Erich von Hornbostel (1887-1968) was an influential German musicologist and ethnomusicologist, best known for his work in classifying musical instruments and studying the music of various cultures. While not a performing artist, his contributions to the field of musicology significantly impacted how music is analyzed and understood. Hornbostel is renowned for his co-development of the Hornbostel-Sachs system of musical instrument classification, which categorizes instruments based on their sound production methods. This system remains widely used in musicological and ethnomusicological studies today. Notable works include his seminal paper "Systematik der Musikinstrumente" (1933), which laid the foundation for modern instrument taxonomy. He also contributed to the understanding of non-Western music, advocating for the appreciation of diverse musical traditions. Hornbostel's impact extends beyond academia; his methodologies and theories have shaped contemporary practices in music research and education. His work fostered a greater awareness of global music traditions, promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation in a rapidly globalizing world.