The accordion is an age-old instrument, but its music can still be heard today in everything from contemporary country to traditional ballads to alternative rock.

The accordion family tree has roots that reach back hundreds of years. This fascinating history can be traced to an ancient Chinese instrument known as a Sheng or Cheng. Played during the era of Confucius, from about 551 BC to 479 BC, this musical instrument is believed to be the first one to have used a free vibrating reed principal. This sound production provided by this principal is still the foundation of many of today's modern accordions.

In 1829, a Viennese instrument maker named Cyrillus Damian is said to have created the first "true" accordion. Many historical resources suggest that Mr. Damian held the first patent to an instrument of that name, and he received royal patronage for his invention. Conflicting reports say that the first accordion actually appeared in 1822, when a fellow by the name of Christian Friedrich Buschmann added some expanding bellows to a small portable keyboard, and utilized a reed that vibrated within the instrument. Buschmann's instrument was dubbed the "hand-aeoline", and in 1828 he toured to increase awareness of the instrument's popularity.

Regardless of who actually "invented" the modern accordion style, the popularity did certainly take off. Following that era, several varieties of free-vibrating reed instruments were developed. Some of them are still considerably well known today. As the instrument enjoyed growing popularity, the demand for instruction manuals began to increase. According to certain historical resources, the first accordion textbook featured both original music, and arrangements of familiar pieces. The book, written by Adolf Reisner, was published in Paris in 1832. Countless textbooks and manuals have been created and distributed since then.

After 1830, the popularity and development of the accordion increased rapidly. The bandoneon, harmonica and chromatic accordion are all enhancements of the original instrument that are still widely used today. The Schrammel is perhaps the most interesting development from this period. This complicated instrument was first played in a Viennese quartet, sharing the stage with two violins and a bass guitar. The Schrammel was popular at Viennese parties during this era, and is occasionally played even now.

The introduction of the first piano accordion came about in 1863. Many performers loved this instrument as it liberated them from the massive and immobile walls of pipes to which they were once confined. Musician Pietro Diero brought his custom built piano accordion to the United States, earning recognition as the "father" of playing the American accordion.

In the early 20th century, several accordion manufacturers began to establish themselves. These companies met the growing needs and pressures of professional accordion players. These changes led to the standard shape and size of the accordion that we know today.

Hundreds of years have passed in the timeline of the accordion, but it remains an international phenomenon. Although there are still accordion manufacturers in the United States, their numbers are quite small compared to those in Europe. Germany, France, Italy and Russia are still important players in the making and export of today's accordions.

As you listen to traditional musical pieces from all around the world, you will often hear the distinctive notes of the accordion. It is an instrument that boasts a rich history and lasting universal appeal.

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Flora Murkett enjoys writing for several popular Internet magazines, on music and hobbies and family life subjects. Don't reprint this article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.