Reading Passage:

Title: The History of Music

Long, long ago, even before your grandparents were born, people loved to make music. They didn’t have fancy instruments like we do today, but they found creative ways to make beautiful sounds.

In ancient times, people used their voices to sing and make music. They would clap their hands, stomp their feet, and even use rocks and sticks to create rhythms. Can you imagine making music with just your voice and some rocks?

As time went on, people started inventing new instruments. The first instruments were made from things they found in nature, like hollowed-out logs and animal bones. They would blow into these objects or hit them to produce different sounds. These were the very first wind and percussion instruments!

In the Middle Ages, musicians started using string instruments like the harp and the lute. These instruments had strings that were plucked or strummed to make music. People loved listening to the beautiful melodies created by these instruments.

During the Renaissance period, new instruments were invented, such as the violin and the flute. These instruments were played by blowing air into them or by using a bow to make the strings vibrate. The music of this time was often played in grand palaces and castles.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the piano became a popular instrument. It had keys that were pressed to make different notes. People loved the sound of the piano and composers like Mozart and Beethoven wrote amazing music for it.

In the 20th century, music started to change a lot. New genres like jazz, rock, and pop emerged. Musicians began using electric guitars, drums, and keyboards to create exciting and energetic music. Today, we have so many different types of music to enjoy!

Now that you know a little bit about the history of music, you can appreciate all the different sounds and instruments that have been created over time. So, the next time you listen to your favorite song, remember that music has a long and fascinating history!

Question and Answer Worksheet:

1. What did people use to make music in ancient times? Answer: People used their voices, rocks, and sticks to make music.

2. What were the first instruments made from? Answer: The first instruments were made from things found in nature, like hollowed-out logs and animal bones.

3. What were the string instruments used in the Middle Ages? Answer: The harp and the lute were the string instruments used in the Middle Ages.

4. How did musicians play the violin and the flute? Answer: Musicians played the violin and the flute by blowing air into them or by using a bow to make the strings vibrate.

5. What instrument became popular in the 18th and 19th centuries? Answer: The piano became popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.

6. What are some genres of music that emerged in the 20th century? Answer: Some genres of music that emerged in the 20th century are jazz, rock, and pop.

7. What are some instruments used in modern music? Answer: Some instruments used in modern music are electric guitars, drums, and keyboards.