How to Make Unusual Homemade Musical Instruments

Once you use the tomatoes, turn the can into a fun instrument.

Shaking, stirring and banging on household items sounds like destructive behavior. But when it's being done in the name of creativity and rhythm, it can be a lively way for kids to develop a greater appreciation of music. Take a look around the room. There are music makers everywhere -- even in the kitchen cupboard.

Things You'll Need

• Canned goods
• Cleaning supplies
• Rice
• Cereal
• Hard candy
• Wax paper
• Rubber bands
• Stickers

Instructions

1. Scour the kitchen pantry or cupboards for canned goods. Select different sizes of cans and empty the contents before washing and drying the cans.

2. Remove any paper labels from the cans. Fill the cans with different amounts of hard items that will clink and clang when shaken. Pour uncooked rice in one, pieces of hard candy in another and cereal in a third.

3. Cut squares of wax paper slightly larger than each can's opening. Secure the paper over the opening with a rubber band to close it off. (You can use a hot glue gun if you are worried that the rubber bands will slip off the can.)

4. Shake the cans and listen to the different sounds each item makes. Experiment by reopening the cans and adding more items, removing some or even mixing them up.

5. Decorate the cans' exteriors with stickers to complete the instruments.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use a hammer to drive short nails into one of the cans to make a homemade version of a rain stick. Turning the can slowly over and over will allow the contents to fall slowly, hitting the nails and making a soothing sound.

References

• Homemade Instruments: Nancy Stewart