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Instrumental facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Artie Shaw with his band in Second Chorus
Artie Shaw and his band playing "Everything's Jumpin'" from Second Chorus (1940)

An instrumental is a piece of music that does not have any singing or words. Instead, the music is made only by musical instruments. Sometimes, sounds made by other things, like everyday objects, can also be part of an instrumental song.

While many types of music feature instrumental pieces, they are especially common in genres like Jazz and classical music. In popular music, most songs have vocals, but some instrumentals have become very famous.

What is Instrumental Music?

Instrumental music focuses on the sounds and melodies created by instruments. It allows listeners to enjoy the pure musical expression without lyrics guiding the story or emotion. This type of music can be very powerful, using different instruments to create various moods and feelings.

Why are Instrumentals Popular?

Instrumentals are popular for several reasons:

  • They can set a mood or atmosphere without distracting words.
  • They are often used in movies, TV shows, and video games as background music.
  • They allow musicians to show off their skills and creativity on their instruments.
  • They can be enjoyed by people who speak different languages, as there are no words to understand.

Famous Instrumental Songs

Many instrumental songs have topped music charts and become classics. Here are some well-known examples:

  • "Theme from A Summer Place" by Percy Faith
  • "Grazing in the Grass" by Hugh Masekela
  • "Classical Gas" by Mason Williams
  • "Frankenstein" by Edgar Winter Group
  • "Love's Theme" by Love Unlimited Orchestra
  • "The Hustle" by Van McCoy
  • "Rise" by Herb Alpert
  • "Chariots of Fire" by Vangelis
  • "Miami Vice Theme" by Jan Hammer

These songs show how instrumental music can be exciting, emotional, and memorable, even without a single word being sung.

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Instrumental Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.