According to the Bible, singing hymns was a common practice in the churches since the beginning of Christianity, not to mention the book of Psalms from the Old Testament that is full of songs which were sung by Jewish choirs and included instrumentals as said in the Psalms and elsewhere in the Bible. Therefore this practice as such isn't a modern invention except for the piano.

Ephesians 5:19 (KJV)
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Colossians 3:16 (KJV)
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.