Create Art and Music

Taking inspiration from Penny and Her Song, try some of these activities to create music and art in your home.

Make Your Own Musical Instruments

Singing is fun—but making music with instruments you create is even better! There are several books that can help you do this, we looked for ideas in The Kids Can Press Jumbo Book of Music.

You too can make these simple instruments from household objects:

Castanets

• You will need two plastic bottle caps, some cardboard and glue for this instrument.
• Cut a 5- to 6-inch strip of cardboard slightly wider than your bottle caps. Glue the one bottle cap to each end of the cardboard strip. Once the glue dries, fold the cardboard in half and clack away!

Kazoo

• You will need a paper tube, some waxed paper, a rubber band, a pin or pencil, and markers or paint to decorate your instrument.
• Decorate your kazoo with paint or markers. Once the tube is dry, cut a piece of waxed paper that will cover the top of the tube. Secure it with the rubber band. Use a pin or pencil to poke a small hole in the waxed paper. To play, hum into the open end of the tube.

Bongo Drum

• You will need a round balloon, a round can (ex: coffee can or oatmeal canister), a spoon or stick, scissors, and masking or duct tape.
• Cut the neck off the balloon. Stretch it over the opening of the canister. Tape the balloon to the canister. Use the spoon or stick to beat out a tune. If you have another canister of a different size, make them both into drums and compare their sounds.

What Does Music Look Like?

Music impacts us in many ways. Try listening to a new style of music, like jazz, classical or reggae, during this activity to inspire you to create art.