International Music Day: Why We Celebrate Music Every October 1
Learn how Yehudi Menuhin and Boris Yarustovsky started it in 1974 and what the IMC's five music rights mean today.
October 1st, 2026
International Music Day is celebrated every year on October 1. It was proposed in 1974 by violinist Yehudi Menuhin and musicologist Boris Yarustovsky, then leading the International Music Council (IMC). Its message: music belongs to everyone and brings people together across borders.
The History of International Music Day
In November 1974, at the height of the Cold War, an American-born violinist and a Soviet musicologist signed a letter together. Yehudi Menuhin and Boris Yarustovsky suggested that every October 1st be celebrated as International Music Day.
Their idea was simple: music belongs to all of society and connects people across borders.
Who Was Yehudi Menuhin?
Menuhin was one of the great classical musicians of his century. He lived the idea of music without borders by crossing genre and cultural lines, at a time when traditionalists still frowned on it. He recorded with sitar master Ravi Shankar and jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli.
The 5 Rights of Music
The International Music Council went on to define five rights that everyone should have:
- Express yourself freely through music
- Learn musical languages and skills
- Take part in music by playing, listening and creating
- Be heard and reach an audience with your music
- Be fairly recognised and rewarded for your work
Why International Music Day Matters Today
These five rights feel more important than ever. At UJAM, they are close to our hearts and the reason we build music software: tools that let anyone start creating, whether you play guitar, produce beats or write your first eight bars.
If you haven't seen it yet, watch our "Music is Medicine" video message.
How to Celebrate International Music Day
- Make something, even if it's eight bars nobody else will hear
- Learn a new instrument, chord or production technique
- Share a song that shaped you
- Collaborate with someone outside your usual genre, the way Menuhin did
Share Your Story
How did music bring people together in your life? Who helped you find your love for music and express yourself? Join our community on Discord or leave a comment on social media. We read every reply and will share some favourites (with your permission).
Happy International Music Day,
Wolfram Knelangen and the UJAM Team
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Defy Limits
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About UJAM
UJAM is a German-American maker of music technology co-founded by Hans Zimmer and Pharrell Williams that develops Virtual Instrument and Effects Plug-ins. With the Plug-in series Virtual Pianist, Usynth, Groovemate, Symphonic Elements, Virtual Guitarist, Virtual Bassist, Virtual Drummer, Beatmaker and Finisher and a range of software solutions (desktop, mobile, web), UJAM helps people to make music.