A steel tongue drum is a percussion instrument made from a steel shell with several tongues or slits cut into its surface. Each tongue produces a different musical note when struck, creating a melodic sound. These drums are often tuned to specific scales, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced musicians. Typically played with mallets or hands, the steel tongue drum is popular in various music genres, including world music and meditative soundscapes. Its soothing tones make it a favorite for relaxation and mindfulness practices, as well as for use in music therapy.