Melodica

Melodica
	Hohner melodica
Keyboard instrument
Classification	Wind; free reed aerophone
Hornbostel–Sachs classification	412.132; (Free-reed aerophone)
Developed	1950s
Playing range
	Usually 2 or 3 octaves
Related instruments
	accordion, harmonica, pump organ, yu

The melodica is a handheld free-reed instrument similar to a pump organ or harmonica. It features a musical keyboard on top, and is played by blowing air through a mouthpiece that fits into a hole in the side of the instrument. The keyboard usually covers two or three octaves. Melodicas are small, lightweight, and portable, and many are designed for children to play. They are popular in music education programs, especially in Asia. The modern form of the instrument was invented by Hohner in the late 1950s,^[1] though similar instruments have been known in Italy since the 19th century.^[2]

^ Missin P (2004). "A Brief History of Mouth-Blown Free Reed Instruments: Melodica Family". Archived from the original on 2013-09-26. Retrieved 2013-07-03.
^ "Vibrandoneon". Duskyrecords.nl. Archived from the original on 2016-08-22. Retrieved 2013-07-03.

[1] Missin P (2004). "A Brief History of Mouth-Blown Free Reed Instruments: Melodica Family". Archived from the original on 2013-09-26. Retrieved 2013-07-03.

[2] "Vibrandoneon". Duskyrecords.nl. Archived from the original on 2016-08-22. Retrieved 2013-07-03.

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