• West African drums and dance
  • Wild Anacostias in front of the Smithsonian Castle
  • Taiko drummers Freer|Sackler
  • Smithsonian Receives Brian Setzer’s Gretsch Guitar
  • Latino Center: Concert

Smithsonian Music

Did you know? 

The Smithsonian’s combined musical resources constitute the world’s largest museum of music. Music is an integral part of the Smithsonian’s connective tissue, spanning a remarkable number and diversity of collections, programs, and exhibitions.

If you listen closely, the Smithsonian is not as quiet as you might think!

Smithsonian Year of Music 2019 | 365 Days of Music

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Object of the Day

A Japanese Goddess Plays Music by the Sea

In Japanese Buddhism, the biwa (a pear-shaped lute) is associated with the goddess Benten (Benzaiten). She presides over all things that flow, from water and snakes to language and music. She is thus the patron of dancers, musicians, and geishas. Shrines dedicated to Benten are usually located near water.

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Listen

Blowout at Mardi Gras Sounds from New Orleans from Smithsonian Folkways

Featured Playlist

Gladys Bentley Sidedoor: Ep. 15 | Singing the Gender-Bending Blues

Featured Podcast Episode

Folksongs and Instrumentals with Guitar Alan Singer’s Folk Song to Hip Hop Inspiration

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Learn

music lesson Educational Resources

Discover Smithsonian resources for educators, students, and lifelong learners.

Stained glass window with RCA "Nipper" Ask Smithsonian Music Videos

The Smithsonian answers your questions about music and our collections.

Lakota drum Music Collections Spotlights

Explore music and sound through stories told with our collections.

Joan Baez Music Stories

Articles from our magazines, educational resources, artist spotlights, and more.

Watch

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Blog

WAWA and DL SupaLee Breaking Through the Sound Barrier
Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
Pete Seeger in Concert Pete Seeger and The Smithsonian Folkways Collection
Smithsonian Music
Pete Seeger in Concert Pete Seeger and The Smithsonian Folkways Collection
Smithsonian Music
Janelle Monae Celebrating Black Music Month
National Museum of African American History and Culture
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Featured Music Programs

Music comes alive at the Smithsonian with performances by local artists and world-renowned masters.

SJMO orchestra Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra

Illuminating the work of jazz masters as the orchestra-in-residence at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.

Luce Unplugged concert space Luce Unplugged Community Showcase

Luce Unplugged is a free, monthly local concert series held in the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Luce Foundation Center for American Art.

Axelrod String Quartet Smithsonian Chamber Music Society

Bringing the Smithsonian's priceless collection of musicial instruments to life.