The xylophone is a percussion instrument with deep cultural roots, evolving from ancient African and Asian traditions into a staple of modern orchestras and classrooms.

Its name is derived from the Greek xylon (wood) and phone (sound). Its earliest forms appeared in Africa and Southeast Asia around the 9th century. African cultures suspended wooden bars over gourds to create resonant tones, while Southeast Asian traditions developed instruments like the gambang kayu. These instruments were used in ceremonies, storytelling, and entertainment, reflecting their cultural significance.

A xylophone consists of graduated wooden bars tuned to specific pitches, mounted on a frame, and often paired with resonators (metal or gourd tubes) to amplify sound. The bars are typically made of hardwoods such as rosewood or padauk. Players strike the bars with mallets, which can be either hard or soft, depending on the desired timbre. A concert xylophone usually spans two to four octaves, with a bright, penetrating tone distinct from the mellower marimba.

The xylophone found its way into Western music during the Crusades, when it was introduced to Europe. By the 19th century, it became popular in folk and vaudeville performances, where it was sometimes referred to as the "straw fiddle" in Germany. In the 20th century, composers such as Igor Stravinsky and Béla Bartók incorporated the instrument into their orchestral works, solidifying its place in the classical repertoire. Today, it is often used in symphonies, jazz ensembles, and world music traditions.

Xylophones exist in varied forms across cultures. In Uganda, the akadinda is a large wooden xylophone played by multiple performers. In West Africa, the balafon consists of wooden bars over gourds, and is central to griot traditions. The gambang is integral to gamelan ensembles in Indonesia. In Western countries, the concert xylophone is a chromatic instrument used in orchestras. Then, there are the familiar toy/elementary xylophones, which are simplified diatonic versions for children. Related instruments include the marimba, the vibraphone, and the metallophone.

In orchestral works, the xylophone is sometimes used for bright, rhythmic passages. Collections such as Orchestral Repertoire for the Xylophone by Raynor Carroll compile standard excerpts for auditions. Famous works featuring the xylophone include Saint-Saëns’ Danse Macabre, Stravinsky's The Firebird, and Bartók’s Music for Strings, Percussion, and Celesta. In jazz, virtuosos like Red Norvo expanded the instrument's expressive possibilities, while contemporary composers continue to explore its percussive brilliance.

The xylophone is a cornerstone of Orff-Schulwerk pedagogy, which integrates instruments, movement, and speech to foster musical development. Elementary xylophones are smaller, often spanning 1 1/2 octaves, and come in soprano, alto, and bass ranges. They help children learn to recognize pitch and melody, rhythm and coordination, and collaborative ensemble playing. Its accessibility makes it ideal for introducing young learners to music, encouraging creativity, and confidence.

Below, we have selected some online resources for the xylophone that you might find helpful. E-commerce sites offering the instruments for sale will be listed in our Musical Instruments section.

Recommended Resources

Search for Xylophone on Google or Bing