Make Some Noise!

Music is one of the most universal forms of human expression. Every culture in the world has its own musical tradition, and musical instruments have been played for over 40,000 years — the oldest known instruments are bone flutes discovered in Germany.

Musical instruments are organized into four main families. String instruments produce sound by vibrating strings — examples include the violin, guitar, cello, and harp. Wind instruments make sound when air is blown through them — such as the flute, trumpet, saxophone, and clarinet. Percussion instruments are struck to make sound — like drums, cymbals, and the xylophone. Keyboard instruments use keys to trigger strings or pipes — the piano and organ are the most famous examples.

Learning an instrument has remarkable benefits for the brain. Studies show that musicians have stronger connections between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Playing music improves memory, concentration, and mathematical ability. It also reduces stress and improves emotional well-being.

Korea has a rich musical tradition. Traditional Korean instruments include the gayageum (가야금) — a 12-stringed zither — and the haegeum (해금) — a two-stringed fiddle. Korea is also home to some of the world's finest classical musicians, including pianist Yiruma and violinist Sarah Chang.

Today, music is more accessible than ever. Streaming services give anyone access to over 100 million songs. Electronic instruments and digital audio workstations (DAWs) mean you can create professional-quality music from your bedroom. And genres like K-pop show how music can carry Korean culture across the entire globe!