40,000 years of music explained in 8 minutes || Michael Spitzer

The history of music from bone flutes to Beyoncé.

The evolution of music over millennia is tied to human civilization.

For example, hunter-gatherers, who were very mobile, had to have small, light instruments to carry with them. Once we settled into bigger cities, larger instruments could be built.

Today, music is as accessible as running water. But if you were born in Beethoven's time, you would be lucky to hear two symphonies in your lifetime.