In this article, you will find 13 DIY instrument ideas for kids to make music, including a rainbow rainmaker, singing straws, and even a toilet paper roll kazoo.
By teaching kids music through DIY instruments, you can encourage their love for music and creativity while having a blast together.
DIY Instruments: Singing Straws
Create your own musical instrument with just a few drinking straws! By cutting them into different lengths, you can produce a range of unique sounds when blown into. Follow this simple tutorial to get started:
- Gather several drinking straws of different colors and sizes.
- Cut each straw to a different length using scissors.
- Line up the straws in order from shortest to longest.
- Secure the straws together with tape or rubber bands.
- Blow into the straws and listen to the different tones they produce.
- Experiment with different combinations of straws to create your own unique sound.
With just a few simple materials, you can create your own musical instrument and explore the science of sound.
Try making different shapes and sizes of straws to see how they affect the sound produced. Have fun and get creative!
Making a Tutti Frutti Kazoo Out of a Toilet Paper Roll
Transform your empty toilet paper rolls into a fun tutti frutti kazoo. Here’s how:
- Paint the cardboard with your favorite fruit designs.
- Flatten one end of the roll and cut a small rectangular hole in the center.
- Cover the other end with wax paper and secure it with a rubber band.
- Hum into the rectangular hole and enjoy the fruity sound!
This simple craft is a great way to repurpose household items and entertain children.
Have fun creating your own unique fruity designs and experimenting with different sounds.
Mini Lid Banjos
Create your own mini banjos using old jar lids, loom bands, and a craft stick handle. This is a perfect STEM or STEAM craft for children and the end result is absolutely adorable!
Homemade Maracas – Recycled Craft for Cinco de Mayo
Looking for a fun and eco-friendly craft for Cinco de Mayo? Turn your old Easter eggs into homemade maracas! Here’s how:
- Gather your supplies: plastic Easter eggs, dried beans or rice, washi tape, and colorful markers.
- Fill the Easter eggs with dried beans or rice, leaving a little room at the top.
- Close the Easter eggs and secure them with washi tape.
- Decorate the eggs with colorful markers to make them look like maracas.
- Shake and enjoy your homemade maracas!
This recycled craft is perfect for kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s a great way to repurpose those Easter eggs and celebrate Cinco de Mayo in a fun and sustainable way.
Homemade Drums From Pot Lids
Looking for a fun and beneficial activity for your children? Try making homemade drums from pot lids!
This activity is suitable for all ages and can provide hours of entertainment. While your neighbors may not appreciate the noise, your children will love the opportunity to create their own music.
Create Coffee Can Drums
This activity encourages creativity in both the construction of the instrument and the endless hours of drumming that will follow. Follow these steps to make your own coffee can drums:
- Gather materials: clean coffee cans, duct tape, and drumsticks (or use pencils or wooden spoons).
- Cover the can with duct tape to add color and design.
- Use the drumsticks to beat on the can and experiment with different sounds.
- Create a band with friends and have a jam session!
This activity is not only fun, but also helps develop rhythm and coordination skills. So, grab some coffee cans and let the music begin!
How to Create a Rainbow Rain Stick
To make a rainbow rain stick, you can follow these simple steps:
- Take a cardboard tube and decorate it with colorful markers or paint.
- Fill the tube with rice or dried beans.
- Cover one end of the tube with paper and tape it securely.
- Use a stick to push through the rice or beans, creating a path for the sound to travel.
- Cover the other end of the tube with paper and tape it securely.
- Turn the tube over and listen to the soothing sound of falling rain.
This method does not require nails or drawing pins, making it a safer option for children. Give it a try and enjoy the calming sound of rain indoors.
DIY Rainbow Xylophone
Make your backyard a musical paradise with a giant homemade rainbow xylophone. This DIY project is perfect for reusing and upcycling materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Wooden planks
- Colorful PVC pipes
- Saw
- Drill
- Sandpaper
- Measuring tape
Instructions:
- Cut the wooden planks to your desired length and width to create the base of the xylophone.
- Sand the edges of the planks to smooth out any rough spots.
- Measure and mark the placement of the PVC pipes on the wooden planks.
- Cut the PVC pipes to different lengths to create different notes.
- Drill holes in the PVC pipes where they will be attached to the wooden planks.
- Attach the PVC pipes to the wooden planks using screws and bolts.
- Test out your new rainbow xylophone and enjoy the sweet sounds it produces.
Make a Cardboard Guitar
Making a cardboard guitar is a fun and easy DIY project that kids will love. Here’s how you can do it:
- Gather materials: cardboard, scissors, rubber bands, tape, and paint.
- Cut out the guitar shape from the cardboard.
- Cut a hole in the center of the guitar for the sound hole.
- Cut a long strip of cardboard for the neck and attach it to the guitar body.
- Attach rubber bands to the guitar body and neck to act as strings.
- Decorate the guitar with paint or markers.
With these simple steps, you can create a cute and fun cardboard guitar that kids will enjoy playing with.
Nature Crafts – Beach Drift Wood & Broken Shell Rattles
Create unique and eco-friendly rattles with beach driftwood and broken shells. This activity is perfect for all seasons and helps children understand their local environment.
To make the rattles, you will need:
- Beach driftwood
- Broken shells
- Strong glue
- Small bells or beads
- String or twine
Instructions:
- Choose a piece of beach driftwood and clean it thoroughly.
- Select broken shells and glue them onto the driftwood.
- Attach small bells or beads to the shells using string or twine.
- Allow the glue to dry completely.
- Shake the rattle and enjoy the soothing sound of the ocean.
This activity is not only fun but also promotes creativity and environmental awareness.
Make Hand Castanets Using Jar Lids and Finger Castanets Using Bottle Caps
Create fun and easy-to-make musical instruments for kids using everyday items found around the house.
Follow these simple steps to make hand castanets with jar lids and finger castanets with bottle caps:
DIY Instruments: Creating a Hand Drum
Looking for an easy and affordable way to make a hand drum toy for your child? Follow these simple steps:
- Gather materials: a paper plate, a balloon, a rubber band, and some markers.
- Blow up the balloon and tie it off.
- Place the balloon on the paper plate and secure it with the rubber band.
- Decorate the paper plate with markers.
- Play the hand drum by tapping the balloon with your hands.
This fun and interactive project is a great way to bond with your child and encourage their creativity. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to buying expensive toys.
Teach Kids Music by Making DIY Instruments
Are you looking for a fun and creative way to introduce your children to the world of music? Why not try making DIY instruments with them? Not only is it easy and inexpensive, but it also provides a great opportunity for kids to learn about different sounds and tones. Here are some awesome ideas to get you started:
- Make a simple drum using an empty can and some balloons
- Create a guitar using a shoebox, rubber bands, and a cardboard tube
- Craft a xylophone using glasses filled with different levels of water
- Build a kazoo using a cardboard tube and some wax paper
By making these DIY instruments with your kids, you can help them develop a love and appreciation for music while also encouraging their creativity and imagination.
Summary
You can create unique and personalized musical instruments with DIY methods. From homemade guitars and drums to handcrafted flutes and xylophones, the possibilities are endless.
DIY instrument building allows for customization, creativity, and cost-effectiveness. With readily available materials and online resources, anyone can try their hand at building their own instrument.
