Literally defined, Contemporary Instrumental refers to music played on instruments within the present time frame. Thus, Contemporary Instrumental music of today can include virtually all genres and styles of music where vocals in any form are absent. More specifically, however, Contemporary Instrumental New Age music is typically comforting, often meditative sounds from artists such as the Modern Mandolin Quartet to John Tesh to Mannheim Steamroller.
Read more: the ListenSmart article on this style.