There is evidence of music stands from China as early as 200 BC. They did not appear in Europe until much later, as most musicians played ...
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from memory or improvised. In the 16th century, playing music with a group in one´s home became popular, and music was printed for amateurs´ use. This music was typically laid down on a table or other flat surface in front of the instrumentalists.
Beginning in the 17th century, some amateur musicians used table-top music stands, which were the first kind of music stand in Europe. A few are still used today.
Floor-standing music stand, 1640, Portrait of Michiel van der Dussen Gemeente Musea Delft; Collection Stedelijk Museum Het Prinsenhof, DelftIt is not until the 17th century that floor-standing music stands were developed in the West. Such music stands were common by 1730, at least in France.