Instrument Playing

GROUP INSTRUMENT PLAY

Playing music instruments together can be opportunities to work together as a group and support the development of musical skills: listening, sound exploration, improvisation, manual dexterity and fine motor abilities, beat competency, following a conductor/leader, playing with expression, and varying dynamics and tempi. When integrating group instrument playing into the classroom, consider:

  • Placement of the children - it works best if the children are situated before they have an instrument in their hands. Also, consider an arrangement where all of the children can see you, the leader, and each other clearly, such as a circle.

  • Instrument choice - if you are working with a group, it works well if all of the children have the same instrument, or instruments that complement each other (for example, all instruments that shake). Using like-sounding instruments creates a satisfying sound experience overall.

  • Introducing instruments - when sharing new instruments with the children, introduce them one at a time so that the children have the opportunity to listen and to explore the sound making abilities of each.

  • Creating instruments - if you don’t have percussion instruments, consider: different types of body percussion, such as clapping, sliding hands, or patting your knees, or making your own shakers using small containers with lids filled with beans, rice, or sand. We suggest using plastic or paper containers.

  • Improvisation - within songs, you can include sections where the children can play freely without singing. This allows the children to explore their instrument; you will also hear that they are capable of creating their own new rhythms and patterns this way, and that their listening and responding skills will be further developed.

ABC, France and U.S.A. - all ages

Boots of Shining Leather, Hungary - suggested ages 3-5

Cucanandy, Ireland - all ages

Deck the Hall, Wales - suggested ages 3-5, associated with Christmas

Get on Board, U.S.A. - suggested ages 3-5

Haida, Israel - suggested ages 3-5

Hanukkah, Hanukkah, Festival of Lights, Israel - all ages, associated with Hanukkah

I Hear the Mill Wheel, Canada - suggested ages 3-5

I Saw Three Ships, England - suggest ages 3-5, associated with Christmas

Jingle Bells, U.S.A. - all ages, associated with winter holidays

Joy to the World, England, U.S.A. - associated with Christmas

Kokoleoko, Liberia - suggested ages 3-5

London Bridge, Great Britain - all ages

Macaroni, USA - all ages

My Paddle, Canada - suggested ages 3-5

New River Train, U.S.A. - all ages

Over the River and Through the Wood, U.S.A. - suggested ages 3-5, associated with Thanksgiving

Pitter, Patter Goes the Rain, U.S.A. - all ages

She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain, U.S.A. - all ages

S’vivon, Israel - all ages, associated with Hanukkah

The Ants Go Marching, U.S.A. - suggested ages 3-5

The Earth is Our Mother, U.S.A. - all ages

The Itsy Bitsy Spider, U.S.A. - suggested for infants, babies, toddlers

The Noble Duke of York, England - all ages

This Little Light of Mine, USA - all ages

Tue Tue, Ghana - suggested ages 3-5

Up on the Housetop, U.S.A. - suggested ages 3-5, associated with Christmas

We’re Floating Down the River, U.S.A. - all ages