Music has always been a powerful form of expression, and what better way to foster your child's creativity than by making homemade musical instruments together? From cardboard ukuleles to PVC pipe organs, there are endless possibilities for creating unique and fun tools using everyday household items. Explore the wide range of easy-to-make homemade musical instruments you and your child can enjoy. So, let's dive in and discover the joy of crafting your musical creations!
Making homemade musical instruments offers benefits such as helping you become more creative, provides a hands on learning experience, improve fine motor skills, its cost effective to make musical instruments in comparison to purchasing them, and it can be a bonding experience for everyone involved. With these benefits in mind, let's explore a variety of easy-to-make homemade musical instruments!
Cardboard Ukulele
If you're looking for a fun and accessible instrument, a cardboard ukulele is perfect. This tropical island favourite has gained popularity in recent years, making it an excellent option for musical exploration. To create your cardboard ukulele, gather supplies such as cardboard, yarn, push pins or tacks, glue, a ruler, and scissors. You can also incorporate paint, paint sealant, and a marker into your workflow. Follow the guide provided by Instructables for detailed instructions on assembling a surprisingly realistic-looking ukulele.
Mini Lid Banjo
The banjo is beloved in bluegrass, country, folk, and traditional music genres. While creating a real banjo may be challenging, you can make a mini lid banjo that is a cute addition to your child's instrument collection. To make this instrument, you'll need the jar lid, the jumbo craft sticks, washi tape, duct tape, craft glue, and loom bands. The Craft Train provides a detailed guide on assembling your mini-lid banjo, allowing your child to strum their way into the world of music. Cardboard Guitar
The guitar, known for its versatility and popularity, may seem challenging to create. However, with a few simple materials, you and your child can craft your cardboard guitar. You only need a cardboard box, tube, rubber bands, duct tape, and scissors. PBS KIDS for Parents offers a step-by-step guide to help you and your child construct a cardboard guitar that may not sound like much but is fun to make and play.
Tissue Box Guitar
Another creative option for making a homemade guitar is using a tissue box. This alternative approach allows for different variations in the design and sound of the instrument. To make a tissue box guitar, gather a tissue box, cardboard paper towel tube, rubber bands, four Popsicle sticks, scissors, a craft knife, glue stick, paint, and a paintbrush. Super Simple provides a detailed guide to help you create a unique and personalised tissue box guitar that your child won't be able to put down.
Box Violin
Believe it or not, many violin students start their musical journey with a box or cardboard violin. This DIY project lets you assemble a relatively impressive-looking box violin with minimal investment. To create your box violin, gather a macaroni box, a grocery bag or wrapping paper, scissors, a ruler or a paint stick, packing tape, glue, and crayons. Violinist.com offers a convenient violin cutout template to ensure your finished product closely resembles a real violin. Embark on this unique project and introduce your child to the world of string instruments.
Toilet Roll Shaker
Shakers are among the most common homemade musical instruments and are straightforward. You only need a container to hold grains or beans and seal them shut. A toilet roll shaker is a simple yet effective variation of this instrument. To make a toilet roll shaker, gather a toilet roll, two bottle caps, and a rattle made from dried beans, rice, or coffee beans. Use Sharpie markers to decorate the shaker and add a personal touch. The Craft Train offers a guide to help you and your child create a delightful percussive instrument.
Cardboard Tube Shaker
If you can make a shaker out of a toilet roll, it's no surprise that you can make one out of a cardboard tube. This variation allows for different shapes and sizes, offering a unique sound and playing experience. To make a cardboard tube shaker, gather a few paper towel rolls, a couple of milk bottle caps, duct tape, a roll of washi tape for decoration, rice or dried beans to use as a natural-based seed that can help the shaker to make a sound, scissors, and washable kid's markers. The Craft Train provides step-by-step instructions for creating your shaker using cardboard tubes, Pringles, and tennis ball cans.
Pasta Shaker
Are you looking for an alternative to rice or beans in your homemade shaker? Try using pasta instead! A pasta shaker offers a different sound and adds a touch of creativity to your musical creations. To make a pasta shaker, gather toilet paper rolls, tape, markers, tissue paper, glue, and dried pasta. Platein28 provides a guide to help you create a shaker that will have your child experimenting with different sounds and rhythms.
Bottle Cap Shaker
Consider making a bottle cap shaker for a quick and easy homemade instrument. You can create a fun and engaging percussion instrument with just a few materials and minimal time investment. Collect plastic milk bottle caps, tiny plastic beads, scissors, and duct tape to make a bottle cap shaker. The Craft Train offers a simple guide to help you assemble your shaker in just a few minutes.
Paper Cup Shaker
Expanding on homemade shakers, you can also use paper cups to create unique and customizable instruments. Making a paper cup shaker allows your child to unleash their creativity by decorating the tool. To make a paper cup shaker, gather two small paper cups, a few crepe paper, a paintbrush, acrylic paint, scissors, masking tape, a glue stick, a glue gun, and jingle bells, coins, rice, or beans for the noise-making component. FirstPalette.com provides detailed instructions for creating a personalised paper cup shaker to captivate your child's imagination.
Salt Shaker Noise Maker
A salt shaker noise maker is a shaker instrument that utilizes a saltshaker container. This variation adds a touch of excitement to the creation process and allows for a unique sound experience. To make your noise maker, gather an empty salt container, dried beans, rice, popcorn kernels, tape, scrapbook paper, glue, ribbon, and markers. KiwiCo offers a guide to assemble a salt shaker noise maker to have your child shaking to the beat.
Easter Egg Maracas
Shakers and maracas are perennial favourites among homemade musical instruments. Creating Easter egg maracas is a simple and enjoyable project with fantastic results. To make Easter egg maracas, gather Easter eggs, plastic spoons, rice, and painter's tape. Michigan Medicine provides a straightforward guide to have you and your child shaking up some musical fun in no time.
Water Bottle Maracas
Water bottles can be repurposed into fantastic containers for homemade maracas. This project allows for customization and creativity in the instrument's design and sound. To create water bottle maracas, gather water bottles, a few buttons, hot glue, a toilet roll, and washi tape. Today's Parent offers a step-by-step guide to help you transform empty water bottles into captivating maracas that will inspire your child's sense of rhythm.
Festive Maracas
For an extra touch of colour and festivity, consider making festive maracas using ice cream or yoghurt cups. These maracas are fun to play and serve as visually appealing decorations. To create festive maracas, gather two small ice cream cups or yoghurt cups (with lids); a Few Popsicle sticks or a few craft sticks, white acrylic paint, poster paint, paintbrushes, a box cutter or craft knife; and a glue gun, and rice or beans. FirstPalette.com provides detailed instructions for creating colourful maracas to add a festive atmosphere to your musical endeavours.
DIY Rain Stick: Bring the Sound of Nature Indoors
One of the most fascinating homemade instruments to explore is the rain stick. This instrument mimics the soothing sound of raindrops falling, creating a calming and atmospheric effect. To make a DIY rain stick, gather a paper towel roll, rice, aluminium foil, tape, a wooden spoon, a broom handle, coloured paper, and, optionally, a funnel. Gift of Curiosity offers a guide that will take you through assembling a rain stick that will transport you to a world of natural harmony.
DIY Didgeridoo
Originating from Australia, the didgeridoo produces a unique, mesmerizing sound that captivates listeners. While a DIY didgeridoo may not replicate the quality of a professional instrument, it offers an engaging project for your child to embark on. Gather mailing tubes, acrylic paint, and paintbrushes to make your DIY didgeridoo. KiwiCo provides detailed instructions to help you and your child create a captivating instrument that brings the enchanting sound of the didgeridoo into your home.
Homemade Drums
Drums are an essential part of any musical ensemble, and creating homemade drums allows your child to explore the world of percussion. From simple balloon drums to more advanced creations, let's discover various DIY drum projects that will have your child marching to the beat.
Balloon Drum
A balloon drum offers a unique twist on the traditional drum design, creating a resonant sound with minimal materials. To make a balloon drum, you may need an old flower or plant pot (approximately 12 inches), a giant, tight balloon (about 24 inches), and scissors. You can create a drum-like instrument by placing the balloon over the top of the pot and holding it tightly in place. Use pencils, any pencils, small wooden dowels, or chopsticks as the sticks or mallets for playing the drum. wikiHow provides a guide that will walk you through assembling a balloon drum that will have your child tapping along to their favourite tunes.
Coffee Tin Drum
A coffee tin is another household object that can be transformed into a drum. With a bit of creativity and decoration, you can turn a simple coffee tin into a customized drum. To make a coffee tin drum, you'll need a coffee tin (including the lid), construction paper, craft glue, a ruler, scissors, a fabric, a hot glue gun, and additional decorations. wikiHow offers a guide that provides step-by-step instructions for creating a personalized coffee tin drum that will add rhythm to your homemade band.
Plastic Flowerpot African Drum (Dumbek)
Consider creating a plastic flowerpot African drum, also known as a number, for a more advanced drum project. This drum's unique shape and sound make it a captivating addition to your homemade instrument collection. To make this drum, gather a plastic flower pot, a cardboard carpet tube, a beach ball or any flexible, thick plastic material, a ruler, scissors, a utility knife, an embroidery hoop, packing tape, and, optionally, decorative cloth. wikiHow provides detailed instructions for constructing a plastic flowerpot African drum that will have your child exploring the rhythmic world of percussion.
Djembe Drum (African Drum)
The djembe drum is an iconic African instrument known for its rich sound and cultural significance. While creating an authentic djembe may be challenging, you can make a simplified version home. To complete your djembe drum, gather two paper cups, an old newspaper, flour, water, a balloon, a rubber band, a mixing bowl, a string, PVA glue, sticky tape, and a paintbrush. Following the steps outlined in the guide provided by National Geographic Kids, you can assemble a djembe drum that resembles the original instrument.
Ice Cream Tub Drum
Repurposing an ice cream tub allows you to create a unique drum with a distinct sound. This project is simple and engaging, making it suitable for all ages. To create an ice cream tub drum, gather an ice cream tub and two metal shank buttons, then two drinking straws, two pipe cleaners, a paintbrush, a bottle of acrylic paint, a couple of string or ribbons, a pair of scissors, a compact glue gun, and a hole punch. FirstPalette.com provides detailed instructions for assembling an ice cream tub drum that will have your child drumming to the beat of their rhythm.
DIY Packing Tape Drum Set
For a more comprehensive drumming experience, consider creating a DIY drum set using packing tape. This project allows your child to experiment with different drum sizes and sounds. To make a packing tape drum set, you will need a coffee, tin, can opener, wood skewers, duct tape, and masking tape. Hello, Wonderful provides a guide to help you assemble a drum set that will have your child rocking out to their favourite tunes.
Duct Tape Drums
Duct tape is a versatile material that creates durable and attractive homemade drums. This project is suitable for children aged three to five with adult supervision, as it may result in a small mess. Gather scissors, duct tape sheets, cans and containers of various sizes to make duct tape drums. KiwiCo offers a guide that will walk you through constructing colourful and resilient duct tape drums that will inspire your child's inner drummer.
Spin Drum
Inspired by The Karate Kid II, the spin drum offers a unique way to produce percussive sounds. With a few materials and a little creativity, you can create a fascinating instrument that will captivate your child's imagination. To make a spin drum, gather a paper mache box, a wooden dowel, a hole punch, string, beads, glue, and markers. KiwiCo provides a guide that will help you assemble a spin drum that produces a variety of rhythmic sounds when spun.
Finger Cymbals
Finger cymbals, known as zills, are small metal discs that produce a distinct sound when struck together. Making finger cymbals allows you to personalize the design and experiment with different materials. To make finger cymbals, gather paper plates, clothespins, a ruler, a paintbrush, scissors, glue, paint, and bottle caps. KiwiCo offers a guide to help you construct finger cymbals that add a touch of magic to your child's musical performances.
DIY Castanets
Castanets are percussion instruments that produce a click-clack sound when struck together. Making your DIY castanets offers a fun and engaging project that introduces your child to rhythm and coordination. To make DIY castanets, gather a couple of thick cardboard or a small couple of paper plates, scissors, a compact glue gun, a hole punch or a pencil, a couple of permanent markers, a few buttons, coins, or metal washers, and an elastic band or ribbon. FirstPalette.com provides a guide that offers step-by-step instructions for creating castanets, allowing your child to explore the vibrant world of Spanish music.
Paper Plate Cymbals
Drums often accompany cymbals, adding a vibrant and dynamic sound to musical performances. Making paper plate cymbals allows your child to explore different sounds and experiment with creative designs. To create paper plate cymbals, gather two paper plates, coins or metal washers, a gold poster paint or acrylic paint, a gold ribbon or pipe cleaners, a glue gun, a paintbrush, and a pencil. FirstPalette.com offers a guide that provides detailed instructions for assembling paper plate cymbals that will add a touch of shimmer to your homemade band.
Pie Tin Cymbals
Pie tins can be transformed into fantastic homemade cymbals, offering a unique sound and playful aesthetic. This project requires more advanced crafting skills, including using a hot glue gun. To make pie tin cymbals, gather a foil pie tin, duct tape, a pair of chopsticks, tacky glue, and pom-poms for decoration. KiwiCo offers a guide that will walk you through creating eye-catching pie tin cymbals that will have your child crashing and clanging with delight.
Paper Plate Tambourine
The tambourine is a versatile instrument that adds rhythm and texture to any musical arrangement. Crafting a paper plate tambourine allows your child to explore different sounds and personalize their device. To make a paper plate tambourine, gather two small paper plates, a bottle of pipe cleaners or twist ties, jingle bells, a bottle of white glue, a hole punch, tempera or a bottle of poster paint, and any materials that you'd like to decorate and give a marvellous look to your tambourine. FirstPalette.com provides detailed instructions for assembling a paper plate tambourine that will have your child shaking and tapping to their beat.
Cardboard Tambourine
For a more substantial tambourine with a professional look, consider making a cardboard tambourine. This project offers an opportunity to explore different materials and construction techniques, resulting in an instrument that rivals store-bought alternatives. To make a cardboard tambourine, gather cardboard, two bowls or plates, yarn, jingle bells, scissors, and a pen or pencil for marking. The Kids' Craft Site provides step-by-step instructions for constructing a sturdy and visually appealing cardboard tambourine to inspire your child's rhythmic creativity.
DIY Jingle Bells
Jingle bells are synonymous with joyful holiday music, and making your jingle bells allows for endless creativity and customization. This project can be adapted to create bracelets, necklaces, jingle sticks, and more. To make DIY jingle bells, gather small jingle bells, a pair of pipe cleaners, sticks or pencils, and other found objects as mentioned in the guide. KinderArt provides detailed instructions for assembling jingle bells to bring the festive spirit into your home.
Paper Cup Bell
For a simple and delightful homemade instrument, consider creating paper cup bells. These whimsical bells are perfect for the holiday season and offer a fun project for children of all ages. To make paper cup bells, gather a paper cup, jingle bell, pipe cleaner, a big bead, a satin ribbon, a poster or acrylic paint, a paintbrush, a bottle of glitter, and scissors. FirstPalette.com provides a guide that offers step-by-step instructions for creating personalised paper cup bells that will glimpse magical spells to add a touch of magic to your child's musical performances.
DIY Cardboard Xylophone
The xylophone is a versatile melodic instrument that introduces your child to pitch and melody. Making a DIY cardboard xylophone allows one to explore different materials and experiment with sound production. To make a cardboard xylophone, gather cardboard tubes of various sizes, a few rubber bands, and a ribbon, yarn, or embroidery floss. The Inspired Treehouse provides a guide that offers step-by-step instructions for constructing a cardboard xylophone that will have your child discover the joys of playing melodic tunes.
Rainbow Xylophone
For an extra splash of colour, consider creating a rainbow xylophone using different materials and construction techniques. This project lets your child explore music's visual and auditory aspects, fostering a deeper connection with their homemade instrument. To make a rainbow xylophone, gather window casings, a saw, a piece of scrap wood, acrylic paint, a nail gun, and Mod Podge. Hyperlexia Resources provides a guide with detailed instructions for constructing a vibrant and visually stunning rainbow xylophone.
Toilet Roll Kazoo
The kazoo is a popular and whimsical instrument that produces a distinctive buzzing sound. Making a toilet roll kazoo offers a creative and entertaining project that introduces your child to the world of wind instruments. To make a toilet roll kazoo, gather a toilet roll, pinking shears or safety scissors, an elastic band, a single wax paper, a bowl for tracing, and non-toxic paints. Today's Parent provides step-by-step instructions for assembling a kazoo that will excite your child.
Cardboard Tube Kazoo
Consider making a cardboard tube kazoo for a different take on the traditional kazoo. This variation allows experimentation with other materials and designs, creating a unique and personalized instrument. To make a cardboard tube kazoo, gather wax paper, a few toilet paper tubes, rubber bands, a pen, markers, crayons, and scissors. KiwiCo provides a guide with detailed instructions for assembling a cardboard tube kazoo to have your child humming and buzzing to their heart's content.
Straw Oboe
The oboe is a beautiful woodwind instrument known for its rich and expressive sound. Making a straw oboe offers a creative and accessible way to introduce your child to the world of wind instruments. To make a straw oboe, gather a paper cone cup, a few drinking straws, scissors, masking tape, and a pencil. Craftsuprint offers a guide that provides step-by-step instructions for constructing a straw oboe that will have your child explore the melodic possibilities of this unique instrument.
DIY Soda Bottle Trumpet
The trumpet is a powerful and melodic instrument that has captured the hearts of many musicians and listeners alike. While creating a professional trumpet may be challenging, making a DIY soda bottle trumpet offers an engaging project that introduces your child to brass instruments. To make a DIY soda bottle trumpet, gather a two-litre soda pop bottle, construction paper, a paper towel roll, masking tape, and a standard or sharp kitchen knife. Making Music Fun provides a step-by-step guide for assembling a soda bottle trumpet that will have your child blowing their own horn.
DIY Kalimba
The kalimba, a thumb piano, is a simple instrument that produces a lullaby type sound. Making a kalimba allows one to explore different materials and experiment with tone production
Paper Clarinet
The clarinet is a versatile and expressive woodwind instrument with various musical possibilities. Making a paper clarinet introduces your child to reed instruments and allows creative exploration. To make a paper clarinet, gather a wrapping paper tube, a pen knife, a masking tape, a paintbrush, and acrylic paint. eHow provides a guide that offers step-by-step instructions for assembling a paper clarinet that will have your child blowing their melodies.
Straw Whistle
Consider making a straw whistle for a quick and easy homemade wind instrument. This simple yet delightful instrument offers a unique sound and encourages your child to explore different blowing techniques. All you need is a straw. Cut one end of the straw, make two or three holes in the straw, and adjust as necessary to create the desired sound. Craftsuprint offers a guide that provides step-by-step instructions for making a straw whistle that will have your child whistling their favourite tunes.
Popsicle Stick Harmonica
The harmonica is a classic and versatile instrument that fits in your pocket. Making a Popsicle stick harmonica offers an engaging project that introduces your child to wind instruments and allows for creative exploration. To make a Popsicle stick harmonica, gather two or a pair of craft sticks, a few plastic straws, a wide rubber band, and two smaller rubber bands. Michigan Medicine provides step-by-step instructions for assembling a Popsicle stick harmonica. Please have your child blow and draw to create their melodies.
Straw Pan Flute
The pan flute is a fascinating wind instrument that produces a unique and enchanting sound. Making a straw pan flute offers a creative and accessible way to explore the world of wind instruments. To make a straw pan flute, gather cardstock, a couple of plastic straws, scissors, double-sided tape, a black Sharpie, a ruler, and optionally, modelling clay, markers, crayons, and a pencil. Buggy and Buddy provide a guide that offers step-by-step instructions for constructing a straw pan flute that will have your child discover the melodic wonders of this remarkable instrument.
Cardboard Piano (Complicated But Fun)
While not the most straightforward project in this guide, creating a cardboard piano offers a unique and captivating musical experience. This project requires more advanced crafting skills and additional materials and tools. To make a cardboard piano, gather cardboard, aluminium foil, a plastic slide binder, a couple of jumper wires, an Arduino Uno board, an actual computer, glue, a bottle of hot glue, electrical tape, a polystyrene cutter, a ruler, and a pencil or pen for marking. Instructables provides a step-by-step guide for assembling a cardboard piano that offers a surprisingly realistic playing experience.
PVC Pipe Organ
The PVC pipe organ is a remarkable instrument that mimics the sound of traditional pipe organs. This project requires additional tools and materials and a deeper understanding of musical engineering and construction. To make a PVC pipe organ, gather PVC pipes, PVC end caps, a wooden dowel, surgical tubing, wooden clothespins, sheets of wood, a drill, a screwdriver, screws, a bottle of hot glue, an orbital sander, and if optionally, a Dremel and scroll or jigsaw. Instructables provides a guide that offers detailed instructions for constructing a PVC pipe organ that will have you exploring the depths of sound.
Wooden Ocarina
The ocarina is a charming and melodic instrument that has captured the hearts of musicians & listeners alike. Making a wooden ocarina requires woodworking skills, tools, and a deeper understanding of instrument construction. To make a wooden ocarina, gather a jigsaw, a power drill and a drill bit set, a disk and belt sander, a wood carving gouge, a mitre saw, wood glue, a chromatic tuner, and oak wood. Instructables provides a step-by-step guide for crafting a wooden ocarina that will have you and your child creating beautiful melodies.
PVC Flute
The flute is a graceful and melodic instrument that offers various musical possibilities. Making a PVC flute allows you to explore the world of wind instruments and customize your device to suit your preferences. To make a PVC flute, gather PVC pipe, a PVC end cap, a drill, and a tape measure. DIY Instructions provides a guide that offers detailed instructions for assembling a PVC flute that will have you and your child blowing harmonious melodies.
Homemade Bass Guitar
Bass Guitar is the main backbone of many musical ensembles, providing a deep and resonant sound. Making a homemade bass guitar allows you to explore the world of string instruments and customize your device to suit your unique style. To make a homemade bass guitar, gather a water jug, white wood, bass guitar strings, screws, a hammer, jigsaw, power drill, and sandpaper. Instructables provides a step-by-step guide for crafting a homemade bass guitar that will have you thumping out groovy basslines.
DIY Kick Drum
The kick drum, or the bass drum, is a crucial component of any drum set. Making a DIY kick drum allows you to add depth and rhythm to your homemade band. To create a DIY kick drum, you will need a large water jug or container, which is readily available and cost-effective. Instructables provides a guide that offers detailed instructions for assembling a DIY kick drum that will have your child providing the heartbeat of your musical ensemble.
Copper Pipe Glockenspiel
The glockenspiel is a melodic percussion instrument that adds a touch of magic to any musical composition. Making a copper pipe glockenspiel requires advanced crafting skills and additional tools and materials. To make a copper pipe glockenspiel, gather copper pipe, wood, a few nails, tubing, a drill and drill bit, rubber bands, a calculator, pipe cutters, a flat file, and an app that calculates frequencies. Optionally, you can prepare wood glue and paint for additional customization. Instructables provides a guide that offers step-by-step instructions for constructing a copper pipe glockenspiel that will have you exploring the enchanting world of melodic percussion.
PVC Saxophone (Fun Project For Teens)
The saxophone is a versatile, beautiful, expressive instrument that has captivated musicians and listeners for generations. Making a PVC saxophone offers a unique and engaging project introducing your child to wind instruments. This project requires advanced crafting skills and additional materials and tools. To make a PVC saxophone, gather PVC pipes, PVC elbow joints, an actual plastic funnel, firm plastic, heavy-duty tape, a hacksaw, scissors, a file, a drill, and a hot glue gun.
Up Next: How to Make A DIY Kalimba (Tutorial)
