How to Make Musical Instruments with Recycled Materials — Easy Step-by-Step Guide
Transform everyday household items into a vibrant orchestra! This guide shows you how to create DIY musical instruments using recycled materials, perfect for family fun.
Quick answer
To make musical instruments with recycled materials, you need common household items like cardboard tubes, plastic bottles, and rubber bands, taking about 45 minutes. Start by gathering your materials. This beginner-friendly activity has 10 steps and is perfect for families with children aged 5 and up.
Advertisement
What you need
Shop on Amazon · affiliate links
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Gather all your recycled materials and decorating supplies.
- 2
For the Shaker: Place the dried bean or pebble inside one plastic bottle.
- 3
Securely screw the cap onto the plastic bottle.
- 4
For the Kazoo: Take one cardboard tube and cover one end with a piece of wax paper (about 4x4 inches).
- 5
Secure the wax paper tightly to the cardboard tube with tape, creating a taut surface.
- 6
For the Drum: Place the empty tin can upside down on a stable surface.
- 7
For the Rainstick: Take the second plastic bottle and carefully place a handful of dried beans or small pebbles inside.
- 8
Securely screw the cap onto the second plastic bottle.
- 9
For the Guitar: Take two cardboard tubes. Cut a slit about 1 inch long in the side of one tube.
- 10
Insert the end of the second cardboard tube into the slit of the first tube, creating a longer tube. Secure with tape.
- 11
Stretch the rubber band around the length of the cardboard guitar, ensuring it’s taut.
- 12
Decorate all your instruments using markers, crayons, paint, or stickers.
Tips & Troubleshooting
- 1Ensure all containers are thoroughly cleaned and dried before use to prevent odors or mold.
- 2For the kazoo, experiment with different sizes of wax paper to see how it affects the sound.
- 3If making the guitar, try adding more rubber bands at different tensions to create different notes.
- 4For the drum, you can also use the bottom of a plastic container or a sturdy cardboard box.
- 5Safety first! Adult supervision is recommended when using scissors, especially for younger children.
Advertisement
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the easiest musical instruments to make with recycled materials?
Shakers made from plastic bottles and beans, or kazoos made from cardboard tubes and wax paper, are among the easiest. They require minimal materials and simple assembly, making them great for beginners.
Can I make more complex instruments with recycled items?
Yes, with more advanced techniques and materials, you can create more complex instruments like simple guitars with rubber bands and boxes, or even rudimentary xylophones using different sized glass bottles filled with water.
What are the best recycled materials for making instruments?
Cardboard tubes, plastic bottles, tin cans, and even old containers are excellent. Their varied shapes and materials lend themselves well to creating different sounds, from percussion to wind instruments.
How do I make a shaker sound louder?
To make a shaker sound louder, use more filling material (like beans or pebbles) or a larger container. Ensure the container is sealed tightly so the sound doesn't escape.
Free: 10 Paper Crafts Anyone Can Make in 5 Minutes
Get our beginner guide + new craft ideas weekly.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Did you complete this activity?
Related
You might also like
Advertisement