makes these instruments unique!
History of Musical Instruments
Learn how musical instruments have evolved and improved over the years!
Discover the significance of musical instruments such as the harmonica
in both local and world history! Learn what role the trumpet
has played in world music!
Musical Composition
Curious to hear the sound of a particular instrument? Perhaps one of a more rare sort like the ampongabe? Here is your chance to experience the enchanting sounds of a collection of instruments, including the accordian and guitar, and view many pictures of musical instruments!
Celebrate Music
Festivities of the Living and the Dead in the Americas
Learn about ten popular and unique festivals in five countries. Discover the diverse musical instruments, chants and traditions unique to various countries during their rites, rituals and festivals.
Music of the Cree
Through the Eyes of the Cree: The Art of Allan Sapp
Students can explore traditional Cree music by listening to Allan perform songs of the Cree from his childhood.
Music in Historic Context
Musiques à l’époque de Julie Papineau (Quebec Music from Julie Papineau’s era)
This site transports you to the years 1795 through to 1862 during the life of Julie Papineau and her husband, politician Louis-Joseph. Explore the historic context of music, through composers, their music and their instruments. (site available only in French)
Students can also use My Personal Museum to curate their own collection of instruments from around the world using images from the Image Gallery.
Continue your musical journey:
Visit the Music section of the Digital Library of Canada for the Encyclopedia of Music in Canada, Canadian Historical Sound recordings, and more.
Check out Arts Alive.ca for educational information about Classical Music.
Curriculum information:
Use this material in your music class where learning outcomes require students to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of historical and cultural contexts of music
- Understand ways in which music mirrors and influences individuals, societies and cultures.
