This children’s article, World Music Day: Let the music play!, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children build vocabulary, learn about music and culture, and understand how people worldwide celebrate this special day. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
What is World Music Day?
Every year on 21st June, people around the world celebrate World Music Day. It’s a day to make music, enjoy music, and share music with others. Best of all, it’s completely free!
This special day began in France in 1982 and was called Fête de la Musique. The idea was simple: fill the streets with free music. Anyone could join in, whether they were a famous musician or just someone who loved to sing in the shower!
Now, more than 1,000 cities celebrate it each year. People dance in town squares, sing from balconies, play guitars in parks, and even hold heavy metal knitting contests (yes, that’s a real thing in Finland!).
Why is music so important?
Music has been part of human life for thousands of years. Ancient festivals in Greece, China, and India included music to bring people together.
Today, we still use music to celebrate, to relax, to feel better when we’re sad, and to have fun. Scientists say that music can help reduce stress, improve your mood, and even make exercise feel easier. That’s powerful stuff for just a few sounds!
How can kids celebrate?
You don’t need to be a music star to join in. World Music Day is for everyone, no matter your age or talent.
- Make music: Bang pots and pans, play a recorder, or write a silly song with your friends.
- Listen to music: Try a new song from another country or share your favourite track with someone.
- Do karaoke: Sing your heart out at home or with friends.
- Watch a music movie: Films like Sing Street or The Music Man are fun ways to celebrate music.
You can even learn about music from around the world—like bagpipes in Scotland, sitar in India, or the theremin in Germany (it makes spooky sounds without being touched!).
A song for everyone
Whether you love jazz, pop, hip hop, classical, or rock, World Music Day is a reminder that music belongs to all of us. So put on your favourite song, turn it up, and dance like nobody’s watching. The world is your concert!
Learn more about the history of World Music Day here.
Article vocabulary list
- Celebrate – To do something fun to show that a day or event is special
- Free – You don’t have to pay for it
- Festival – A fun event with music, dancing, or food
- Balcony – A small outdoor area on the side of a building
- Stress – A feeling of worry or pressure
- Mood – How you feel (happy, sad, excited, etc.)
- Theremin – A musical instrument you play without touching it
- Bagpipes – A Scottish musical instrument with pipes and air
- Karaoke – Singing songs with music but no singer
- Talent – A special ability to do something well
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. When is World Music Day celebrated?
A) 1st January
B) 21st June
C) 31st October
Answer: B) 21st June
2. Where did World Music Day begin?
A) India
B) Brazil
C) France
Answer: C) France
3. What is one way people celebrate this day?
A) By eating sweets
B) By making music
C) By playing football
Answer: B) By making music
4. What strange activity happens in Finland on Music Day?
A) Heavy metal knitting
B) Singing to animals
C) Playing underwater instruments
Answer: A) Heavy metal knitting
5. What can music help with?
A) Washing dishes
B) Stress and mood
C) Maths homework
Answer: B) Stress and mood
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
