Fun for Kids! A Collection of DIY Musical Instrument Ideas Using Everyday Materials
Handmade instruments that bring the world of music closer.
Their charm lies in how easy they are to make with materials you already have on hand, and in the fun of learning how sound is produced during the making process.
Using items like plastic bottles, cardboard, and rubber bands, you can create instruments that produce authentic tones.
The methods for making maracas, castanets, koto, and more are very simple.
Not only can you enjoy making and playing them with children, but it’s also a chance to learn how music works.
Use this as a reference and try making your own original instruments!
- Handmade instruments with plastic bottles: try making flutes, percussion, and traditional ethnic instruments.
- [For Elementary School Kids] Handmade Toy Craft Ideas
- Handmade maracas ideas. Easy to make! Musical instruments for kids.
- [Music-themed Educational Toys] A roundup of toys that let you enjoy sounds
- Simple DIY Drum Ideas: From Den-Den Drums to Taiko Drums!
- Let’s play Christmas songs with handmade instruments! Craft ideas for sound-making instruments
- [For Kids] Today’s Handmade Craft Ideas
- DIY ideas for a den-den daiko (Japanese pellet drum). Let’s make and play with this nostalgic toy!
- Toys you can make from cardboard crafts! Authentic ideas you can build and play with
- Let's make toys with paper cups! Simple and fun handmade toys
- Made with toilet paper rolls! Exciting and fun easy handmade toys
- [Let’s Make and Play!] Handmade Toy Ideas You Can Create Yourself
- Fun crafts using straws
Fun for Kids! A Collection of Homemade Musical Instrument Ideas Using Everyday Materials (1–10)
Rubber band guitar
Many young children probably dream of playing the guitar.
Here’s a handmade guitar that can make those dreams come true.
Add your favorite colors and patterns to create a one-of-a-kind, original guitar.
The resonating part of the body is made from a tissue box.
Attach a plastic wrap core as the neck, then cut and glue cardboard to form the body, and it’s done.
Use rubber bands for the strings.
You can make an electric guitar or an acoustic guitar, if you like.
You can even make a ukulele or a bass using the same method.
bird whistle
Let’s make a bird whistle that makes sound when you swing it on a string, like the “insect whistle” used in Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind! What you’ll need: two plastic bottle caps and a piece of twine about 80 cm long.
First, cut a crescent-shaped hole in each bottle cap.
When the two caps are placed facing each other, the two crescents should form one larger hole.
Next, make a hole in the center of one of the caps.
Thread the twine through this center hole and tie a knot so it won’t slip out.
Then, face the caps together so they create the single larger opening.
Secure them firmly with tape, and you’re done!
maracas
For children, sound-making instruments are very appealing.
Among them, how about these maracas that are easy to make, cute to look at, and actually usable? It’s convenient that you can make them from recyclable items like plastic bottles, toilet paper rolls, or capsule toy cases.
You can put anything inside, such as beads, buttons, beans, or small stones.
The tone changes depending on the amount and type of filling.
Finally, decorate the outside to complete your very own maracas.
ocarina
Let’s try making an ocarina using oven-bake clay! You’ll need oven-bake clay, a straw, some thread, and a windway spatula.
First, shape the clay into an ocarina with your hands.
Once you have a rough shape, smooth the surface with water.
Next, use a knife to create a recess for the mouthpiece.
Make a hole in the recess with the straw.
Insert the windway spatula into the blowing end and, keeping it in place, use the thread to cut the ocarina’s body in half.
After it’s split, hollow out the interior, then reattach the two halves and start making the finger holes.
Finish opening the holes while tuning, then bake, let it dry, and you’re done! Highly recommended for anyone who wants to try making a real instrument!
tambourine
You’ll need paper plates, plastic bottle caps, rice, and so on.
First, fill a plastic bottle cap about halfway with rice and tape around it to seal.
Cut a paper plate in half, stick the backs together, and sandwich the cap you just made between them.
Once you’ve attached all of them, it’s done.
It might also be fun to use a whole plate without cutting it in half and increase the number of bottle caps.
You can draw your own designs, too.
Make several and let’s all tap them and play together!