Music transcends cultural barriers, geographic locations, and spoken languages. In honor of World Music Day on June 21, we’re sharing a musical journey that takes you from the island of Cuba all the way to China and West Africa by way of diverse, iconic instruments that you can use in your own productions.
And during Summer of Sound, you can get all of these instruments sampled within the Spotlight Collection from Native Instruments at a discount.
Explore the Spotlight Collection
What is World Music Day?
World Music Day, also known as Fête de la Musique, is an annual celebration held on June 21. Originating in France in 1982, it has since spread globally, encouraging musicians of all levels to perform in public spaces. The day promotes the joy of music and aims to make music accessible to everyone, fostering cultural exchange and community spirit.
Let’s take a listening journey through some of these beautiful instruments from different cultures across the world.
East Asia: Guqin
The Guqin is a traditional Chinese string instrument, known for its delicate, expressive sound and cultural significance. With over 3,000 years of history, it features seven strings and is typically played by plucking with the fingers. The Guqin is highly regarded for its association with scholars and its role in Chinese art, literature, and philosophy.