Loraine loves arts and crafts and used to volunteer at an elementary art class. She loves sharing fun and easy craft tutorials.

Make Some Noise With DIY Instruments!

Do you want to get the attention of kids? Tell them you are going to make musical instruments. Not only will they want to make, or help make the instruments, but they'll also love playing them! You'll find a nice variety of homemade instruments in this article and many are pretty simple and easy to make.

An interesting thing I found out about this percussion instrument (shown above) is that it dates back to Ancient Greece. There are more interesting facts to learn about the sistrum on the KinderArt site.

1. Easter Egg Maracas

I have a little two year old granddaughter who loves to dance and make noise. I'm sure she would love this maraca. These bright and beautiful maracas can be made using colorful plastic eggs and the tutorial found at MADE EVERYDAY

2. Floppy Disc Percussion Instrument

When you go to Instructables Living for the tutorial to make this instrument, you'll also find a video that allows you to hear what it sounds like.

3. Spin Drums

The directions for these pretty spin drums can be found at julep. This would be a fun activity for a child's birthday party. A cute make and take project.

4. Japanese Pellet Drums

Music is made with these den den drums, or Japanese pellet drums, when the wooden stem is rolled between the hands, causing the beads to strike the heads of the drum. For the tutorial on making these drums, go to LEARNING 4 KIDS.

5. Balloon Skin Drums

What could be easier than making drums using tin cans and a balloon? A very simple, yet effective musical instrument that the kids can make themselves. Find the instructions on making this attractive drum at make and takes.

6. Bell Shakers

Although there are other instruments included with the bell shakers, I really like those. Visit hellobee to find the instructions on how to make these bell shakers.

7. Popsicle Stick Harmonica

This is a nice homemade music instrument for the kids to make and enjoy making music with. I think this is a more advanced version of the comb and waxed paper of my youth. Housing a Forest is the site where you'll find the tutorial for this instrument.

8. Tambourine

Now this is an instrument I'd probably be able to master. I like it because it makes lots of noise. Find the instructions for making the tambourine at All Kids NETWORK .

9. Jingle Bell Bracelet or Ankle Bells

10. Ankle Bells

Doesn't this look like a party ready to start? This would make a great activity for the kids at a birthday party. Make ankle (or wrist) bells by following the instructions at Rainy Day Mum and then sing and dance up a storm.

11. Cymbals

Small coins or washers are glued to the edges of the painted plate to make the music with these cymbals. Go tofirst palette for the directions for making the cymbals.

12. Balloon Bongo

MINIECO.CO.UK has the tutorial for making the balloon bongo drums. As you'll see this is really a three in one instrument. Every kid will love this noise maker. Oops, sorry, music maker.

13. Cardboard Guitar

Granted, this may take longer to make than many of the homemade music instruments here, but it really looks like the real deal. There is a great pictured tutorial at Make It & Love It that will make the process simple.

14. Jingle Stick and Jingle Ring

You can make a jingle stick or a jingle ring (or both of them) when you follow the instructions found at Buggy and Buddy. Once you have your supplies together, the jingles will come together quickly.

15. Trumpet or Bugle

It'll be easy to make this horn when you follow the instructions given at Instructables. You can have a whole orchestra when you include a horn.

16. Tom-Tom Drum

17. Egg Carton Maracas

It's really nice when we can teach about recycling while having fun making musical instruments. That's what we can do when following the instructions at Artsy Momma and using egg cartons for the maracas.

18. Rain Stick

There's no limit to the ways a rain stick can be decorated, so when you are finished making your rain stick following the instructions at the imagination tree, then go to town with all the colors and bling.

19. Singing Straws

Did you know that you could make music by blowing on straws? The different lengths of the straws makes different tones. See how to make these singing straws by going to KROKOTAK and following the directions that you'll find there.

20. Thumb Piano

I have to admit that this is the first time I've ever heard of a thumb piano. According to ALINA’S ADVENTURES , where you'll find the tutorial, the thumb piano has it's background in indigenous African music. Find a video on the site also that gives you a sample of the thumb piano music.

21. Wrist Bells

These wrist bells, with the tutorial at Skip to my Lou is actually made really well and will last for a long time. These would be nice to give as a gift to a child who loves to make music and dance.

22. Pan Flute

This instrument called a panpipe or pan flute is made using plastic pipe. The author says that her pan flute works as well, if not better, that her purchased bamboo one. Find all the information you need to make this musical instrument at Musical Magic.

23. Chinese Gong

When the kids hear that this musical instrument is called a Chinese gong, they'll be all ready to make one like it. You'll find the instructions for this project at KinderART . Easy to make with items you have on hand.

24. Tubular Bells

Be sure to save your paper tubes so you'll have enough of them when you start making musical instruments. Everyone in the family will want to be part of this band. Then follow the tutorial at MINIECO.CO.UK to make these tubular bells instruments.

25. Rainbow Shakers

Imagine all the fun this project will be. First, there's the painting the paper towel rolls, then adding the beans, rice or whatever, and then playing music. See the instructions at Views From My Window for making the shakers.

26. Water Pipe Trombone

Here is another interesting musical instrument to make. You'll find the tutorial at Musical Magic. You'll see that it is an easy project and one that gives good sound. There's a little more to making this trombone, but you'll be pleased with the results.

27. Musical Didgeridoo

Find out how to make this unusual and ancient musical instrument that the Aborigine people played. The instructions are found at Kool Kids Crafts.

28. Castanets

Go to the Education.com site to make these castanets, and then try for your version of a flamenco dance.

29. Tambourine Stick

Make a really inexpensive musical instrument using a craft sticks or a y-shaped tree branch, a wire or a wire coathanger and some bottle caps. You can follow the instructions at Think, Play Create.

30. Mini Banjo

You'll want to start saving jar lids so you can make these little mini banjo for yourself and your friends. The Craft Train shares their tutorial.

31. Hand Drum

Check on how to make a hand drum, by going to Moms and Crafters to find the directions.

32. Tin Can Howler

33. Guitar

I like how this guitar is decorated. For all the information needed to make this project, go to Pink Stripey Socks.

34. Tambourine Boho Inspired

I can imagine this would be a great activity for a girls birthday party or slumber party. A Bubbly Life is where you'll find the instructions for making this tambourine.

35. Mini Harp

Here is a new use for a Frisbee. To make a mini harp like this one, follow the directions given at Instructables.

36. Pingles Can Drums

This is a two fold great project. First you get to eat all the Pringles, and then make a set of drums so you can march. The Taylor House has the instructions.

37. Horns

Be sure to read the introduction to this project. It helps to understand the history of this musical instrument. Go to Hearing Shofar for this interesting horn tutorial.

38. Zamponas or Panpipes

An interesting fact I learned when I found this tutorial by Kinderart, is that this unique musical instrument has a history in the Andes Mountains of South America.

39. Sound Jars

This is a great pre-school project. Little kids get sight and hearing lessons through these sound jars.

40. Tin Can Music Makers

Get the whole family involved in making and then playing music with these music makers. Instructions are found at Learning 4 Kids.

41. Bell Bracelet

What could be easier than making a music instrument with chenille strips, bells and pony beads? A great project from All Kids Network that even the littlest kids can make and enjoy.

42. Homemade Bells

This is a musical instrument I find very interesting. Use garage sale crystal goblets to make these homemade musical bells.

43. Making Noise

I don't know if this has a musical instrument equivalent, but I think it would be immensely fun to play with. It is featured on Fem Manuals.

44. Water Bottle Membranophone

Make a water bottle membranophone to include in your homemade musical pop orchestra.

45. Diddley Bow

You'll want to check out the history of the diddley bow, also known as the "string wonder," when you go to Scholastic, to find the tutorial. An interesting and fun instrument to make.

46. Xylophon

I wouldn't mind having one of these for myself. Find the tutorial for this outstanding xylophon at Dennis Havlena.

47. Knitted Ankle Bells

Make these fun ankle bells for your child or grandchild, the kids will love them. Find the instructions at Minieco.co.uk.

48. Ghungroo--Indian Style Ankle Bells

In North India ankle bells were made of leather or cloth pads, but these Ghungroo styled by Kid World Citizen are made of felt. A very nice explanation is given with the directions.

49. Aboriginal Clapping Sticks

A very nice Australian aboriginal project. At Laughing Kids Learn, the article includes aboriginal symbols and a YouTube site, which you can click on, that shows how the clapping sticks are used.

50. Simple Tissue Box Guitar

My grandson made a guitar like this one for a school activity last year. He painted it also, and received an A for his project. This is a very simple, easy to make guitar. Find the directions at Little Learners Lounge.

51. Kitchen Xylophone

A fun science experiment, this is a combination that should make the kids happy, water and music. Pictures and process can be found at Sugar Spice and Glitter.

52, Copper Pipe Glockenspiel

I don't know if there are many who would want to attempt this instrument, but just in case there is, you'll find the tutorial at instructables. I'm super impressed with anyone who would try this. A video on the site lets you hear what the glockenspiel sounds like.

Questions & Answers

Question: Do you have to use the tin cans for the homemade bongos in this article?

Answer: I think an oatmeal box would work also.

Question: do you know where the tuba phone instructions are?

Answer: There is an ad between the picture of the tubaphone and the text about the project. Just scan down to number 2. Tubaphone and then click on the highlighted link.

Question: How do you make the cardboard guitar?

Answer: Under the picture of the guitar is a paragraph with a highlighted site name, Make It & Love It. Click on the site name and you will be taken directly to the tutorial for the cardboard guitar.

© 2014 Loraine Brummer

Will you be making a musical instrument? Or leave a Comment.

Temple on September 03, 2020:

This looks soooooo fun

Alayna on August 30, 2020:

wow these look so cool I am going to try these right away this is one of the best sites ever yay

Hailey on August 25, 2020:

These are awsome

Maggie on August 17, 2020:

I had to make an instrument for school and these gave me some awesome ideas :)

"Jeff" (not really) on August 09, 2020:

these look so fun to make

The nameless on July 28, 2020:

They are so creative and i think are to fun for making when im bored

yasn on July 26, 2020:

I like the water xylaphone

im not going to say my name on July 14, 2020:

cool

peter on July 13, 2020:

i had to make a imstoment for school and this really really reallyhelped me out.

Hadiza on July 03, 2020:

they are amazing

Aidan on June 11, 2020:

i had to make an instrument for school and this helped a lot, Thanks!

cool on June 09, 2020:

so cool i love all of them

..... on June 08, 2020:

I have to make a school project on creating an instrument and I am surely getting some ideas from here!!!

daniel hassan on June 07, 2020:

i made mine today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

hi on June 04, 2020:

itt is fun and there are some fabulous ideas

fitz on June 04, 2020:

My agency is doing a summer lunch program for kids, and we wanted to include some neat crafts for them to take home and do with their families. This page is giving us some great ideas!!

mr e./ mystery on June 03, 2020:

i made the banjo and guitar... it's great

doggy danger on June 02, 2020:

I am making mine today so cool.

Im not going to say my name on June 01, 2020:

So cool! Awesome ideas

Julia McLemore on May 13, 2020:

those are the cutest things I have ever seen!!!!!!!

SO CUTE!!!

Your mom on May 13, 2020:

Very epic

Kiera on May 13, 2020:

Wow what a cool page

E on May 13, 2020:

cool instruments!

Joanie Ruppel on May 11, 2020:

Thank you for these wonderful ideas! I needed inspiration to "conduct" an orchestra via distant learning for preschoolers. You got me going!

Lauren:D on May 11, 2020:

This is so cool!!!!!

talfonso from Tampa Bay, FL on May 08, 2020:

Ah! I used to make some of the instruments you described in your Hub as a kid! I remember especially making the cardboard guitars and the balloon drums. This brings back a great deal of warm and fuzzy memories!

Raven Harden-Franklin on May 04, 2020:

these are AMAZING ideas I tried one and it was amazing

Carl on May 04, 2020:

thats so cool im going to try to make these

lilHuddy on May 04, 2020:

these are great thanks for the ideas

♡Kamila♡ on May 03, 2020:

★they are AMAZING★

Hailey on April 29, 2020:

This is so cool and they are awesome.

Sophia on April 28, 2020:

Love it

tyyyyyyfu on April 28, 2020:

i love your hamonica it really works

Cynthia on April 25, 2020:

Super cute love it

daniela on April 24, 2020:

i like to sing and dance

Alex on April 23, 2020:

EVERY INSTURMENT IS COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Person on April 23, 2020:

These are amazing!!!

I hate life on April 21, 2020:

The cardbord guitar was cool I

jade on April 20, 2020:

i do like making instruments to just like every one does, well maybe not every one but a lot of people do though

Emma Thornhill on April 20, 2020:

I like how they look

Felix on April 20, 2020:

I love how they are so creative.

Brianna on April 09, 2020:

I love how they look I will make one and be creative.

demi on April 08, 2020:

i like to play instrumets

Megan on April 07, 2020:

Now I can pass 8th grade science

Kevin on April 07, 2020:

I like instrument

lu on April 04, 2020:

these are so cool and creative I am defenatly making one

Kiley on April 02, 2020:

I made it!!! I made the Popsicle stick harmonica!!!

Kiley on April 02, 2020:

It's so cool, i would make something like that

Lulu on April 02, 2020:

Yeah i will be making a musical instrument for my music class as an assignment

Madelyn on April 02, 2020:

Cool i am gonna make one for my music class

lj on April 01, 2020:

Wow so,precious.

JULIAN MARTINEZ on April 01, 2020:

Cool I really want to make one .

Peeple4eva on March 30, 2020:

Inspiring!

Alexa on March 28, 2020:

IT is so so cool!!!

Emma the kid!!! on March 27, 2020:

Love it, it is so inspiring

bob on March 25, 2020:

i love it

... on March 23, 2020:

wow amazing!!!

clare on March 22, 2020:

thank you so much!

Bob on March 18, 2020:

Great instruments!

Roy on February 25, 2020:

i love this website! its so cool.

chloe cothren on January 30, 2020:

I love this website

jul on January 27, 2020:

Oh my! just what I needed for my lessons!! Thank you

Matthew on January 20, 2020:

this is awesome

Devi on January 15, 2020:

It is very useful. Thanks

Name on January 04, 2020:

wow amazing.

marbleilaytabletop on December 25, 2019:

amazing post thanks for sharing

Abby on October 15, 2019:

Need one that make 3 diffrent piches

Herp aka better than Derpy on October 14, 2019:

Usihg this for muaic class lol! Aps is the best

Robin on October 09, 2019:

I’ll be making an homemade instrument for music class@ bridgeport schoolsfor music

Javaria on September 22, 2019:

Super creative and out of the box ideas

Kenny on September 04, 2019:

I need this for a science project thank you very much.

P.S You should add more instruments.

Sav on August 29, 2019:

These ideas are so awesome and creative!!!

Hubboo on August 28, 2019:

So creative

Ell on August 06, 2019:

Thank you

JUAN on May 31, 2019:

THIS IDEAS ARE VERY HELPFUL USE THEM

Mackenzie on May 06, 2019:

Love all these helped a lot thank you.

Click to add name on May 01, 2019:

This is helpfull.

Abram on April 24, 2019:

My favories are the pingles can drums

Dude on March 14, 2019:

Not working

Bob on March 07, 2019:

Very Useful

Ash on January 05, 2019:

Thanks so much! we had to do this for a school project and these ideas helped a ton.

Travel Chef from Manila on October 11, 2018:

These are wonderful ideas! I would love to try the easter maracas! It looks so appealing to kids and kid at heart! lol

Emmie Jo on September 21, 2018:

Wnderful ideas, my choir teacher is having us make homemade instruments. So you really saved me, THANKS!!!

Loraine Brummer (author) from Hartington, Nebraska on May 23, 2018:

Great job! I'm glad you found a project and did so well making it.

person on May 23, 2018:

this really helped me on my school project i got an A from it so thank you

westin on May 08, 2018:

i love it

Audrey Hunt from Idyllwild Ca. on April 13, 2018:

A unique, creative and fun hub! These ideas for homemade musical instruments is clever. Thanks and I'll be sharing this.

Andrea on April 12, 2018:

This are awesome ideas!!!!

Fariba on April 12, 2018:

So simple and useful,thank you so much

jaren on March 09, 2018:

i liked it and give it a 4.55/5 stars

Ava on March 06, 2018:

my teacher is awesome for making us do this project

navah and tabarek on February 21, 2018:

we have to do this for school thanks a ton!

Loraine Brummer (author) from Hartington, Nebraska on April 12, 2015:

Thanks for your visit and kind words, Jenny. Kids do like to make music and it helps if they can make their own instruments.

DinoMommy on April 10, 2015:

What great ideas! Thanks so much for the article, I love it!

Loraine Brummer (author) from Hartington, Nebraska on January 08, 2015:

Hi Linda! I do believe that the kids can have as much fun making the instruments and playing them. Although I think the only musical instrument in my childhood was waxed paper over a comb. My sisters and I made a lot of music (noise) with that.

Memories made today are enjoyed again years later.

Loraine Brummer (author) from Hartington, Nebraska on January 08, 2015:

Hi, vocalcoach! It means a lot to me to get a comment from a music teacher. I'm sure your students enjoy every minute in your classes. Thanks so much for the votes and share.

L Sarhan from Lexington KY USA on January 06, 2015:

Simple and great ideas!

Audrey Hunt from Idyllwild Ca. on January 06, 2015:

Being a music teacher, I enjoyed this hub about ideas for making musical instruments for children. Just great! The ankle bells and tambourine are my favorites.

Voted up, useful, awesome, interesting and will share and pin to my board. Audrey

Loraine Brummer (author) from Hartington, Nebraska on October 16, 2014:

Thanks for stopping by and the comment. Kids do love making noise, and sometimes they become good musicians.

Ann1Az2 from Orange, Texas on October 15, 2014:

Some really great ideas and little kids love to make noise! You did some good research here.