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 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.
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