Tambourine

What Is a Tambourine?

A tambourine is a fun musical instrument that you can shake, tap, or hit to make music. It has a round frame, often made of wood or plastic, with little metal pieces called zills that jingle when you move it. Some tambourines also have a drumhead, but not all.

Where Do Tambourines Come From?

Tambourines have been used for a very long time. People have written about them since 1700 BC! They were first used in Ancient Egypt and then in Greece and many other places. The word “tambourine” comes from a French word, but it has roots in many languages.

How Do People Use Tambourines?

You can hold a tambourine in your hand or place it on a stand. People play tambourines in many kinds of music, like pop music, rock music, gospel music, and even classical music. Musicians might tap it with their hands, use drum sticks, or shake it to add a lively sound to their songs.

Tambourines are used around the world in different styles of music, from Albanian folk music to samba. They are often part of a bigger set of drums called a drum kit.

Fun Facts About Tambourines

• Tambourines come in many shapes, but the most common one is circular.
• In old times, people used tambourines during special events and celebrations.
• Famous musicians, like Mick Jagger from the Rolling Stones, often play the tambourine.