The origins of music are lost deep in prehistoric times. Probably the earliest forms of music were songs, possibly accented by the clapping of hands. Most likely the first instruments were percussion instruments, maybe a hollow trunk, stones hit together, or other things that are useful to create rhythm, but not always melody. Thirty-thousand-year-old bone flutes have been found in archeological sites; the design seems to be similar to that of the recorder.

Is anyone an archaeologist, anthropologist, or dedicated music historian? This page desperately needs more solid data.)

See also music history