From the rock and pop of Western youth culture to the haunting sounds of traditional Mongolian throat singers, all humans in all parts of the world make music. Its harmonies affect us in a deep way and its beauty is universal.

We have developed hundreds of styles of music played with all kinds of instruments, large and small. The very first instruments were simple flutes made from animal bones, but we soon developed a vast array, making all kinds of sounds. Today we can use the latest computer technology to create any sound imaginable, and musicians continue to explore the endless possibilities of music.

Presented chronologically to show how music has developed and changed over time, this book pinpoints the musicians, genres and musical events that everyone should know.

Rob Baker is a music teacher,ethnomusicologist and author whospecialises in the social influences on musicaround the world. His teaching experiencehas taken him to schools in West Africa, Germany, the UK, Singapore Thailand andthe USA. His experience in ethnomusicologyhas given him an in-depth knowledge ofa broad range of musical styles, instrumentsand traditions from around the world.