Instruments of Australia

  • Didgeridoo

    The didgeridoo is a natural trumpet aerophone - an instrument that produces sound through vibration of air that can be changed by adjustment of lips. It is made by hollowing out a branch of eucalyptus with the help of termites.

  • Gum Leaf

    The gum leaf is an aerophone that produces a vibrating trumpet-like noise. Although originally intended to imitate bird calls, this unusual instrument can be used to play music.

  • Bullroarer

    The bullroarer is a free aerophone - an instrument whose produced sound is not contained within the instrument. It was traditionally used by the Aboriginal people of Australia as a means of long distance communication.

Music of Australia

Here are some videos that show the relaxed nature of Australian music including simple beats and idiosyncratic instruments.