What are some easy to make musical instruments?
A recorder or Asian flute is quite easy to design and build. Using a stock of bamboo chute, a thin aluminum pipe or any hollow reed this instrument has been used by cultures from all over the world. In order to build one from scratch using any of the materials above, start with a piece 12 to 13 inches long. The diameter of the hole will change the pitch of the instrument somewhat, as will the length. If aluminum pipe is used a wooden mouthpiece can be crafted to fit over the playing end.
Using a 1/2″ diameter piece of stock 12″ long, a notch starting 1 1/2″ from the mouthpiece end should be cut at about a 45 degree angle for a basic whistle sound. The notch should angle toward the mouthpiece and end at about 1 1/4″ from the tip. Once that has been achieved, drill six small holes of about 1/4″ diameter in the hollow piece starting at approximately 5″ from the notch in 3/4″ spacing.
This is a simple instrument and one that traces its heritage as far back as recorded history began. The Irish penny whistle, Australian didgeridoo and Indian flute are all examples of this fun and interesting project. Tools suggested for a bamboo chute or hollow reed are simply a 1/4″ drill bit and drill and a sharp knife for notching the mouthpiece.
Although this is a good project it should be pointed out that since a sharp instrument will be necessary, adult supervision is recommended.
If you fill a pipe or toilet paper roll with rice, bells or beans and put a piece of paper over the ends. They work well. It is like a rain stick. You can also take 2 paper plates and make them face each other and add beans, rice, or jingle bells and staple around the edge. That is a great tambourine. If you have two sticks they make a great sound when you hit them together.
