It has often been said that music is a ladder to the soul. Unfortunately, many of us cannot afford the large investments associated with instruments such as pianos or saxophones. The good news is that you do not have to break the bank in order to become immersed within melodic bliss. Children will really love and appreciate a simple homemade instrument to play. If you are interested in finding more music toys for your little one, visit www.whooopsadaisy.com.
Now, let’s take a look at a few quick and simple ways to design some truly entertaining musical instruments.
A Balloon Drum
You will only need two items for this instrument: an old bowl or pot and a balloon. Once the bowl has been cleaned, cut the narrow end of the balloon (where it would be blown up from). Then, stretch the balloon around the open end of the bowl or pot. Use string or tape to hold the balloon in place. You can then use a pair of simple sticks to create your own beats.
A Musical Shaker
Shakers are often used as background percussion instruments and these are arguably the easiest to build. First, grab an old container such as small glass bottle or a coffee can. You can then choose the materials to be placed inside. Beans, pebbles and grains of rice are some common examples. Seal the opening of the container with a lid or masking tape once it has been filled and shake away. The great thing about this homemade shaker is that each container and material will produce an entirely different sound. So, feel free to experiment in order to appreciate the endless possibilities.
A Two-Note Flute
You will need a glass bottle and a glass cutter for this next experiment. Cut a hole approximately the size of your pointer finger into the bottom of the bottle. Of course, be sure to take all of the necessary safety precautions to avoid cutting yourself during the process. You can dull the edge of the cut hole with a piece of sandpaper if needed. One the hole has been completed, blow through the top of the open bottle while partially covering the hole at the base. You can even tilt your head up or down in order to produce flat and sharp notes. Keep in mind that it could take a bit of time to learn how to position your mouth correctly.
A Water Xylophone
The good news is that no tools are required to make this instrument. Grab a handful of glass bottles of different sizes and diameters. Fill them with disparate amounts of water and line them up in a side-by-side configuration. Gently tap on the top of the containers with a metal spoon in order to produce different notes. You can also change the level of water in each vessel to raise or lower the pitch.
These are four quick and simple ways to make fun musical instruments from the comfort of your own home. They cost very little and the great news is that you can enjoy the final results for hours at a time.
