Editor’s Note
This article highlights the environmental considerations within the musical instrument industry, focusing on material sourcing and potential impacts on consumer demand.
Musical instruments contain materials such as plastics, metals, and rubber, which can have adverse environmental effects. Furthermore, products like string instruments are typically developed using animal or plant-based materials. In this regard, the mass production of these products depletes natural resources. These environmental impacts of the products may deter environmentally conscious consumer demand and affect market expansion. Additionally, various raw materials such as metals and wood are utilized in the development of musical instruments. Fluctuations in the cost of these raw materials due to factors including economic and geographical conditions can further impact the overall cost of the products, affecting manufacturers’ profitability.
The Asia-Pacific region dominated the global market throughout the forecast period. Musical instruments are highly produced and exported in countries such as China and India, driven by government support, easy availability of raw materials, and the presence of numerous manufacturers including Roland Corporation, Yamaha Corporation, and Yanagisawa Wind Instruments Co., Ltd. For example, in January 2024, China implemented new regulations for musical instruments that domestic product importers and manufacturers must follow. The new standards are designed to enhance the quality and safety of domestic products. These include stringent requirements on testing methods and the use of hazardous substances in various musical devices.
Challenges include the environmental impact of discarded equipment, fluctuations in raw material costs, and competition from digital music production tools. Manufacturers are addressing these by developing sustainable products and circular economy initiatives.
The global musical instruments market size was valued at USD 20.94 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 22.15 billion in 2026 to USD 36.76 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.54% during the forecast period. The Asia-Pacific region led the musical instruments market with a 40.09% market share in 2025.
The global musical instruments market includes various instruments designed to generate sound, such as guitars, electric guitars, and digital instruments. These devices are highly used in concerts, bars, and events for entertainment purposes, further boosting the demand for musical instruments. Growing consumer interest in music education and the integration of innovative technologies in musical equipment are driving global market growth. Furthermore, major players operating in the market, such as Casio Computer Co., Ltd., C.F. Martin & Co. Inc., Cortek (Cort Guitars), Eastman Music Company, and Roland Corporation, are contributing to the growth of the global musical instruments market.
The rapidly evolving recorded music market has boosted product sales. Recorded music refers to the representation of sound generated by various musical instruments, computers, or voice. The rapidly growing global music industry is increasing the demand for various musical devices such as wind and string instruments, driving the global musical instruments market share.
In recent years, consumer interest in music has grown as an art form to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety and improve mental health. It also helps improve listeners’ emotional state and sleep quality. For example, according to Music 2023, a global study published by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), an organization providing data on the global recording industry, about 71% of individuals consider music important for mental health, and nearly 78% of individuals find it helps cope with stress and relax. Furthermore, the average time individuals spend listening to music weekly is around 20.7 hours, up from nearly 20.21 hours in 2022. In this regard, consumer inclination towards music promotes the expansion of the global recorded music market, which escalates the sales of products that are the primary tools aiding music creation.
The growing popularity of live performances and concerts is driving market growth. Multiple professional and high-quality musical devices such as drums, trumpets, flutes, concert harps, guitars, saxophones, euphoniums, cellos, and tubas are used in various live performances and concerts such as classical, jazz, opera, and rock. These products create different types of music and entertain audiences. Furthermore, several instruments are used in these events as they help produce richer sound. The increasing popularity of such events escalates product demand. In recent years, consumer spending on entertainment, cultural, and recreational services such as music concerts, live shows, and music festivals has increased. Millennials and Gen Z are particularly interested in music engagements such as events and live music.
Moreover, expanding music infrastructure with new music and concert hall openings expands market growth. For example, in February 2022, Texas Christian University announced celebrating the opening of the Van Cliburn Concert Hall in April 2022. The new hall provides the university’s orchestra and band with over 7,500 square feet of learning resources and rehearsal space. Furthermore, easy access to music education, including learning various instruments, enhances global musical instrument market trends in the near future.
Broken and discarded musical tools such as guitars, violins, and cellos end up in landfills in countries worldwide, releasing harmful pollutants and occupying space. Furthermore, these products are typically not designed for easy repair, and most need to be discarded and replaced. Growing awareness about increasing waste, including discarded musical tools and contributing to pollution, may hinder global market growth. For example, according to the United Nations Environment Programme, in 2023, the Kenya-based authority focused on environmental issues stated that about 2.1 billion tons of municipal solid waste are generated worldwide, expected to increase to about 3.8 billion tons by 2050.
Increasing development of technologically advanced equipment to boost market growth. The global music industry is experiencing transformation driven by technological advancements in musical devices, such as MIDI controllers and instrument part accessories that aid in high-quality music production. Musicians highly use these innovative instruments to streamline sound production and enhance the creative process. Using advanced tools also helps music creators stay ahead in the highly competitive music industry.
Increasing consumer inclination towards technologically advanced products, such as keyboard instruments with acoustic piano strings to improve efficiency, has led to increased development of musical devices with smart and intelligent features that help musicians produce high-quality music. For example, in October 2024, Roli, a UK-based London music technology company, launched Airwave, an intelligent practice assistant designed to turn the company’s keyboard into a smart piano with voice features. This product is designed for both music creators and learners and is equipped with the company’s new vision technology and a 3D infrared camera.
The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the expansion of the global musical instruments market as restrictions on public gatherings and cancellations of several events, concerts, and weddings led to a decline in product adoption. Furthermore, supply chain disruptions and halted production activities adversely affected product availability. The temporary closure of physical stores led to reduced product sales worldwide.
Increasing use of string instruments in concerts and performances to boost product sales. Based on type, the global market is segmented into string instruments, keyboard & DJ equipment, recording equipment, percussion instruments, and others.