National Buy a Musical Instrument Day (May 22)

May 22nd makes a straightforward case for itself. If you’ve been thinking about picking up an instrument, or getting one for a child who has shown some interest, this is a reasonable nudge to stop putting it off.

National Buy a Musical Instrument Day doesn’t have a grand origin story behind it but it doesn’t need one. The prompt is useful and the timing, landing in late spring before summer opens up more free time, is actually quite practical.

When is the Holiday?

Every year on May 22nd.

Who Invented It?

No official founder on record. It likely grew out of broader music education advocacy and picked up momentum through retailers and music communities online. The origin is less important than the excuse it provides.

The History of the Holiday

Music has been part of human life longer than almost any other cultural practice. Formal music education became widespread in Europe through conservatories in the 19th century, and by the 20th century school-based music programs had made learning an instrument accessible to a much broader range of people.

That access has continued to expand, first through affordable mass-produced instruments, then through online lessons, and now through apps and digital instruments that remove almost every barrier to getting started.

The holiday sits in that tradition. Not just listening to music but making it, which is a meaningfully different experience and one that research suggests has real benefits beyond enjoyment.

Top 5 Facts About the Holiday

1. Playing music engages more of the brain than almost any other activity. MRI studies show it activates nearly every region simultaneously, more than solving math problems, more than most other cognitively demanding tasks. The combination of reading, listening, physical coordination, and emotional processing all happening at once is unusually demanding in the best way.

2. Musicians tend to live longer. Studies have linked regular instrument playing to reduced stress, improved mental agility, and stronger social connection, all of which have measurable effects on longevity. It’s one of those hobbies that pays back more than it costs.

3. Instrument sales noticeably increase in May. Many music retailers see a spike around this date and often run beginner bundles and promotions to match. If you’re going to buy something anyway, this is a reasonable time to look for a deal.

4. Digital instruments have made getting started cheaper and quieter. A MIDI keyboard connected to a free app gives a beginner access to dozens of instruments without the noise, cost, or space requirements of physical alternatives. The barrier to starting has never been lower.

5. Many left-handed musicians play right-handed instruments by default. Custom left-handed instruments exist and are becoming more widely available, but the majority of left-handed players adapt to standard setups. It’s worth knowing before you buy for a left-handed child.

Coloring Page

Print the music-themed coloring sheet for younger kids to use while you’re exploring instruments together. It works well as a simple introduction to music before a storytime session or a first look at toy instruments.

Activities to Celebrate

If you’re buying for the first time, visiting a physical music store is worth doing rather than going straight online. Being able to hold an instrument, hear how it sounds in person, and get advice from someone who plays makes a real difference to the decision. Most music stores are happy to let beginners try things out and the staff usually know what works for different ages and starting points.

If lessons feel like a big commitment, apps like Simply Piano are a low-pressure way to start. They track your playing in real time and adjust to your level, which means you can move at your own pace without booking anything or committing to a schedule. YouTube is also genuinely good for beginner instruction on most instruments.

For kids who are curious but not ready for a full instrument, a musical storytime with simple percussion instruments is a good starting point. Rhythm comes before melody for most young learners and a set of basic percussion toys gives them something to engage with immediately.

If you already play, the day is a reasonable prompt to try something outside your usual genre or pick up a second instrument you’ve been curious about. A guitarist trying a ukulele, a pianist exploring a MIDI setup, anything that pushes the learning in a new direction.

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Links to Resources

First Act Kids Guitar – a real six-string acoustic sized for young learners with nylon strings that are easier on fingers. A good first instrument for ages six and up.

MIDI Keyboard Controller – connects to music software and gives access to a wide range of digital instruments. Good for beginners who want to explore without committing to one instrument sound.

Kala Learn to Play Ukulele Starter Kit – includes the ukulele, online lessons, and a tuning app. Compact, genuinely beginner friendly, and one of the easier instruments to make quick progress on.

BandLab – a free browser-based recording and mixing tool. No instrument required, just a willingness to experiment with sound. Good for older kids and adults who are curious about music production.

Composer worksheets – printable introductions to famous composers and music history. A good pairing for younger children alongside any instrument exploration.

Related Holidays

Play Your Ukulele Day (February 2) – dedicated to one of the more accessible starting instruments. Worth marking if today’s holiday leads you toward the ukulele specifically.

World Radio Day (February 13) – a reminder of how music gets shared and how far a single instrument or song can travel.

International Jazz Day (April 30) – a good lead-in to this one. Covers the cultural history of a genre built entirely on people picking up instruments and figuring out what they could do with them.

Uncommon Musical Instrument Day (July 31) – explores the stranger end of the instrument world. Theremins, glass harmonicas, instruments most people have never heard of. A fun follow-on once the basics are covered.

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