page_title: Melodica
section_title: Two hands
hierarchical_section_title: Melodica / Two hands
caption_attribution_description: JONAS A TOCAR A SUA MELÓDICA #5
context_page_description: The melodica is a free-reed instrument similar to the pump organ and harmonica. It has 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. Pressing a key opens a hole, allowing air to flow through a reed. The keyboard usually covers two or three octaves. Melodicas are small, light, and portable. They are popular in music education, especially in Asia.
  The modern form of the instrument was invented by Hohner in the 1950s, though similar instruments have been known in Italy since the 19th century.
  The melodica was first used as a serious musical instrument in the 1960s by composers such as Steve Reich, in his piece titled Melodica. Brazilian multi-instrumentalist Hermeto Pascoal developed a technique consisting of singing while playing the melodica, resulting in a wide tonal and harmonic palette. It is associated with Jamaican dub and reggae musician Augustus Pablo who popularized it in the 1970s, and more recently with Jon Batiste, who is often seen playing the instrument on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
context_section_description: Melodica can be played with two hands employing an air tube. To blow air, a foot pump can also be used.
caption: Played horizontally, with two hands and an air tube
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