Kids
Homemade Musical
Instruments
Musical instruments are fun for children of any age to play and music is a valuable resource for children to learn different sounds and find their rhythm. It is a universal language in which all children can participate.
Music is an excellent learning tool because it:-
- Aids in the development of your child's co-ordination.
- Develops language skills.
- Provides aural training.
- Assists with muscular development.
- Importantly provides them with pleasure and delight.
All children can participate and it is free of language and cultural barriers. Music can lead children to a wide variety of other activities including dance and games.
Making their own instruments is excellent in building self-esteem and encourages them to be creative. It is not only fun and enjoyable but it also provides your child with the opportunity to make something they can use and learn from. Who knows, you might have the next Eric Clapton on your hands!
So why not have fun with your kids and help them make some instruments! You can make them from items commonly found around the home. Here's a simple one to get you started..
Make Your Own Didgeridoo
Here's instructions for a Didgeridoo that you can make very easily which the kids will enjoy.
The Didgeridoo is an ancient instrument used by Australia's native aborigines. For those of you who want to know more about this fascinating instrument, here are a few facts..
- Possibly the world's oldest musical instrument
- A wind instrument originally found in Arnhem Land, Northern Australia.
- Is made from limbs and tree trunks hollowed out by termites (insects).
- Is cut to an average length of 1.3 metres (51 inches) and cleaned out with a stick or hot coals.
- Was used as an accompaniment to chants and songs.
- Produces a low-pitch, resonant sound with
complex rhythmic patterns.
Whilst traditionally the Didgeridoo is made from wood, you can make one using plastic tubing or a poster tube.
Click here to find out more about the Didgeridoo
You will need plastic tubing, or a poster tube small or large (these are tubes that you can put posters in to send or protect them) and some paint for decoration.
Choose the colors that you want to paint with the paint must be non-toxic and safe for children to use). The aboriginals use natural colors, but you can use whatever you want.
Paint the whole tube with the colors of your choice, then leave it to dry (be sure to apply an initial coat of the base color first). That's all there is to it and you now have your very own home made Didgeridoo!
Do not cover up the ends, as it will not make any sound.
Blow into the tube and discover the different sounds that you can make. Playing the Didgeridoo well is not an easy task but it really is a beautiful instrument and it has a great sound when played well.