Add to your child's musical instrument collection for fun and a love of music.

If you’re looking for musical instruments beyond shakers, bells and sticks, here are some great ideas for your children:

Castanets

Castanets are readily available for young children, often made of brightly-colored plastic instead of wood. They are about 2 inches across, usually with slight indentations for the fingers. The spring hinges let them pop back open after being clacked together, and are a favorite for kids who love music.

Finger Cymbals

Small brass cymbals, about 2 inches across, with knobs or loops of fabric for young fingers to hold. These give a delightful metallic accent to songs.

Tambourine

An all time favorite, available in a variety of sizes. Many tambourines have just the round frame with the metal disks, but they may also come with a covered drum head that can be tapped. Great for playing and dancing at the same time.

Tambourine Sticks

A tambourine’s pairs of metal disks are arranged on a handle to make a tambourine stick. It’s much easier for a young child (toddler and preschooler) to hold and make music with than a standard tambourine.

Woodblock or Tone block

Woodblocks are made of hardwood and often carved into various shapes. Tap a striker against them to create a sharp sound. Some woodblocks are created to have two or three different tones depending on where they are struck, and some are combined with guiro-type ridges for scraping sounds as well. Parents who value their sanity may want to hold this for special occasions.

Clatterpillar

This inventive musical toy creates a rhythmic sound while helping a child develop coordination. It’s a long, flexible rectangular shape made of interlocking segments with handles on each end. A child holds both ends and then pushes and pulls his hands to create a curve with the Clatterpillar. When he moves his hands, the curve shifts while “clattering.” Can be somewhat mesmerizing for grown-ups, too!

Rainmakers

Rainmakers are the young child’s version of a natural rain stick. They are clear plastic cylinders filled with tiny, colorful beads, which fall down through a interior maze when the rainmaker is turned top to bottom. The falling beads create a sound like rain on the roof. Fun for children to play, watch and listen to.

Chiquita Shakers

Chiquitas are like egg shakers on a handle. Colorful, widely available, and a favorite of children. Play them in opposites: high/low, loud/soft, etc.

Musical Instruments are Special

To encourage your child to appreciate the instruments, plan a special place to keep them. A shelf, a spot on their dresser, a place in a drawer, will all reinforce the idea that these are instruments, not toys.

Buying Musical Instruments for Children

Instruments for children can be hard to find at a local store, but are readily available in catalogs or online. Some favorites are Rhythm Band, West Music, or a children’s music program such as Kindermusik. Or do an internet search for "children's musical instruments" and you'll find plenty.

For more ideas, read:

Music Instruments for Preschoolers

Children’s Music Activities