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Annual observance

Buy a Musical Instrument Day

May 22 Cultural / community observance Updated 2025-12-17

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Overview

Buy a Musical Instrument Day, observed annually on May 22nd, encourages individuals of all ages to explore the world of music by purchasing an instrument. This day highlights the joy, creativity, and numerous cognitive benefits associated with learning and playing music, inviting people to embark on a new sonic journey or rekindle a past passion.

Observed each year on May 22, Buy a Musical Instrument Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.

Why it matters: Buy a Musical Instrument Day, celebrated on May 22, emphasizes the importance of music in fostering creativity and enhancing cognitive development across all ages. By encouraging individuals to engage with musical instruments, this holiday promotes community connection and personal expression through the art of music.

Origin and story

The oldest known musical instruments are flutes made from bird bone and mammoth ivory, discovered in Germany and dating back approximately 42,000 to 43,000 years.

Learning to play a musical instrument has been shown to improve memory, coordination, and problem-solving skills, and can even reduce stress.

Quick facts

  • DateMay 22
  • TypeCultural / community observance
  • Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

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Ways to celebrate

  • Bring the theme into your day—decorate a workspace, cook or bake something inspired by Buy a Musical Instrument, or play music that matches the mood.
  • Plan a 10-minute activity that fits the cultural / community observance vibe and make it a mini tradition.
  • Bring Buy a Musical Instrument Day to work or school with a short shout-out in a meeting or group chat.
  • Write a note or journal entry on why Buy a Musical Instrument Day matters, then set a reminder for next year.
  • Pair music, snacks, or décor that match the theme and enjoy a small break.

Fun facts

  • The oldest known musical instruments are flutes made from bird bone and mammoth ivory, discovered in Germany and dating back approximately 42,000 to 43,000 years.
  • Learning to play a musical instrument has been shown to improve memory, coordination, and problem-solving skills, and can even reduce stress.
  • Globally, the guitar is often cited as one of the most popular musical instruments, with an estimated tens of millions of players worldwide.

Sources and attribution

Source not provided.

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FAQ

When is Buy a Musical Instrument Day?
It is observed on May 22 each year.
What is Buy a Musical Instrument Day?
Buy a Musical Instrument Day, observed annually on May 22nd, encourages individuals of all ages to explore the world of music by purchasing an instrument. This day highlights the joy, creativity, and numerous cognitive benefits associated with learning and playing music, inviting people to embark on a new sonic journey or rekindle a past passion.
How do people celebrate Buy a Musical Instrument Day?
Bring the theme into your day—decorate a workspace, cook or bake something inspired by Buy a Musical Instrument, or play music that matches the mood.

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