Tambourine
German: Schellentrommel, Baskische Trommel
French: tambour de Basque
Italian: tamburo basco, tamburino

From time immemorial the tambourine has been an important folk instrument in many European cultures. Today it is especially common in Mediterranean countries where it serves as a rhythm instrument accompanying songs and dances. It is either struck with the hand or shaken.

The tambourine has had a place in the orchestra since the 19th century where it is used as a rhythm and noise instrument to add color and suggest dance scenes.

Beside this, it is also a popular children’s instrument. In the 1930s Carl Orff included it in his Method. Since then it has been an essential part of the teaching of music, and for purposes of learning it is usually struck with a felt stick.