Music and dance are intertwined among Amerindians and some of their musics are central to native healing practices. While each Amerindian community has its own preferred vocal sound, many use special techniques to alter or mask the natural voice. Repetition is an important design element in musics and may involve the repeat of small motifs within a melodic phrase as well as the repetition of an entire section within a piece.
Drums and rattles are the most common instruments used in Native American music. Other instruments include rasps, bells (usually attached to clothing), and clap-sticks. Melodic instruments include flutes, whistles, and stringed instruments.
