1- What is a didgeridoo
The didgeridoo is an end-blown wind instrument, usually of wooden construction, of the Aboriginal people of northern Australia. The digeridoo (or didjeridu) is considered one of the best known of all the Aboriginal instruments. The origin of the word didgeridoo is a bit unclear. The common theory is that it’s a western onomatopoeia spelling (ie imitating the sound of the instrument). Another popular theory is the name originates from the Gaelic word meaning 'black trumpeter'.
Although the most common spelling of this unique Aboriginal instrument is ‘Didgeridoo’ the Australian government and all its agencies formally accept Didjeridu as the correct spelling. However, since didgeridoo is the more popular way of spelling, didjeridu and didgeridoo are used interchangeably. Further less common spelling variations such as didjeridoo, digeridoo and the short version didge can also be found, in addition to dozens of traditional indigenous words, the best known being yidaki.
In a traditional context, it is played in ceremonial ritual to accompany singing and dancing where it functions as a rhythmic musical instrument. It is also played recreationally and for entertainment purposes outside of ceremony in northern Australia. A special technique called "circular breathing" is used to play the didgeridoo, whereby a continuous drone is produced by the player's vibrating lips whilst quick snatches of air are inhaled through the nose.
In more contemporary times, the didgeridoo has been embraced by Aboriginal people throughout Australia and it could be considered to be Australia's national Aboriginal musical instrument. The didgeridoo has also spread far and wide across the world, finding interest among musicians and lovers of world music genres. Today, there are tens of thousands of didgeridoo players globally.
With the didgeridoo's worldwide popularity, new ways of making and playing the instrument have emerged outside of its traditional heartland in northern Australia. Many types of timbers and materials - from PVC to leather - are used today in different countries to make didgeridoos, although among the Aboriginal people of northern Australia the preferred material is a termite-hollowed eucalyptus tree trunk or branch.
Playing styles today embrace a wide range of techniques and rhythmic structures, from slow meditative drones creating wonderful ambient music to fast, percussive, dance rhythms.
Many didgeridoo players find immense joy in playing this Aboriginal instrument, perhaps because of the relaxing feeling it gives to players, as well as listeners. Recent research suggests it may also help with sleep apnea, snoring and asthma. Whatever the case may be, the didgeridoo is without a doubt one of the most unusual musical instruments in the world.