Making homemade musical instruments is a fun, cost-effective way to boost creativity, develop fine motor skills, and enjoy hands-on learning. It also offers a unique bonding experience for children and adults alike. From cardboard ukuleles to PVC pipe organs, crafting instruments with everyday items inspires imagination and self-expression. So, explore over 50 easy DIY ideas and discover the joy of making music together at home!
1. Cardboard Ukulele
If you're looking for a fun and accessible instrument, a cardboard ukulele is perfect. This tropical island favourite has gained popularity in recent years, making it an excellent option for musical exploration. To create your cardboard ukulele, gather supplies such as cardboard, yarn, push pins or tacks, glue, a ruler, and scissors. You can also incorporate paint, paint sealant, and a marker into your workflow.
2. Mini Lid Banjo
The banjo and guitar are beloved instruments in many music genres, and with simple materials, kids can make their own playful versions at home. A mini lid banjo, made with a jar lid, craft sticks, washi tape, duct tape, glue, and loom bands, is a charming, hands-on craft that introduces children to music. Similarly, a cardboard guitar—built with a cardboard box, tube, rubber bands, and tape—is easy to assemble and fun to strum, even if it’s more about creativity than sound quality.
3. Tissue Box Guitar
A fun DIY twist on string instruments includes making a tissue box guitar or a box violin—both simple, hands-on crafts using household items. For the guitar, use a tissue box, cardboard tube, rubber bands, Popsicle sticks, glue, scissors, and paint to create a colourful, playable instrument your child will enjoy.
4. Box Violin
The box violin, often used by beginner students, can be made with a macaroni box, wrapping paper, ruler or paint stick, and tape. With templates and guidance from sites like Super Simple and Violinist.com, kids can craft realistic-looking instruments and explore music creatively.
5. Toilet Roll Shaker
A toilet roll shaker is a fun and easy homemade instrument, requiring just a toilet roll, two bottle caps, and dried beans, rice, or coffee beans as the rattle. Shakers are among the simplest DIY instruments, needing only a sealed container to create sound. Add personal flair by decorating with Sharpie markers. The Craft Train provides a clear guide to help you and your child make this enjoyable and effective percussion instrument together.
6. Cardboard Tube Shaker
If you can make a shaker out of a toilet roll, it's no surprise that you can make one out of a cardboard tube. This variation allows for different shapes and sizes, offering a unique sound and playing experience. To make a cardboard tube shaker, gather a few paper towel rolls, a couple of milk bottle caps, duct tape, a roll of washi tape for decoration, rice or dried beans to use as a natural-based seed that can help the shaker to make a sound, scissors, and washable kid's markers. The Craft Train provides step-by-step instructions for creating your shaker using cardboard tubes, Pringles, and tennis ball cans.
7. Pasta Shaker
Are you looking for an alternative to rice or beans in your homemade shaker? Try using pasta instead! A pasta shaker offers a different sound and adds a touch of creativity to your musical creations. To make a pasta shaker, gather toilet paper rolls, tape, markers, tissue paper, glue, and dried pasta. Platein28 provides a guide to help you create a shaker that will have your child experimenting with different sounds and rhythms.
8. Bottle Cap Shaker
Consider making a bottle cap shaker for a quick and easy homemade instrument. You can create a fun and engaging percussion instrument with just a few materials and minimal time investment. Collect plastic milk bottle caps, tiny plastic beads, scissors, and duct tape to make a bottle cap shaker. The Craft Train offers a simple guide to help you assemble your shaker in just a few minutes.
9. Paper Cup Shaker
Expanding on homemade shakers, you can also use paper cups to create unique and customizable instruments. Making a paper cup shaker allows your child to unleash their creativity by decorating the tool. To make a paper cup shaker, gather two small paper cups, a few crepe paper, a paintbrush, acrylic paint, scissors, masking tape, a glue stick, a glue gun, and jingle bells, coins, rice, or beans for the noise-making component. FirstPalette.com provides detailed instructions for creating a personalised paper cup shaker.
10. Salt Shaker Noise Maker
A salt shaker noise maker is a shaker instrument that utilizes a saltshaker container. This variation adds a touch of excitement to the creation process and allows for a unique sound experience. To make your noise maker, gather an empty salt container, dried beans, rice, popcorn kernels, tape, scrapbook paper, glue, ribbon, and markers. KiwiCo offers a guide to assemble a salt shaker noise maker to have your child shaking to the beat.
11. Easter Egg Maracas
Shakers and maracas are perennial favourites among homemade musical instruments. Creating Easter egg maracas is a simple and enjoyable project with fantastic results. To make Easter egg maracas, gather Easter eggs, plastic spoons, rice, and painter's tape. Michigan Medicine provides a straightforward guide to have you and your child shaking up some musical fun in no time.
12. Water Bottle Maracas
Water bottles can be repurposed into fantastic containers for homemade maracas. This project allows for customization and creativity in the instrument's design and sound. To create water bottle maracas, gather water bottles, a few buttons, hot glue, a toilet roll, and washi tape. Today's Parent offers a step-by-step guide to help you transform empty water bottles into maracas that will inspire your child's sense of rhythm.
Watch how to make the water bottle maracas here.
13. Festive Maracas
Festive maracas are colourful DIY instruments made from yoghurt or ice cream cups with lids, craft sticks, paint, glue, a craft knife, and rice or beans. Decorate with white acrylic and poster paint for a vibrant finish. FirstPalette.com offers a simple guide to create these fun, decorative instruments.
14. Handmade Rainstick Shaker
One of the most fascinating homemade instruments to explore is the rain stick. This instrument mimics the soothing sound of raindrops falling, creating a calming and atmospheric effect. To make a DIY rain stick, gather a paper towel roll, rice, aluminium foil, tape, a wooden spoon, a broom handle, coloured paper, and, optionally, a funnel. Gift of Curiosity offers a guide that will take you through assembling a rain stick that will transport you to a world of natural harmony.
Find out how to make the homemade rainstick shaker here.
15. DIY Didgeridoo
Originating from Australia, the didgeridoo produces a unique sound. While a DIY didgeridoo may not replicate the quality of a professional instrument, it offers an engaging project. Gather mailing tubes, acrylic paint, and paintbrushes to make your DIY didgeridoo. KiwiCo provides detailed instructions to help you and your child create an awesome instrument that brings the sound of the didgeridoo into your home.
16. Homemade Drums
Drums are an essential part of any musical composition, and creating homemade drums allows your child to explore the world of percussion. From simple balloon drums to more advanced creations, let's discover various DIY drum projects that will have your child marching to the beat.
17. Balloon Drum
A balloon drum is a simple, resonant DIY instrument made using a 12-inch flower pot, a tight 24-inch balloon, and scissors. Stretch the balloon over the pot’s opening and secure it to form the drumhead. Use pencils, wooden dowels, or chopsticks as mallets. wikiHow offers a guide to help your child create and enjoy tapping rhythms on this fun drum.
18. Coffee Tin Drum
A coffee tin is another household object that can be transformed into a drum. With a bit of creativity and decoration, you can turn a simple coffee tin into a customized drum. To make a coffee tin drum, you'll need a coffee tin (including the lid), construction paper, craft glue, a ruler, scissors, a fabric, a hot glue gun, and additional decorations. wikiHow offers a guide that provides step-by-step instructions for creating a personalized coffee tin drum that will add rhythm to your homemade band.
19. Plastic Flowerpot African Drum (Dumbek)
The plastic flowerpot African drum, or dumbek, is a more advanced DIY project with a unique shape and sound. To make it, use a plastic flower pot, carpet tube, beach ball or thick plastic, scissors, utility knife, ruler, embroidery hoop, packing tape, and optional decorative cloth. wikiHow offers a guide to help your child craft this engaging percussion instrument.
20. Djembe Drum (African Drum)
The djembe drum is an African instrument known for its traditional sound. While creating an authentic djembe may be challenging, you can make a simplified version home. To complete your djembe drum, gather two paper cups, an old newspaper, flour, water, a balloon, a rubber band, a mixing bowl, a string, PVA glue, sticky tape, and a paintbrush. Following the steps outlined in the guide provided by National Geographic Kids, you can assemble a djembe drum that resembles the original instrument.
21. Ice Cream Tub Drum
An ice cream tub drum is a fun, simple project for all ages. You'll need a tub, two metal shank buttons, straws, pipe cleaners, paint, string or ribbons, scissors, glue gun, and a hole punch. FirstPalette.com guides you in creating a vibrant drum perfect for playful rhythms.
22. DIY Packing Tape Drum Set
For a more comprehensive drumming experience, consider creating a DIY drum set using packing tape. This project allows your child to experiment with different drum sizes and sounds. To make a packing tape drum set, you will need a coffee, tin, can opener, wood skewers, duct tape, and masking tape. Hello, Wonderful provides a guide to help you assemble a drum set that will have your child rocking out to their favourite tunes.
23. Duct Tape Drums
Duct tape is a versatile material that creates durable and attractive homemade drums. This project is suitable for children aged three to five with adult supervision, as it may result in a small mess. Gather scissors, duct tape sheets, cans and containers of various sizes to make duct tape drums. KiwiCo offers a guide that will walk you through constructing colourful and resilient duct tape drums that will inspire your child's inner drummer.
24. Monkey Twist Drum
Inspired by The Karate Kid II, the spin twist monkey drum offers a unique way to produce percussive sounds. With a few materials and a little creativity, you can create a fascinating instrument. To make a spin drum, gather paper, cardboard, a pencil, beads, string, some paints, a hole punch, glue, and markers.
Learn how to make a monkey drum here.
25. Finger Cymbals
Finger cymbals, known as zills, are small metal discs that produce a distinct sound when struck together. Making finger cymbals allows you to personalize the design and experiment with different materials. To make finger cymbals, gather paper plates, clothespins, a ruler, a paintbrush, scissors, glue, paint, and bottle caps. KiwiCo offers a guide to help you construct finger cymbals that add a touch of magic to your child's musical performances.
26. DIY Castanets
Castanets are percussion instruments that produce a click-clack sound when struck together. Making your DIY castanets offers a fun and engaging project that introduces your child to rhythm and coordination. To make DIY castanets, gather a couple of thick cardboard or a small couple of paper plates, scissors, a compact glue gun, a hole punch or a pencil, a couple of permanent markers, a few buttons, coins, or metal washers, and an elastic band or ribbon. FirstPalette.com provides a guide that offers step-by-step instructions for creating castanets, allowing your child to explore the vibrant world of Spanish music.
27. Paper Plate Cymbals
Paper plate cymbals are easy to make with two plates, coins or washers, gold paint, ribbon or pipe cleaners, glue gun, and a brush. FirstPalette.com guides you to create shimmering cymbals for your homemade band.
28. Pie Tin Cymbals
Pie tins can be transformed into fantastic homemade cymbals, offering a unique sound and playful aesthetic. This project requires more advanced crafting skills, including using a hot glue gun. To make pie tin cymbals, gather a foil pie tin, duct tape, a pair of chopsticks, tacky glue, and pom-poms for decoration. KiwiCo offers a guide that will walk you through creating eye-catching pie tin cymbals that will have your child crashing and clanging with delight.
29. Paper Plate Tambourine
The tambourine is a versatile instrument that adds rhythm and texture to any musical arrangement. Crafting a paper plate tambourine allows your child to explore different sounds and personalize their device. To make a paper plate tambourine, gather two small paper plates, a bottle of pipe cleaners or twist ties, jingle bells, a bottle of white glue, a hole punch, tempera or a bottle of poster paint, and any materials that you'd like to decorate and give a marvellous look to your tambourine. FirstPalette.com provides detailed instructions for assembling a paper plate tambourine that will have your child shaking and tapping to their beat.
30. Cardboard Tambourine
For a more substantial tambourine with a professional look, consider making a cardboard tambourine. This project offers an opportunity to explore different materials and construction techniques, resulting in an instrument that rivals store-bought alternatives. To make a cardboard tambourine, gather cardboard, two bowls or plates, yarn, jingle bells, scissors, and a pen or pencil for marking. The Kids' Craft Site provides step-by-step instructions for constructing a sturdy and visually appealing cardboard tambourine to inspire your child's rhythmic creativity.
31. DIY Jingle Bells
Jingle bells are synonymous with joyful holiday music, and making your jingle bells allows for endless creativity and customization. This project can be adapted to create bracelets, necklaces, jingle sticks, and more. To make DIY jingle bells, gather small jingle bells, a pair of pipe cleaners, sticks or pencils, and other found objects as mentioned in the guide. KinderArt provides detailed instructions for assembling jingle bells to bring the festive spirit into your home.
32. Paper Cup Bell
For a simple and delightful homemade instrument, consider creating paper cup bells. These whimsical bells are perfect for the holiday season and offer a fun project for children of all ages. To make paper cup bells, gather a paper cup, jingle bell, pipe cleaner, a big bead, a satin ribbon, a poster or acrylic paint, a paintbrush, a bottle of glitter, and scissors. FirstPalette.com provides a guide that offers step-by-step instructions for creating personalised paper cup bells that will glimpse magical spells to add a touch of magic to your child's musical performances.
33. DIY Cardboard Xylophone
The xylophone is a versatile melodic instrument that introduces your child to pitch and melody. Making a DIY cardboard xylophone allows one to explore different materials and experiment with sound production. To make a cardboard xylophone, gather cardboard tubes of various sizes, a few rubber bands, and a ribbon, yarn, or embroidery floss. The Inspired Treehouse provides a guide that offers step-by-step instructions for constructing a cardboard xylophone that will have your child discover the joys of playing melodic tunes.
34. Rainbow Xylophone
For an extra splash of colour, consider creating a rainbow xylophone using different materials and construction techniques. This project lets your child explore music's visual aspects, fostering a deeper connection with their homemade instrument. To make a rainbow xylophone, gather window casings, a saw, a piece of scrap wood, acrylic paint, a nail gun, and Mod Podge. Hyperlexia Resources provides a guide with detailed instructions for constructing a vibrant and visually stunning rainbow xylophone.
35. Toilet Roll Kazoo
The kazoo is a popular and whimsical instrument that produces a distinctive buzzing sound. Making a toilet roll kazoo offers a creative and entertaining project that introduces your child to the world of wind instruments. To make a toilet roll kazoo, gather a toilet roll, pinking shears or safety scissors, an elastic band, a single wax paper, a bowl for tracing, and non-toxic paints. Today's Parent provides step-by-step instructions for assembling a kazoo that will excite your child.
36. Cardboard Tube Kazoo
Consider making a cardboard tube kazoo for a different take on the traditional kazoo. This variation allows experimentation with other materials and designs, creating a unique and personalized instrument. To make a cardboard tube kazoo, gather wax paper, a few toilet paper tubes, rubber bands, a pen, markers, crayons, and scissors. KiwiCo provides a guide with detailed instructions for assembling a cardboard tube kazoo to have your child humming and buzzing to their heart's content.
37. Straw Oboe
The oboe is a beautiful woodwind instrument known for its rich and expressive sound. Making a straw oboe offers a creative and accessible way to introduce your child to the world of wind instruments. To make a straw oboe, gather a paper cone cup, a few drinking straws, scissors, masking tape, and a pencil. Craftsuprint offers a guide that provides step-by-step instructions for constructing a straw oboe that will have your child explore the melodic possibilities of this unique instrument.
38. DIY Soda Bottle Trumpet
The trumpet is a powerful and melodic instrument that has captured the hearts of many musicians and listeners alike. While creating a professional trumpet may be challenging, making a DIY soda bottle trumpet offers an engaging project that introduces your child to brass instruments. To make a DIY soda bottle trumpet, gather a two-litre soda pop bottle, construction paper, a paper towel roll, masking tape, and a standard or sharp kitchen knife. Making Music Fun provides a step-by-step guide for assembling a soda bottle trumpet that will have your child blowing their own horn.
39. DIY Plucked Kalimba Instrument
The kalimba, a thumb piano, is a simple instrument that produces a lullaby type sound. Making a kalimba allows one to explore different materials and experiment with tone production
40. Paper Clarinet
The clarinet is a versatile and expressive woodwind instrument with various musical possibilities. Making a paper clarinet introduces your child to reed instruments and allows creative exploration. To make a paper clarinet, gather a wrapping paper tube, a pen knife, a masking tape, a paintbrush, and acrylic paint. eHow provides a guide that offers step-by-step instructions for assembling a paper clarinet that will have your child blowing their melodies.
41. Straw Whistle
Consider making a straw whistle for a quick and easy homemade wind instrument. This simple yet delightful instrument offers a unique sound and encourages your child to explore different blowing techniques. All you need is a straw. Cut one end of the straw, make two or three holes in the straw, and adjust as necessary to create the desired sound. Craftsuprint offers a guide that provides step-by-step instructions for making a straw whistle that will have your child whistling their favourite tunes.
42. Popsicle Stick Harmonica
The harmonica is a classic and versatile instrument that fits in your pocket. Making a Popsicle stick harmonica offers an engaging project that introduces your child to wind instruments and allows for creative exploration. To make a Popsicle stick harmonica, gather two or a pair of craft sticks, a few plastic straws, a wide rubber band, and two smaller rubber bands. Michigan Medicine provides step-by-step instructions for assembling a Popsicle stick harmonica. Please have your child blow and draw to create their melodies.
43. Paper Panpipes
The pan flute is a fascinating wind instrument that produces a unique sound. Making a paper pan flute offers a creative and accessible way to explore the world of wind instruments. To make a paper pan flute, gather card stock, scissors, glue, a ruler, and optionally markers, crayons, and a pencil.
Watch how to make paper panpipes here.
44. Cardboard Piano (Complicated But Fun)
While not the most straightforward project in this guide, creating a cardboard piano offers a unique musical experience. This project requires more advanced crafting skills and additional materials and tools. To make a cardboard piano, gather cardboard, aluminium foil, a plastic slide binder, a couple of jumper wires, an Arduino Uno board, an actual computer, glue, a bottle of hot glue, electrical tape, a polystyrene cutter, a ruler, and a pencil or pen for marking. Instructables provides a step-by-step guide for assembling a cardboard piano that offers a surprisingly realistic playing experience.
45. PVC Pipe Organ
The PVC pipe organ is a remarkable instrument that mimics the sound of traditional pipe organs. This project requires additional tools and materials and a deeper understanding of musical engineering and construction. To make a PVC pipe organ, gather PVC pipes, PVC end caps, a wooden dowel, surgical tubing, wooden clothespins, sheets of wood, a drill, a screwdriver, screws, a bottle of hot glue, an orbital sander, and if optionally, a Dremel and scroll or jigsaw. Instructables provides a guide that offers detailed instructions for constructing a PVC pipe organ that will have you exploring the depths of sound.
46. Wooden Ocarina
The ocarina is a melodic instrument that has captured the hearts of musicians & listeners alike. Making a wooden ocarina requires woodworking skills, tools, and a deeper understanding of instrument construction. To make a wooden ocarina, gather a jigsaw, a power drill and a drill bit set, a disk and belt sander, a wood carving gouge, a mitre saw, wood glue, a chromatic tuner, and oak wood. Instructables provides a step-by-step guide for crafting a wooden ocarina that will have you and your child creating beautiful melodies.
47. PVC Flute
The flute is a graceful and melodic instrument that offers various musical possibilities. Making a PVC flute allows you to explore the world of wind instruments and customize your device to suit your preferences. To make a PVC flute, gather PVC pipe, a PVC end cap, a drill, and a tape measure. DIY Instructions provides a guide that offers detailed instructions for assembling a PVC flute that will have you and your child blowing harmonious melodies.
48. Homemade Bass Guitar
Bass Guitar is the main backbone of a song that provides a deep resonant sound. Making a homemade bass guitar allows you to explore the world of string instruments and customize your device to suit your unique style. To make a homemade bass guitar, gather a water jug, white wood, bass guitar strings, screws, a hammer, jigsaw, power drill, and sandpaper. Instructables provides a step-by-step guide for crafting a homemade bass guitar that will have you thumping out groovy basslines.
49. DIY Kick Drum
The kick drum, or the bass drum, is a crucial component of any drum set. Making a DIY kick drum allows you to add depth and rhythm to your homemade band. To create a DIY kick drum, you will need a large water jug or container, which is readily available and cost-effective. Instructables provides a guide that offers detailed instructions for assembling a DIY kick drum that will have your child providing the heartbeat of your music.
50. Copper Pipe Glockenspiel
The glockenspiel is a melodic percussion instrument that adds a touch of magic to any musical composition. Making a copper pipe glockenspiel requires advanced crafting skills and additional tools and materials. To make a copper pipe glockenspiel, gather copper pipe, wood, a few nails, tubing, a drill and drill bit, rubber bands, a calculator, pipe cutters, a flat file, and an app that calculates frequencies. Optionally, you can prepare wood glue and paint for additional customization. Instructables provides a guide that offers step-by-step instructions for constructing a copper pipe glockenspiel that will have you exploring the world of melodic percussion.
51. PVC Saxophone (Fun Project For Teens)
The saxophone is a beautiful jazz instrument. Making a PVC saxophone offers a unique and engaging project introducing your child to wind instruments. This project requires advanced crafting skills and additional materials and tools. To make a PVC saxophone, gather PVC pipes, PVC elbow joints, an actual plastic funnel, firm plastic, heavy-duty tape, a hacksaw, scissors, a file, a drill, and a hot glue gun.
Explore Musical Instruments from Around the World
While crafting your own instrument can be a rewarding experience, our collection offers a hassle-free alternative for those who want to get started with a musical instrument right away. From shamanic drums to bamboo flutes and maraca shakers, each instrument is crafted from sustainable materials like bamboo, coconut, and gourd, offering authentic sounds from global traditions.
