How to Make Music with Household Items

Learn how to turn everyday kitchen objects into a rhythm section with these simple, fun percussion games. HowTo: Family Edition: family how-tos that actually help.

1. Set up your drum kit. Place your plastic container, metal bowl, and pasta box in a row in front of you. Test each one by tapping it gently with a wooden spoon to hear the different sounds they make.
2. Find your steady beat. Start by counting '1, 2, 3, 4' out loud. Tap your spoon on the plastic container on each number. Keep the speed steady—not too fast, not too slow.
3. Mix up your sounds. Try tapping the metal bowl on '1' and '3', and the pasta box on '2' and '4'. This creates a simple rhythm pattern that sounds like a real song beat.
4. Play along with a song. Ask a grown-up to play your favorite upbeat song. Listen for the drum part in the music and try to tap your rhythm along with it.