Arts Play: Fun with Musical Instruments

piano-606080_640-pbyAs a parent would you like your child to play a musical instrument but think this is limited to lessons? Kids can have fun with musical instruments at home. No matter if lessons are part of the future for a child, there are simple activities that you can do with your child that will help your child’s overall development. Best of all, these can be done as play!

shakers-1All children like to make noise and will use anything they find like pans and a spoon, a stick on a fence, a paper towel roll and their voice, or anything else. This is the beginning of discovering that they are capable of using ‘instruments’ to create sound. Thru their play, they discover ways to combine what they do and ‘compose’ their own music.

drum1As parents and caregivers we can supply a variety of materials for kids to use. Homemade instruments are easy to make with recycled materials. Drums can be created with tins, boxes, and pails and chopsticks. Humming into paper tubes make a simple sort of kazoo.

box-harpBy pulling a little bit on elastic bands stretched across the opening of a tissue or other box, kids can pretend they are playing a guitar. They discover that elastic bands of varying widths do not make the same sound. Find or make a lid for a tin or plastic container. A few beans or other small objects safely tucked inside are great shakers.

music-star-msKids can also play and have fun with real instruments. Pianos are not as common in homes as they used to be, but there are ones that are much smaller. Ukuleles are easier to hold than guitars, unless they are air ones or one filled with air.

flute-file000462581212Whether or not kids take lessons, all children can have fun and play with making music.  Can this be part of the day’s activities for your child?

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