How to Make a Drum With Children

Drums are percussion instruments.

Although there are plenty of musical instruments that you can buy in stores and online, making a musical instrument is less expensive and educational. If your little ones like to make noise and express their creative talents, making a drum is a project they will enjoy. Making a drum also helps children learn about how instruments produce sound. You can help children make a drum using common, inexpensive household items.

Things You'll Need

• 2 plastic or paper cups
• Masking tape
• Shoe polish
• Cloth
• Permanent markers

Instructions

1. Place one cup on a flat surface, face down and tape the bottom of the second cup to the bottom of the first cup.

2. Wrap the cups with strips of masking tape. Tape over the mouths of both cups as well.

3. Dip a clean cloth into brown shoe polish and use it to smear the polish over the entire surface of the drum. Wait for about 20 minutes for the polish to dry.

4. Remove excess shoe polish by wiping the drum down with a clean, dry cloth.

5. Decorate the drum with permanent markers.

6. Play the drum by tapping either end with your fingertips.

References

• Artists Helping Children: Musical Instrument Crafts for Kids
• DLTK's Crafts for Kids: African Drum