Coffee Break: Uncommon Instruments
by Jill Riley and Nilufer Arsala
July 31, 2025

There is a whole day dedicated to growing awareness of uncommon instruments, and it just happens to fall on Thursday! It should go without saying that we are here for it! Today, it’s all about celebrating the kazoo, highlighting the harpsichord, focusing on the Flugelhorn, making a big deal about the marimba, and spotlighting other instruments that could use some recognition.
Non-traditional instruments have been used by musicians as long as there has been music, so today, let’s create a playlist full of interesting sounds.
So for today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs with unconventional instruments would you like to hear?
Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.
Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.
Songs Played
Neutral Milk Hotel- Holland, 1945
Cake- Short Skirt Long Jacket
Donovan- Hurdy Gurdy Man
Soundgarden- Spoonman
Pixies- Velouria
The Who- Join Together
