From Bagpipes to Bells: Slovak Music Fun for Kids

Music has always played a big role in Slovak cultural life. Folk music and instruments were especially popular in the early 1800s. This traditional music helped shape modern Slovak music. For example, the Slovak national anthem is based on a folk song called Kopala Studienku.

Here are five traditional Slovak instruments:

The accordion
This box-shaped instrument is played by moving the bellows while pressing keys or buttons. Air moves through reeds made of brass or steel, which vibrate to create sound.

The cimbalom
The cimbalom is a large box with metal strings stretched across the top. Musicians play it by hitting the strings with two small beaters.

The fujara
The fujara is a tall wooden flute that came from central Slovakia. It has three holes and is played standing up, by blowing into the top pipe.

The koncovka
The koncovka is a flute with no finger holes. It was once used by shepherds and is played by covering and uncovering the bottom end of the flute.

The ninera
This stringed instrument is played with a crank-turned wheel that rubs against the strings, like a violin. The ninera is the Slovak version of the hurdy-gurdy.

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