Let’s Make a Musical Instrument and Explore Sound!

When students make a musical instrument, they move beyond simply listening to music and begin investigating how sound is created through vibration, pitch, volume, and rhythm. By learning to make a musical instrument using everyday materials, students develop a deeper understanding of sound production while exploring musical traditions from different cultures around the world. The following instruments are featured on the included cards:

• Cardboard Kazoo
• Rubber band guitar
• Tin can drum
• Egg Shakers
• Rainstick
• Maracas
• Pan Flute
• Clapsticks

Using station-based activities, students construct eight different instruments, compare sounds, and reflect on how changes in materials or playing techniques affect what they hear. 

Create and Test Eight DIY Musical Instruments

This set of task cards provides students with step-by-step opportunities to investigate sound and create and test DIY Musical Instruments. 

Included in this download:

• Instruction page with guiding questions for sound investigations 
• 8 instrument-making task cards 
• Materials lists and construction directions for each activity
• Reflection questions that encourage observation and discussion

Start Making Homemade Musical Instruments Today!

This resource is available in both PDF and editable Google Slides format.  To get your copy, click the dropdown arrow on the download button and choose your preferred file type. Print the cards, and you’re ready to start crafting homemade musical instruments today!

This resource was created by Kendall Britnell, a teacher in Colorado and Teach Starter collaborator.

Extend Learning With More Sound Exploration Activities

Pair this resource with additional sound exploration activities that encourage students to investigate vibration, pitch, volume, rhythm, and cultural connections through hands-on learning experiences.

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