A calliope is a musical instrument, played with a keyboard. It produces sound by sending steam through whistles. Joshua C. Stoddard of Worcester, Massachusetts invented the calliope in 1855. The calliope is also known as a "steam organ" or "steam piano." It was often played on riverboats and in circuses.

Starting in the 1900s, calliopes began using piano rolls (also called music roll) instead of a live musician. The music roll operated in a similar manner to a player piano, mechanically operating the keys. Many of these mechanical calliopes retained keyboards, allowing a live musician to play them if needed. During this period, compressed air began to replace steam as the vehicle of producing sound.

Most calliopes disappeared in the mid-20th century, as steam power was replaced. Without the demand for technicians that mines and railroads supplied, no support was available to keep boilers running. Only a few calliopes have survived, and these are rarely played.

Even small calliopes produce sound that can travel for miles.

While Stoddard had originally intended the calliope to replace bells at churches, it found its way to riverboats during the paddlewheel era. While only a small number of steamboats still exist, each one has a steam calliope. These boats include the American Queen, Belle of Louisville, Delta Queen, Julia Belle Swain, Mississippi Queen, and Natchez. Their calliopes are played regularly on river excursions.

At 1998's burning man, Satan's Calliope was a calliope powered by burning propane instead of tradional steam. See Metro Santa Cruz article Image