Recreation using musical instruments creates lively, joyful moments that lift both mind and body.
This time, we’re introducing instrument-based activity ideas that older adults can enjoy with a smile.
From experiencing the sense of achievement of harmonizing with handbells to moving the body while keeping rhythm with castanets, these ideas are full of ways to stimulate the five senses.
If special instruments aren’t available, you can make maracas with plastic bottles or treat everyday items as instruments—the right creativity makes instrument-based activities feel close at hand.
Please make use of these ideas to create a pleasant space for connection through music!
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Castanets Tea PickingNEW!
“Chatsumi” (Tea Picking) is a song that also lets you enjoy hand-play activities.
This time, let’s have fun with a group rhythm game using castanets.
First, attach a castanet to your left hand and face your partner.
While singing, tap each other’s castanets and high-five to keep the rhythm.
Next, everyone forms a circle and plays while keeping the rhythm with the person next to you in the same way.
There are other ways to play too, such as passing the sound along, so enjoy rhythm play in various styles.
Tambourine YOUNG MANNEW!
Let’s have fun playing the tambourine along with Hideki Saijo’s single “YOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A.).” The basics are to shake it to jingle the cymbals or tap it with your hand, but as long as it makes a sound, it’s fine to tap it on your elbow, thigh, or wherever you like.
Ringing the tambourine to this rhythmic song is sure to lift your spirits.
Try keeping time cheerfully while looking at the sheet music or listening to a model performance.
Playing together with everyone is highly recommended!
Plastic Bottle Maracas — The Hill Where Mandarin Blossoms BloomNEW!
Maracas, which make it easy to keep a beat, are instruments that even beginners can try casually.
However, surprisingly few people actually own them.
So let’s enjoy a music activity with DIY PET bottle maracas you can make with items at home.
PET bottle maracas are easy to make—just put rice or beads inside a plastic bottle and you’re done.
The tone changes depending on what you put in, so try making several and switch them up to match the music.
There’s no set way to shake them, so keep the rhythm in your own style.
Rhythm de Mambo ~Music Therapy~NEW!
Let’s all face each other and keep the beat with instruments! For the performance, use rhythm instruments like tambourines, maracas, and drums.
You can also use everyday items such as buckets, washboards, or water dippers.
Have fun keeping time to Latin music like the “Mambo.” Instrument-based recreation not only stimulates the brain but is also effective for maintaining muscle strength.
If you attach castanets to your feet and tap out rhythms, you’ll move your lower body too, turning it into a full-body workout.
An ensemble with household itemsNEW!
This is a musical activity that’s like an orchestra, with a staff member acting as the conductor and giving instructions to older adults.
What makes it fun is that the “instruments” aren’t instruments at all, but ladles, spoons, dippers, and washboards.
Another key point is that the person indicated by the conductor stands up from their chair to perform.
Of course, those who can’t stand don’t need to force themselves, but standing can make it feel like a solo performance, letting you enjoy being the star.
Don’t worry about pitch—just have fun keeping the rhythm to the music.
Rin: The Season of LoveNEW!
Here’s an introduction to a bell-based music activity.
The song we’ll use is Pinky & The Killers’ “Koi no Kisetsu,” released in 1968.
In this activity, you’ll keep the rhythm while moving your body.
First, after singing one phrase, ring the bell twice with a light tap next to your face.
Then, while singing the next phrase, move the bell to the other side and ring it the same way.
Continue like this from the beginning up to just before the chorus.
When you reach the chorus, move the bell up and down as you ring it four times.
Match the tempo of the song, take your time without rushing, and enjoy keeping the rhythm.
Three Percussion Instruments: Mount FujiNEW!
Let’s enjoy an instrumental activity set to the well-known Japanese song “Fujiyama.” We’ll use three percussion instruments: castanets, triangle, and tambourine.
At first, alternate between the castanets and tambourine to keep the rhythm, and from the middle of the piece the triangle joins in.
Each instrument has a distinct tone color, creating a wonderful harmony.
All of them are easy for beginners to handle, so start with simple rhythms, and once you improve, enjoy a group performance together.