How to Make Musical Instruments from Household Items

Transform everyday household items into fun musical instruments your family can make and play together.

1. Gather Your Materials. Look around your house for these common items: empty containers (cereal boxes, oatmeal tubes, coffee cans, plastic bottles), rubber bands, rice or dried beans, wooden spoons, paper plates, aluminum foil, toilet paper tubes, and tape or glue. Clean all containers thoroughly before starting. You'll be surprised how many musical possibilities are hiding in your recycling bin and kitchen cabinets.
2. Make Percussion Instruments. Create drums by stretching plastic wrap or a balloon over the top of coffee cans, pots, or large containers, securing with rubber bands. Make shakers by putting rice, beans, or small pasta in empty bottles or containers and sealing tightly. Turn two paper plates into a tambourine by putting beans between them and stapling around the edges. Use wooden spoons, chopsticks, or even pencils as drumsticks. The bigger the container, the deeper the sound will be.
3. Build String Instruments. Transform a shoebox or tissue box into a guitar by stretching different sized rubber bands around it lengthwise. The tighter bands make higher sounds, looser ones make lower sounds. For a more elaborate version, cut a sound hole in the top and stretch the bands over it. You can also make a simple harp using a sturdy container and fishing line or thin wire stretched between nails (adults should handle the nails).
4. Create Wind Instruments. Make a kazoo by covering one end of a toilet paper tube with wax paper and securing with a rubber band, then poking a small hole in the side. Hum into the open end to create buzzing sounds. Create pan pipes by taping together several straws cut to different lengths - the shorter the straw, the higher the pitch. Make a simple horn from a paper towel tube decorated however you like.
5. Test and Tune Your Instruments. Once your instruments are complete, test them out together. Adjust rubber band tension to change pitch, add or remove beans from shakers to change volume, and try different playing techniques. Show kids how hitting drums in the center versus the edge creates different sounds, or how plucking rubber band 'strings' gently versus firmly changes the tone. Encourage experimentation with rhythm and volume.
6. Start Your Family Band. Assign each family member an instrument or let everyone try everything. Start with simple rhythms like clapping patterns, then add your homemade instruments. Try playing along to favorite songs, or create your own music together. Take turns being the conductor, and don't worry about making it perfect - the goal is to have fun and make music as a family.