Playing the drums can help introduce your child to music and beats. Luckily, you can make simple drums out of scrap materials that your child can practice with. Children will be entertained when making drums and feel proud when playing it.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Making Drums from Balloons
Step 1. Prepare an empty cylindrical container or pan
Prepare the pan to be used as a drum sleeve. A pot less than 30 cm in diameter is a good option.
Step 2. Prepare a balloon with the right size
The balloon will be used as the head of the drum so the balloon must be tight and large enough to completely cover the entire mouth of the pan. If it is too small, the balloon may be damaged when hit.
- A 60 cm balloon is suitable for a 25-30 cm diameter pan.
- A 40 cm balloon should be combined with a pot less than 25 cm in diameter.
Step 3. Cut the mouth of the balloon
Use scissors to cut the mouth of the balloon. Make sure you cut out the mouth of the balloon, and not the body.
Step 4. Stretch the balloon at the mouth of the pan and secure it with a rubber band
Hold the pot with your knees or ask a friend to hold the pot. Position the balloon over the mouth of the pan and stretch it to cover the entire mouth of the pan. Tie a rubber band around the mouth of the pan to secure the stretched balloon.
Step 5. Play the drums
Use a light wooden stick to play the drums. Chopsticks, small wooden sticks, or pencils can also be used to play the balloon drum!
Method 2 of 3: Using a Coffee Can
Step 1. Glue the cardboard around the coffee can
Start by removing the cover and label of the coffee can. Use the label of the coffee can as a reference when cutting the cardboard to make it the right size. Glue the cardboard around the surface of the coffee can with glue.
If you can't use the can label as a reference, use a ruler to measure the width of the can label. Draw a rectangle on cardboard that is the same width as the can label. You can cut sections of cardboard that are too long
Step 2. Stretch the cloth over the coffee can
Use hot glue to glue a piece of cloth to the mouth of the coffee can. Cut the fabric that is too long, leaving 2-4 cm.
The size of the cloth should be at least 2 times the width of the mouth of the can. For example, if the area of a coffee can is 8x8 cm, the cloth used must be 16x16 cm
Step 3. Install the can cover
Reattach the can cover to secure the fabric and provide a scratchable surface. You can hide the edges of the can lid by gluing tape over the top.
Step 4. Decorate the drums
Use markers, stickers, feathers, or other decorations to make the drums look more interesting. You can draw paper around the drum or hang feathers on the tin lid. Be imaginative and let the kids decorate the drums.
Step 5. Prepare the drumsticks
Prepare a light wooden stick to be used as a drumstick. Alternatively, use a wooden stick, chopsticks, or pencil to play the drums!
Method 3 of 3: Making Doumbek (African Drum)
Step 1. Prepare cardboard tubes and plastic flower pots
This drum is made of a cardboard tube with a plastic flower pot attached to it. You can buy cardboard tubes at your nearest home supply store and on the internet.
- Choose a cardboard tube with a diameter of 8-10 cm.
- The bottom of the flower pot should be 10 cm in diameter.
Step 2. Prepare the beach ball
You'll need thick, flexible plastic for the drum head. Beach balls are a good option. As an alternative, you can also use other flexible and thick plastic materials.
The balloon is too thin
Step 3. Cut the cardboard tube
Cut the cardboard tube 30 cm long using scissors or a small saw. Make sure the tube is cut straight so that it can be attached to the flowerpot horizontally.
Step 4. Cut the beach ball into squares
Start by cutting out the beach ball blower. After that, cut the beach ball and lay it evenly. Cut the beach ball into a rectangle that is as long as the beach ball. By doing this, the ball can cover the entire mouth of the flowerpot.
Step 5. Attach a plastic square (beach ball) to the embroidery hoop
Prepare an embroidery circle that is the same size as the mouth of the flower pot. Disassemble the embroidery hoop then stretch the plastic beach ball under the embroidery hoop. Place the top of the embroidery hoop below, and make sure the beach ball is securely in place.
This is the drum head
Step 6. Connect the drum head with the flower pot
Place the drum head on top of the flower pot and tape it down. Apply as much tape as possible to secure the drum head.
Step 7. Connect the flower pots with cardboard tubes
Place the flower pot on top of the cardboard tube. Use masking tape to glue the flowerpot to the cardboard tube.
Step 8. Decorate the drums
Use decorations to make African drums more interesting. You can loop the string around the tape to hide it. Attach feathers and beads to make the drums look more unique.
Tips
- Create other instruments so the child can make a musical group.
- Cut the cardboard early and let the child decorate it before attaching it to the drum. This is done so that the child can decorate the drum more easily.
- Ask a friend to help stretch the balloon so that it covers the mouth of the pot. Making drums is easier when using two hands.
