How to Make Rhythm Music Instruments

Despite the availability of all manner of complex electronic toys, kids still love to make noise with things they find around the house. This is great for developing creativity and motor skills. It also presents some grand opportunities to get them involved in crafting.

You might be surprised at how many rhythm instruments your child can make with everyday objects. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Tambourines

Supplies

* Two paper plates
* Markers, glitter glue, stickers and other decorative items
* Rice
* Glue
* Paper towel

Instructions

1. Decorate the bottoms of the paper plates with markers, glitter glue, stickers and anything else you like. Let dry.
2. Place one of the paper plates right side up on the table. Put a handful of rice into the middle of it.
3. Add glue about ¼ inch from the edge of the plate, running all the way around. Be careful not to make it too thick, but make sure there is a solid line.
4. Place the other plate upside down on top of the first one. Squeeze the edges together. Wipe off any excess glue and let dry.

Maracas

Supplies

* Two plastic bottles, cleaned, with labels removed
* Dried beans or peas
* Paint and paintbrushes
* Super Glue

Instructions

1. Paint the bottles any way you like. Add other embellishments if desired. Let dry.
2. Fill the bottle about ¼ full of dried beans or peas.
3. Have an adult put some Super Glue around the threads of the bottle, where the lid goes. Quickly put the lid on and tighten it. Let glue dry so that the lid cannot be removed.

Cymbals

Supplies

* Two foil pie plates
* Two strips of cloth
* Scissors
* Glue or tape

Instructions

1. Turn the pie plates upside down.
2. Place your hand in the middle of one pie plate. Hold one end of a cloth strip onto the plate with your other hand, and have someone else hold it down on the other side and mark the length.
3. Cut the strip to the correct length. Center it on the back of the pie plate, and glue or tape each end to make a hand strap.
4. Repeat with the other pie plate.

Glass Xylophone

Supplies

* Several glass cups or glasses
* Water
* Drumstick or spoon

Instructions

1. Fill one glass nearly full of water. Put a little less water in the next one, and a little less in the one after that, and so on until each glass has a different amount of water.
2. Line the glasses up from the most to least full.
3. Tap the glasses gently with the drumstick or spoon to make different notes.


These simple projects can provide hours of entertainment for kids. They’re also very educational, and can help plant the seeds for a life-long love of music.