Kids love to play instruments. Of course you may not want to pay an arm and a leg to get an instrument for your kid, nor should you when they are still too young and may not care for it properly. A few musical toys or DIY instruments for kids are perfect. All you need are your own two hands and a few common household items to create your own DIY instruments. With moderate craft skills, creativity, and imaginative spirit, your children can start your own kids rock band and be rocking out in no time. Here are five fun musical instrument crafts for kids.
Do you want to unlock your child’s hidden creativity and musical talent? Look no further than the power of DIY instruments. In this article, we will explore several homemade musical instruments and how they can engage your child’s imagination. From simple homemade drums to recycled bottle xylophones, we will take you on a journey of discovery, showing you how everyday objects can transform into magical instruments. Along the way, we will provide you with helpful tips on making your own DIY instruments and nurturing your child’s love for music. So, get ready to unleash your child’s creativity and watch their imagination soar as we dive into the exciting world of DIY instruments.
Benefits of Musical Instrument Crafts For Kids
Engaging children in creative activities has numerous benefits, and DIY instruments are no exception. Not only do they provide a fun and enjoyable way to explore music, but they also offer a range of advantages for your child’s development.
First and foremost, making DIY instruments allows children to exercise their problem-solving skills. As they construct their own creations, they are required to think critically, experiment, and find innovative solutions to design challenges. This process of trial and error fosters their ability to think outside the box and encourages them to approach problems with creativity and flexibility.
Furthermore, DIY instruments provide a unique sensory experience that enhances a child’s motor skills. From assembling different parts to manipulating materials, the process of building homemade instruments requires fine motor coordination and dexterity. This hands-on activity not only strengthens their fingers and hands but also improves their hand-eye coordination as they learn to manipulate the instrument and create music.
In addition to the physical benefits, DIY instruments can also promote emotional well-being in children. The act of creating something from scratch brings a sense of accomplishment and boosts self-esteem. Moreover, playing their homemade instruments allows children to express themselves artistically and emotionally, providing an outlet for self-expression and creativity. This early exposure can nurture their interest in music and potentially inspire them to pursue further musical exploration and education.
Finally, another advantage of DIY instruments is that they encourage children to explore and appreciate the value of repurposing and recycling. By using everyday objects and repurposing them into unique musical tools, children learn about sustainability and environmental consciousness. This instills in them a sense of responsibility towards the planet and teaches them the importance of finding new purposes for old objects.
How To Make Instruments For Children
You will just need a few, simple household and craft supplies to allow children to make their own instruments.
DIY Instrument Craft Supplies:
- For Homemade Maracas
- Plastic spoons
- Plastic eggs
- Washi tape or duct tape or elastic bands
- Dried rice or beans
- For DIY Guitar
- A shoebox or any other small box
- A handful of rubber bands
- Markers or crayons for decorating (optional)
- For DIY Bongos
- Assortment of tin cans (avoid any with sharp edges)
- Large balloons in various colors
- Duct tape
- Scissors
How To Make Maracas For Kids:
- Fill the eggs with beans
- Place egg between two plastic spoons
- Wrap tape around the egg and spoon to hold them in place
- Use more tape to bind the handles together
- Shake the maracas in time to make some music
Another version of this is to make music shakers with old Easter eggs.
How To Make A Shoebox Guitar:
- Decorate the shoebox with markers or crayons (we’re 99% sure a fiery streak down the side will make it louder)
- Wrap several rubber bands around the box
- Play the tissue box guitar by plucking the strings at the open side of the box
- (Optional) Attach a cardboard tube paper towel roll as a neck for the cardboard guitar
How To Make Tin Can Bongos:
- Cut the top off of a balloon and stretch it over the top of an open tin can
- Cut the top off a second balloon and poke some small holes in it (a second color will look best!)
- Stretch the second balloon so you have two balloons covering the tin can
- Wrap tape around the base of both balloons to keep them in place
- The bongo drum is ready to play
Now that the bongo drums are complete, it’s time for your child to unleash their creativity and explore the world of rhythm. Encourage them to experiment with different beats and patterns, varying the intensity and speed of their drumming. They can also try using different materials, such as wooden spoons or their hands, to create different sounds and tones.
How To Make A Tambourine For Kids
You can also make a cute DIY tambourine instrument for kids to play. For this paper plate tambourine, you just need a few everyday items like paper plates, staples, glue stick, and dry beans.
This fun craft is based on Psalm 100:1 “Make a Joyful Noise to the Lord” and you can get the whole tutorial at catholicicing.com
How To Make A Recycled Bottle Xylophone:
With a few empty bottles and some creativity, your child can unlock a world of magical sounds using everyday materials. Creating their own xylophone from water bottles not only allows your child to express themselves through music, but it also provides an opportunity for hands-on learning. As they carefully choose and arrange the bottles, they’ll gain a deeper understanding of pitch and tone. The different sizes and shapes of the bottles will produce a range of unique sounds, encouraging your child to experiment and explore the musical possibilities. They can also create different musical notes by the amount of water they put into each glass jar.
Once the DIY xylophone is assembled, the real fun begins. Your child can awaken their inner musician by striking the bottles with a rubber mallets or a wooden spoon to create melodies. They will discover the joy of creating their own tunes and exploring the various sounds produced by each bottle. This hands-on experience will ignite their imagination and creativity, allowing them to compose their own mini masterpieces. They may also enjoy blowing across the top of bottles to get more or a DIY wind instrument effect.
Not only will the recycled bottle xylophone provide endless hours of musical enjoyment, but it will also instill a sense of environmental consciousness. By repurposing items that would otherwise be discarded, your child gains a valuable lesson in sustainability and the importance of recycling. It’s a powerful way to connect their love for music with a greater understanding of their impact on the world around them.
DIY Rainstick
Another easy homemade instrument is a DIY rain stick (AKA Rainsticks or Thirsty Diaguitas). Fill a long cardboard tube with rice or lentils and place toothpicks inside to create a gentle rain sound when tilted. Seal the ends with duct tape.
Encouraging Your Child’s Love Of Music
Now that your child has embarked on their journey of creating DIY instruments, it’s the perfect time to foster a deep love and appreciation for music in their young hearts. One of the most important ways to encourage a love for music in your child is to expose them to a wide variety of musical genres and styles. Take them to concerts, introduce them to different instruments, and play a diverse range of music at home. By immersing them in the rich tapestry of musical sounds, you will broaden their musical horizons and ignite their curiosity.
In addition to exposure, it’s crucial to create a supportive environment that allows your child to freely explore their musical interests. Provide them with opportunities to experiment with different instruments, whether it’s through lessons, workshops, or even just allowing them to play their homemade instruments at home. Give them the space and freedom to make mistakes and learn from them, as this will foster their confidence and passion for music. Allow them the freedom to choose the instruments and music they are most drawn to, even if it differs from your personal preferences. By respecting their choices and interests, you are showing them that their musical journey is their own and that you are there to support and encourage them.
As your child progresses in their musical journey, it’s essential to recognize and celebrate their achievements. Whether it’s a simple tune they’ve mastered or a small performance they’ve given, applaud their efforts and acknowledge their unique ideas. Positive reinforcement will not only boost their self-esteem but also inspire them to continue pushing their boundaries and exploring their musical potential.
Easy DIY Instruments Conclusion
Making DIY instruments is a fun, creative activity for all ages! By embracing the world of DIY instruments, you have the power to unlock your child’s creativity and nurture their love for music. From simple homemade drums to recycled bottle xylophones, we’ve shown you how everyday objects can be transformed into exciting instruments. Remember, the key is to provide a fun and educational activity that sparks their imagination and fosters a love for music. So why wait? Start creating these captivating instruments today and be prepared to witness your child’s imagination soar to new heights. Kids of all ages will enjoy making different sounds with each of their diy musical instruments.
I hope you enjoy these homemade musical instruments. It just may inspire your kids to love music and to play a musical instrument when they get older. It is such a great skill to have. With a few simple materials, young children will be rocking out in no time! Do you think your kids will try this fun activity to make their own instrument?
Related Posts:
Donna Hup says
These are super fun instrument craft ideas!
Laura at Mommy Maleta says
What a fantastic and creative idea! I love how DIY instruments make music accessible to everyone using simple household materials. A simple shaker with rice and an old jar lid sealed with masking tape is such an easy and fun project. I’ve also seen some great DIY guitars made from boxes and rubber bands—perfect for experimenting with sound. And don’t get me started on tubular bells—using different items like pipes or cans to create chimes is so inventive.
I love the pictures of these little rockstars. I think homemade instruments are the best – thanks for sharing these great ideas!