How to Make a Harp Out of Junk

Students can create a simple harp out of junk scraps.

Children enjoy playing musical instruments, which can help teach them rhythm, visualizing patterns and can even improve mathematical abilities. To make your child's enjoyment of music even more exciting, you can show them how they can make a simple musical instrument--such as a harp--out of ordinary items that would normally be thrown out as junk.

Things You'll Need

• Shoe box
• 6 thick rubber bands
• Acrylic paint
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. Remove the lid from a shoe box, and discard it.

2. Cut out a 6-inch hole in the bottom of the shoe box.

3. Paint the entire box with acrylic paint.

4. Allow the shoe box to dry completely.

5. Stretch six thick rubber bands around the box lengthwise. Space the rubber bands out so they are each about 1/2-inch apart.

6. Pluck or strum your junk harp.

References

• PBS Kids: Shoe Box Harp
• BBC: Music Makes the Brain Learn Better