Filipino Music: Instruments and Genres for Kids
Music is a big part of Filipino culture. Across the 7,000+ islands of the Philippines, you’ll hear many different types of music—some very old, some very new, but all full of rhythm and life!
Traditional Filipino Instruments
Filipino music is special because many songs are played with unique traditional instruments. Some of these are made from bamboo and wood, showing how music and nature come together.
Here are some fun traditional instruments kids might love to learn about:
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Zither with bamboo strings – A flat wooden instrument that’s strummed or plucked.
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Tubular bamboo resonators – Bamboo tubes that produce deep sounds when hit.
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Wooden lutes – Stringed instruments shaped like a small guitar.
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Gong chimes – Rows of small metal gongs used in group performances.
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Gangsa – A hand-held flat gong used by Indigenous peoples, especially in the Cordillera region.
Many of these instruments are still used in schools and festivals, especially during folk dances and cultural celebrations.
Different Music Styles Around the Philippines
Music changes depending on the region of the Philippines:
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Folk Music is the oldest and often tells stories of daily life, farming, love, and nature.
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Gangsa music is played in northern mountain regions by Indigenous groups.
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Gang chime music is popular in the southern islands and sounds a bit like a bell orchestra.
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Modern pop, rock, and blues are also loved by many Filipino kids today. These songs mix English and Tagalog lyrics and are played on the radio and on social media.
Kids in the Philippines grow up with lullabies, school songs, festival music, and even karaoke nights at home. Music is everywhere—and everyone can join in!
Help Your Kids Learn Tagalog Through Music and More
If your child wants to explore the Tagalog language and Filipino culture through songs, stories, and games, Dinolingo is a great place to start. With more than 50 languages and thousands of fun activities, Dinolingo helps kids learn through music, video, and interactive lessons. It’s designed for ages 2 to 14, and it’s available on web, iOS, and Android.
Try it here: Dinolingo