Sumerian music

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The discovery of numerous musical instruments in royal burial sites and illustrations of musicians in Sumerian art show how music seemed to play an important part of religious and civic life in Sumer.

A lyre is an example of an instrument used in Sumer [1]. Before playing a stringed instrument, the musicians would wash their hands to purify them. Many of the songs were for the Goddess Innana.^{[citation needed]}

Dancing girls used clappers to provide rhythm, eventually drums, and wind instruments began to evolve.^{[citation needed]}

Music and dancing were a part of daily celebration and temple rites-music was played for marriages and births in the royal families. Music was also used to back up the recitation of poetry.^{[citation needed]}

Music in Sumer was a utilitarian art. It was played at occasions but probably not played simply for enjoyment.^{[citation needed]}

Musicians were trained in schools and formed an important professional class in Mesopotamia.^{[citation needed]}