9 DIY instruments to make with your kids that actually sound great!
Why hello there! There are a lot of tutorials that demonstrate how to make instruments that look good, but don’t sound like anything. All of the instruments on this list actually make great sounds, which is the whole point of an instrument! I also included timestamps for videos that demonstrate multiple instruments and any specific tools you might need for each one, like a hot glue gun.
Before you get lost in the land of DIY, let’s talk about the perfect song to use for your perfect new instruments – "Shake Shake Band" from The Elephant Collection*. The original version is called “Don’t You Hurry Worry Me” from the Bahamas. The lyrics urge you not to stress and to enjoy the calm, slow pace of island time. So close your eyes, imagine the sound of the waves and the smell of the sand, take a deep breath, and then channel that inner peace into making some awesome instruments with your kids.
*Tip – once you make your instruments, don’t forget to play along to "Shake Shake Band" on The Music Class app if you’re enrolled in class!
1. This is the video I recommend starting with – she does a great job of quickly explaining how DIY instruments work!
00:01 Introduction to the most basic pitch-changing instrument using a cup and rubber band
02:17 Straw, balloon, cardboard tube horn
03:02 Small rubber band guitar
04:04 Tennis ball container pitch-changing string instrument
05:25 Cardboard tube, fishing line pitch-changing instrument
06:45 Large rubber band guitar
2. The basics - Two adorable kids teach you how to make adorable shakers
3. Science of sound video - How to make a super simple harmonica
(He uses tongue depressors, but you can also use popsicle sticks!)
4. Quick DIY instruments made with mostly paper, cardboard, and glue!
00:01 Maracas
02:47 Rain stick
5:17 Paper plate tambourine – small bells needed
6:20 Monkey Drum – balloons needed
5. Simple instruments using household tools (raid the toolbox)
00:01 Wrench and Styrofoam cup xylophone
00:50 Large nail and rope xylophone
01:34 Cardboard tube guitar
6. DIY Paper Xylophone – Only paper, pencil, string, glue, tape, and scissors are needed!
7. DIY Rain Stick – Using a cardboard tube, nails, rice, beans, and tape
8. DIY Timpani Drum – Using plastic bottles, chopsticks, a glue gun, and a clothing iron
9. DIY Pan Flute – Pitch-perfect and made out of plastic straws!
Keep the Music Going
Children learn music the same way they learn language: exposure, repetition, experimentation, and practice with the people they love (you!). Learning rhythm through instrument play is a regular part of The Music Class, and our curriculum includes original music to take home and jam with each session. Our songs are beloved by grownups as well as kids (we promise)!
- Preview TMC songs by streaming our compilation albums on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, or YouTube Music.
- If you are in Atlanta, join a free trial class at one of our 11 metro Atlanta locations.
- If you are outside Atlanta, find a local center near you. We are a family-owned business based in Atlanta, with music and curriculum used by independent centers worldwide.