Start your family band by crafting some awesome homemade instruments. Most of these are super easy to make, and kids will have a blast banging on a tin can drum, shaking DIY maracas, and making some tunes. Looking for other creative projects for kids? Check out our collection of crafts for toddlers, classic paper crafts for kids, and things kids can make with toilet paper rolls.

Why Are Homemade Instruments Important?

Making and playing homemade instruments allows kids to use not only their artistic creativity but their musical creativity as well. In addition, according to the Ethnomusicology Review, “When fully engaged in musical invention, children can develop their naturally imaginative and participatory approach to learning.”

Our Favorite DIY Instruments You Can Make at Home

Cardboard Rain Stick

A rain stick makes the prettiest sound, and it’s very easy to make one at home with a few simple items. We love the tutorial for this found over at Kid Made Modern.

Cardboard Guitar

a picture of a cardboard guitar, a homemade instrument
Pink Stripey Socks

Perfect for toddlers who aren't ready for the real thing, we love this cardboard guitar spotted over at Pink Stripey Socks. You can paint it in any design, too! 

Hand Drums

a picture of DIY drums, homemade instruments
Minted

Kids can twist and twirl these homemade hand drums to their heart's content! Find the tutorial over at Minted.

Bongo, Shaker, Güiro All in One

Mama. Papa. Bubba

This fun little instrument is really three in one! Kids will enjoy shaking it or playing it as a drum and it's super easy to make. Get the tutorial over at Mama.Papa.Bubba.

Jingle Ring

picture of jingle rings, which are a homemade instruments
Buggy and Buddy

This adorable nature-themed tambourine-like DIY instrument is the perfect addition to a May Day celebration or even just a day outside. Easy to make, you can find the tutorial from Buggy and Buddy.

"Do-Re-Mi" Xylophone

Chelsea Foy of Lovely Indeed, in Partnership with The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization

If you've got a serious hankering for DIY projects, this adorable xylophone kids can play along to "Do-Re-Mi" from The Sound of Music fits the bill. From Lovely Indeed, you'll need to make a trek to the home-improvement store for all the materials, but the chic design and good sound quality mean you'll want to keep it out instead of stashing it away somewhere. Be sure to check out all the other adorable projects over at the Sound of Music Crafting Corner

CD Cymbals

picture of little girl using homemade CD symbols
Jackie Currie via Happy Hooligans

Happy Hooligans makes good use of CDs. We especially love these "cymbals" because they don't sound like real cymbals. 

Singing Straws

Handmade Charlotte

We love Handmade Charlotte's take on the pan flute. Not only does this homemade instrument make music, but it's also as bright and colorful as can be.

Rainbow Xylophone

a picture of a rainbow xylophone, a DIY instrument you can make at home
And Next Comes L

This super cute and colorful homemade instrument is as much fun to make as it is to play. Get the scoop on how to do it yourself over at And Next Comes L

Paper Plate Tambourine

a picture of a paper plate tambourine, a DIY instrument
Gabby Cullen

This little DIY instrument packs a jingle and it's a great use for paper plates left over from a birthday party. If you have the plain white ones, even better, though because then your little maestro gets to decorate her own. Get the complete step-by-step here

Didgeridoo

courtesy KiwiCo.

It's one of the world's oldest instruments, and your kids can make their colorful version in one afternoon. The secret to making it look real? Earth-toned paint colors. You can find the entire tutorial over at KiwiCo

Chicken in a Cup

homemade instruments
All for the Boys

For an outside-the-box take on a homemade instrument, you’ve got to try this “chicken in a cup” from All for the Boys. It’s super easy to put together using household items, and kids will get a kick out of the squeaky sound it makes.

Cereal Box Guitar

Made by Joel

If you've got a cereal box and a couple of rubber bands lying around, you've got a guitar! Made by Joel has the super simple how-to. Older babies and toddlers can help you decorate the cereal box with stickers or washi tape, then get to strumming. No cereal box? Rubber bands stretched around a loaf pan will produce a similar effect.

 

Homemade Tin Can Drums

Keep it simple (but still super fun) with this sweet DIY instrument idea from Red Ted Art. Kids can paint the “drums” however they want, and then they’ll have a blast discovering the different sounds they can make with kitchen utensils.

Backyard Concerts

homemade instruments
PreK K Sharing

Banging on a pot with a wooden spoon is practically a rite of passage in babyhood. Why not take it a step further and construct an outdoor music wall for your kids like this one from PreK + K Sharing? Scour your house for any seldom-used odds and ends that make a fun sound (or hit up your favorite thrift store), then use a hammer and nails to secure a section of fencing. 

Easter Egg Maracas

Picture of Easter Egg maracas, which are a homemade instruments
iStock

Shake to the sound of rice with these easy-peasy maracas. All you need is rice, plastic spoons, easter eggs, and tape! Best part? These shakers have been tried and tested by lifestyle blogger and mom of three, Katelyn Fagan of What’s Up Fagans, and they are certified to play at a decent volume without being too annoying. 

Kazoo

homemade instruments
Buggy and Buddy

Explore sound and science with Buggy and Buddy’s homemade kazoo. With simple materials that you’re bound to have at home, this kazoo is perfect for vocal tots who love to spend their days humming and singing. What a fun homemade instrument!

Shoebox Guitar

picture of a shoebox guitar, a fun homemade instrument
Minieco

Did you know empty containers hold a secret melody? All you need are some rubber bands, a shoebox, and split pins; then your quick-fingered tot can get their twang on. For the key to perfect, magical sound, check out the tutorial over at Minieco.

Mini Mandolin

Picture of a homemade mandolin, a fun DIY instrument
Hello Bee

With a little more time and effort, your wooden mandolin is set to last much longer than your musician’s first gig. Hello Bee has an awesome tutorial on making a mandolin that’s worthy of being part of a kid-sized Philharmonic. 

Pin Strummers

homemade instruments
Josie via Pi'ikea Street

Strum up a tune with bobby pins. This experiment and discovery project by Pi'ikea Street explores how different sounds can become just by changing one object.

Bell Shakers

homemade instruments
Hello Bee

Ring in a merry afternoon with these bell shakers. This tutorial from craft blog Hello Bee requires some drilling, but the modern look and long-lasting build are worth it. Now your littlest can join the family band with just a wriggle of the wrist!

Sensory Bin Shakers

a picture of sensory bin shakers, an easy homemade instrument
Fun-a-Day

We love these sensory bin shakers because they'll extend sensory play time. It's also easy for your kids to make on their own. Head over to Fun-a-Day to see how to make your own. 

with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton, Amber Guetebier, and Gabby Cullen

 

 

Need a good laugh? These Thanksgiving jokes will keep the whole family entertained for hours on turkey day

Add a little levity to the Thanksgiving table this year with some kid-approved Thanksgiving jokes. We gathered our favorite jokes about pie and funny jokes about turkeys for this list that will have your whole family laughing before dessert is even served! If you’re looking for more ways to keep the kids entertained during the holiday, check out our fun free Thanksgiving printables and Thanksgiving games for kids.

Turkey Thanksgiving Jokes

1. Why was the turkey late for Thanksgiving? 
He ran out of thyme.

2. What are turkeys most thankful for on Thanksgiving?
Vegetarians

3. What instrument does the turkey play in the band? 
The drums because he already has the drumsticks.

4. Who comes to Thanksgiving dinner but is not hungry?
The turkey because he’s already stuffed!

5. What side of the turkey has the most feathers? 
The outside.

6. Why did the turkey cross the road? 
The chicken was on vacation.

7. What kind of weather does a turkey like? 
Fowl weather!

8. What kind of key can’t open doors?
A tur-key!

9. Why did the turkey get arrested?
He was suspected of fowl play.

10. What do you call a turkey running in a sprint?
Fast food.

Jokes about Dessert

11. How do you fix a cracked pumpkin pie?
With a pumpkin patch.

12. What do you get if you cross a pie and a snake?
A pie-thon.

13. What’s the best thing to put in pumpkin pie? 
Your teeth.

14. What’s a pumpkin’s favorite game?
Squash

15. Why did the pumpkin pie cross the road? 
It saw a fork up ahead.

16. Why did the pie go to the dentist? 
It needed a filling.

17. Why did the apple pie cry?
Its peelings were hurt.

18. What did the pie say to the fork? 
You want a piece of me?

Thanksgiving Dinner Jokes

little girl smiling at Thanksgiving jokes
iStock

19. What did one plate say to the other plate?
Dinner is on me!

20. How many cranberries grow on a bush?
All of them.

21. What smells the best at Thanksgiving dinner?
Your nose.

22. Knock, Knock
Who’s there?
Harry!
Harry who?
Harry up, I’m hungry! 

23. What is the role of green beans at Thanksgiving dinner?
The casserole

24. What’s a potato’s favorite game to play during Thanksgiving dinner?
MASH

25. What kind of music do pilgrims listen to?
Plymouth Rock

 

Got a paper plate? If so, you can easily make this fun instrument

Give your kids a crash course in music appreciation, and fill an afternoon with creative fun by helping them make a DIY tambourine. Scroll down to find out what you’ll need (a few supplies and lots of imagination!) to make this paper plate tambourine, and your baby Beethovens will be hosting their own jam sessions in no time. Feeling crafty? Check out these other homemade instruments that actually work.

supplies for diy paper plate tambourine

What You’ll Need to Make a DIY Tambourine

1. Stiff paper plates (we used Chinet lunch plates)

2. Curling ribbon— any color

3. Silver jingle bells

4. Marker pens

5. Stickers

6. Scissors

7. Fishing line

8. Hot glue gun (parental supervision required)

9. Hole punch

little girl making a paper plate tambourine

Design the Paper Plate Tambourine

Let your kids design their own tambourine using markers and stickers. Each plate will be a side of the instrument.

Assemble the DIY Tambourine

steps for putting together a DIY tambourine
Step One

Measure and punch along the edge of the two paper plates. One spot at a time, use a pen to line up the location of the holes on each side of the tambourine.

tambourine_jinglebellscollage_music_national_redtricycle

Step Two

Using the fishing line, thread two jingle bells through each hole. Continue until every punched hole has two bells strung tightly.

tambourine_ribboncollage_music_national_redtriyccle

Step Three

Curl strips of ribbon with the scissors and then using just a dab of hot glue, insert and secure the strips to the bottom of the tambourine.

Play the Tambourine

They’ll love the impromptu jam session that occurs right after the project is complete!

little kids enjoying a DIY paper plate tambourine

 

 

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9 Reasons Learning a Musical Instrument Benefits Kids

We all know the importance of STEM education for kids—that’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Math for anyone scratching their heads. And yes, we need the next generation to harness the power of the sun and wind for energy, solve myriad health crises and save the planet. But exposure to the arts—be it music, theater or the visual and performing arts—is essential for kids’ development as well, and often enhances whatever science-leaning learning children are engaged in. Read on to learn the benefits of arts education for kids and why it matters.

It'll boost their school achievements.

Jamie Salka

For the record, your child does not need to be a prodigy or virtuoso to reap the benefits of arts of all kinds. A recent Kinder Institute for Urban Research study of third to eighth graders showed arts-learning experiences in school reduced disciplinary infractions, increased compassion for others and boosted achievement in writing, while also improving school engagement and college aspirations.

They'll develop creative problem-solving skills.

Ketut Subiyanto via Pexels

If there’s a superfood of artistic disciplines, it’s music. Just listening to music activates multiple areas of the brain, but learning how to play an instrument, and practicing it over time, is like a pro-level workout for our grey matter (Neuroscientists know this thanks to brain imaging technology like fMRIs and PET scanners, which enable us to see where in the brain activity is occurring.).

Playing an instrument engages the brain in its entirety, a phenomenon that is most significant because numerous parts of the brain are being stimulated at the same time. Playing an instrument engages the more analytical right hemisphere of your brain, as well as the more creative, left hemisphere. This combination, as well as the flow of information between the two sides of the brain, supports the development of higher-level executive functioning, such as creative problem-solving. 

It helps to prevent memory loss later in life.

Dr. Nick Stafford via Pixabay

You know what they say: you can't stop the music. It’s not a stretch to say that receiving some kind of music education can help your child become a more well-adjusted individual and provide them with some valuable life skills. A Harris Poll of American adults found that 70% felt music education developed their ability to be effective team players in their careers, and two-thirds reported it helped them become disciplined problem solvers. 

But beyond all that, time and again, music education has been cited as aiding in language development and acquisition and spatial-temporal skills, the latter of which are key in the areas of math, engineering, architecture and computer science. Childhood music lessons have long-term benefits as well, helping to mitigate memory loss and cognitive decline in old age. 

They'll master social skills.

Kids on Stage

Working as part of a large group is central to the theater arts, performing arts such as dance and even visual arts such as film. The experience helps develop an appreciation of the value of teamwork and how different people bring different skills to a task. Enjoying or participating in the arts also develops a person’s capacity for empathy and compassion. The New Victory Theater, dedicated to presenting and bringing diverse performing arts productions to young audiences, observed the impact of arts education in schools through its program called “New Victory SPARK.”

According to Lindsey Buller Maliekel, VP, Education and Public Engagement at New 42, early findings of the data reveal that kids’ access to and engagement with the performing arts supports kids’ impulses to try new things; the capacity for self-reflection and an appreciation of someone’s life that is different from their own, and an increased perspective and interpersonal skills that strengthen teamwork. Additional benefits included increased hope, optimism and resilience. “These benefits feel particularly relevant as kids negotiate in a world that has a lot of ambiguity!” she says. 

They'll experience increased engagement.

back-to-school picture ideas
iStock

Arts education is linked with high academic success, and a 2012 National Endowment for the Arts study found that arts education can be especially helpful in supporting students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. At-risk youth with high arts participation had better attendance, standardized test scores and a significantly lower dropout rate than their counterparts with no arts education. Additionally, students of the arts were more likely to attend and graduate from college. 

They'll have better self-esteem.

iStock

Yes, nailing that solo or soaking in applause during a curtain call is an effective way for your kid to get a self-esteem boost. But the even better news is that according to a 2019 study, just engaging in artistic pursuits such as music-making or listening, drawing or painting has a positive impact on a child’s self-esteem. (It’s even better if you play music with your kid; drawing is effective as a solo activity.)

 

—Mimi O’Connor

Feature image: Kids on Stage 

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When your little one comes home from school, excitedly gripping a flyer from the music department, you might express hesitation. Is it worth it to invest the time and money into letting your child play an instrument? 

The answer is a decided yes for many reasons. Engaging your child’s musical talents has benefits for nearly every other aspect of their life. Here are nine reasons why you should let your child play an instrument. 

1. It Improves Math Skills

Multiple studies suggest a link between musical and mathematical ability. However, skeptical scientists sought to disprove the link by examining other factors, such as socioeconomic conditions, that could influence this correlation. 

One such individual was educator Martin J. Bergee. He sought to disprove the connection between musical and mathematical ability by accounting for outside factors among a group of 1,000 middle school students. To his surprise, the association between achievement in one discipline and the other remained, even when factoring in conditions like income level. 

Bergee is not the only one to recognize the connection. According to the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation, music helps students with standardized tests like the SATs and their maths classes. If your little one struggles in algebra, let them play the tuba. 

2. It Hones Language Skills

Recite the first seven letters of the alphabet. Chances are, you sang them, right? 

Music has the power to make language acquisition easier. Singing makes it possible for children to memorize lists and concepts they would otherwise struggle to retain. It can even help those with Down Syndrome practice articulation and the flow of words in an engaging way. 

3. It Encourages Creativity

It probably doesn’t surprise you that music fosters creativity. Letting your children make tunes is another way to engage their imagination. 

You don’t necessarily need to sign your child up for formal lessons—although doing so may help preserve your delicate ears. Anyone who has ever had a piano in their home knows that kids will instinctively play with it. If money is tight, you can pick up inexpensive instruments like recorders and tambourines. 

4. It Gets Kids Active

If you think playing an instrument isn’t active, please go talk to the nearest “band geek” who walked a mile while carrying a trombone. Playing music counts as physical activity. 

Even video games like “Rock Band” get your little one up off the couch. If they go all out, imitating their favorite performing artists, they can scorch some serious calories while aiding in young muscle development. 

5. It Inspires Discipline

There are no shortcuts in the music world. As with any creative endeavor, the only way for your child to get better is to practice. 

However, music also brings with it an intrinsic reward. Your little one can hear their growth, and it inspires them to keep going. You can tell them a million times not to give up on an endeavor out of frustration, but it’s far better for them to figure out the lesson independently through their guitar explorations. 

6. It Creates Agency

Agency refers to the feeling that you have control over your actions and the consequences. It’s vital to mental health—feeling helpless can plunge your little one into despair. 

Mastering a musical instrument teaches your child that they can do something when they apply themselves to the task. They can carry this newfound confidence forward into future endeavors. 

7. It Develops Cultural Appreciation

You want your child to appreciate works of music and art. Perhaps no method is better for instilling awe than having them try to replicate the masters—and seeing how challenging their craft can be. 

You can further encourage your child’s musical exploration by taking them to concerts. Mix it up—one night, you can see the hottest band, and another, you can hit the orchestra. 

8. It Provides Stress Relief

Please don’t make the mistake of thinking too much tension is the sole province of grownups. Research published in the National Institutes of Health indicates that 35% of primary school children experience stress-related health problems, and the issues often compound as they get older. 

Music provides a natural outlet for stress. Your child can lose themselves in their favorite jams and reap the endorphin-producing benefits of getting more active when they play their troubles away. 

9. It’s Integral to the Human Experience

Finally, you should let your child play an instrument because music is vital to the human experience. No other creature on earth uses foreign devices to create melodies, although you can certainly hear birds and whales sing. 

Scientists may never know for certain what inspired the first human to pick up a hollowed bird bone and invent a flute. The urge probably stemmed from the same need everyone has to communicate. Some do so through words and others through musical notes—let your child explore this realm of self-expression. 

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Kara Reynolds is the Editor-in-Chief and founder of Momish Magazine.  A mom of four and matriarch to her big blended family, Kara wants nothing more than to normalize differences in family structures.  She enjoys peeing alone, pancakes, and pinot noir - but not at the same time. 

If music is the food of love, then tune-loving kids and parents alike will swoon over the veritable smörgåsbord of fantastic music-making apps available on the market today. From classical creators to hip-hop jams, we sampled an entire marching-band-worth of apps (so you don’t have to) and discovered the grooviest ones. Check out our ensemble of apps below—your kids will be joining in on the rhythm nation in no time.

Melody Jams

Preschool rock-and-rollers will really dig Melody Jams, a fun, interactive music-making game that lets players animate and orchestrate their own garage band comprised of adorably-drawn monster characters. Band members can be mixed and matched, with each character possessing unique personality traits and different instrument skills, which are described in detail on the Melody Jams website. Additional music and scene bundles are available for purchase via iTunes for $4.99.

For preschoolers & up. Available for iOS, $3.99.

Crayola DJ

Aspiring DJs will have a blast mixing and scratching their own custom beats and tunes with Crayola’s nicely-designed music app. Created in partnership with mobile game developer Legacy Games, Crayola DJ features a well-laid-out interface of dual virtual turntables that junior Junior Vasquezes can use to mix and remix almost 100 exclusive tracks—all created by professional DJs. Tracks are available in five musical genres, including hip-hop, dance, pop, fusion and holiday, and a tempo slider lets users adjust BPMs to take their mixes from chillout deep house to frenetic EDM. Regardless of your mini-DJ’s level of musical experience or sound-engineering skills, the app intelligently creates legit professional-sounding dance music that invariably will get people on their feet and moving to the beats.

For ages 6 & up. Available for iOS, $2.99.

 

Kapu Bloom Tunes

Combining two activities that kids love (painting and music) Kapu Bloom Tunes lets kids paint the world with music. This sweet digital toy may seem simplistic—there are no recording or sharing options—but young musicians will delight in seeing how their finger paintings are brought to life through colors and sounds. Players dig for, find, then decorate the seeds of a melody flower, which are planted in the ground. By painting the soil and watering the seeds, the resulting plants bloom with music. Tickling plants causes them to sing a variety of familiar melodies and nursery rhymes, and spinning petals leads to even more musical interludes.

For ages 0 & up. Available for iOS, $1.99.

Duckie Deck Homemade Orchestra

This delightful music-making app is designed for preschoolers and older, and lets them explore how sounds are made using a variety of different, ordinary household objects, such as an empty soda bottle or a rubber band. Kids can listen to and learn how to play sounds created with virtual homemade instruments, at the same time developing a better understanding of how sounds are made in the real world. The app’s simple, intuitive interface makes it perfect for younger users, and the ad-free play environment makes it easy on parents’ wallets, too.

For preschoolers & up. Available for iOS, $2.99.

Adventures of Poco Eco—Lost Sounds

Although it’s not precisely a music-making app per se, Adventures of Poco Eco—Lost Sounds is a dreamy and visually-stunning music-adventure game that’ll have you and your kids hooked from the start. Featuring straightforward puzzles and a gorgeous electronic soundtrack composed by acclaimed Hungarian musician and artist Iamyank, players are drawn into a mesmerizing neon wonderland where they are tasked with helping an explorer named Poco Eco complete his mission of finding the lost sounds of his tribe. This multi-award-winning app is less like a typical puzzle-adventure game and more like a meditative musical journey across a dozen 3D-animated game levels.

For ages 6 & up. Available for iOS, $3.99, and Android, $2.99.

Loopimal

Take one part plug-and-play music maker and one part covert coding tutorial and the results would be Loopimal, a cool digital building app that lets nascent electronica musicians create neat animations powered by sounds. Users can create music loops by using pre-programmed blocks that provide both melodies and character animations that can be layered over various beats. With its easy-to-use interface, kids can learn how arranging and repeating blocks in certain sequences can add up to different sounds and movements of cutely-illustrated animals, including a bear, a pig, an octopus, a sloth, a bird and a yeti. Although the app is missing save and share options, young users will enjoy experimenting with sounds and animations in this entertaining app.

For preschoolers & up. Available for iOS, $3.99.

Easy Music

Conceived by musician and educator Michael Emenau, Easy Music is premised on the theory that before kids can effectively learn how to play music, they first need to learn how to listen to it. Through this appealing, interactive app, kids learn how to recognize notes, pitch, rhythm and melody by exploring different animated worlds and interacting with a color-coded keyboard that helps budding musicians begin the journey toward playing music by ear. Bonus: there are no ads or in-app purchases, a welcome relief from the growing deluge of overly commercialized mobile apps aimed at kids.

For ages 5 & up. Available for iOS, $3.99 and Android, $10.99.

Magic Piano

From classical to contemporary pop, Magic Piano has gamified tickling the virtual ivories. The app even makes someone who’s all thumbs sound like a piano prodigy. Players follow beams of onscreen lights, which guide fingertips to hit the right notes. Rhythm and tempo can be adjusted to suit a player’s fancy, adding his or her own sense of musical style to some familiar and not-so-familiar songs. There’s also an option to switch instrument modes, which range from baroque harpsichord to new wave synthesizer. The app supports 13 languages and the premium music catalog currently boasts more than 1,000 songs, with new songs added daily. For those who want access to the entire songbook, subscription plans start at $2.99 weekly.

For ages 5 & up. Available for iOS and Android, free with in-app purchases.

Medly Music Maker

Downloaded more than half a million times, award-winning Medly Music Maker already has been named to numerous “Best of” lists, including Apple’s Editor’s Choice and Best App of 2016. The free version of the app comes with 12 instruments, with 100 more—ranging from house synths to classical violins, and hundreds of drum and FX samples—available through in-app purchases. Amateur and professional musicians alike can create songs in a variety of genres through a simple visual interface where notes are drawn onscreen. The app is compatible with Apple Watch, allowing users to open, play and control Medly-created songs directly from their wrists.

For ages 10 & up. Available for iOS, free with in-app purchases.

Keezy

Addictive and delightful are just two words to describe Keezy, a quirky musical instrument-slash-sound sampler app that helps wannabe beatboxers of all ages create and record their own custom beats and loops with just a few taps. Keezy comes pre-loaded with 15 sound boards—created by popular alternative musicians, including Reggie Watts, Tegan and Sara, The Mast, Francis and the Lights, and Reni Lane—which can serve as the basis for users’ musical creations. Additional sounds can be recorded on each of the eight colored tiles, which are tapped to play back or pressed and held to loop. There’s also a free companion Drummer app from Keezy for those who want to take their beats to the next level.

For ages 5 & up. Available for iOS, free.

 

 

—Kipp Jarecke-Cheng

All images courtesy of app companies.


Featured image: iStock 

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Incorporating Music into Distance Learning

With many kids learning remotely, parents are looking for enrichment activities that can be accessed from home. LUMI offers a way to learn how to play the piano without leaving the house. 

LUMI

The all-in-one LUMI system lets you choose the songs you love from Beyonce to Beethoven in the app and play them instantly by following lights on an illuminated keyboard. You can select from hundreds of songs, lessons and exercises that will help to build lifelong musical skills

Roland Lamb, founder and CEO of ROLI, said: “We set out to make LUMI the world’s first fully integrated hardware, software, and content platform for music learning. Its growth and evolution over the past year truly make LUMI the easiest and most fun way to get started learning the piano. Meeting a need that’s more important than ever before, LUMI empowers people who love music to teach themselves an instrument entirely from home.”

LUMI

Previously available only on Kickstarter, LUMI was the most-funded music learning project ever on that platform. Over the past year, ROLI has comprehensively upgraded LUMI Keys and the LUMI app based on feedback from thousands of early users. These improvements include:

  • Internally redesigning LUMI Keys 1 for an overall stronger build. Now 77g heavier, the keyboard is more durable. Its key action performance is better and its key sensitivity is even more precise.
  • Tripling the size of the LUMI Complete content library, now with 400+ songs and 100+ lessons.
  • Introducing new ways to read music and play songs, including through traditional black-and-white musical notation.
  • Introducing 360 exercises for practicing scales and chords in every key.
  • Improving navigation, interactivity, and the performance of the app experience on an expanded range of devices.

Stock of LUMI Keys 1 is limited, and all preorders will be delivered on a first-ordered, first-shipped basis. Early buyers save $130 in a limited-time bundle offer that includes LUMI Keys 1, a free Snapcase, free shipping, and a $50 discount voucher to LUMI Premium all for $299.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of LUMI

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Clarissa Sidhom

I help mamas find style, sanity, and sisterhood while parenting! My blog is filled with fashion, home, and kids ideas to make life easier and more beautiful.

New babies bring a special joy to the holiday season – and an extra name on your shopping list! When babies are so young, it’s hard to know what to gift them. After all, at that age, their favorite things are milk and naps! Here are some of my favorite go-to baby gifts after having two babies of my own.


1

Personalized Baby's First Christmas Ornament

A one of a kind gift

$22.8

This beautiful engraved ornament can be personalized with baby's name and birth details. What a thoughtful gift that will bring joy for years to come!

BUY NOW

2

Llama Musical Instrument

Congrats, you've just won Christmas

$39.99

I'm not sure anything beats a llama musical instrument as a baby gift. This wooden toy is well-structured and will bring so much joy!

BUY NOW

4

Peek-a-Boo Forest Soft Book

Baby AND Mom's favorite

$12

I can't tell you how many peaceful hours were spent drinking coffee while my baby happily played with this soft book. It's great entertainment and distraction for car rides, too!

BUY NOW

4

Baby Boutique Moccasins

The highest quality leather moccasins

$59

These soft-soled moccasins are handcrafted from leather and are the perfect shoes for the first two years of baby's life. This is a treat that many parents won't spring for themselves, but they are even more gorgeous in person and come in many styles/colors.

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5

Ride-On Alphabet Train

A toy that grows with baby til elementary school!

$49.99

Our boys have enjoyed this ride-on toy from 4 months old to 5 years old! Young babies can push the buttons during tummy time or sitting up, and toddlers can ride the train around. The alphabet bricks speak to baby and teach letters!

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6

Guess How Much I Love You

A beloved board book

$6.97

One of the world's most treasured board books.

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7

Structured Baby Carrier

Keeping baby & parents close

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If Mom and Dad haven't invested in a structured baby carrier, consider this highly functional, long-lasting gift! Baby will feel close to their parents, while their parents can actually get things done. This carrier can be used all the way into toddlerhood!

The 5th Annual Kids Music Day will be celebrated on Fri. Oct 2 with Mattthew Morrison serving as the official ambassador. The Grammy Museum YouTube Channel will premiere a special presentation entitled Matthew Morrison’s Disney Dreamin’ for Kids Music Day. Morrison will perform four songs off of his latest studio album, Disney Dreamin’

 Disney Dreamin' for Kids Music Day

Vanessa Williams and Jack Black also serve as Kids Music Day ambassadors, and are featured giving personal testimonials on the importance of music access.

Each year, Keep Music Alive partners with over 1,000 music schools, music stores and other music organizations around the world to hold special events that benefit and celebrate kids playing music. The goal is to highlight the importance of including music & the arts in children’s education.  Events held by participating locations include open houses, instrument petting zoos, free music lessons, student music performances, community/family jams, instrument donation drives, kids open mics and more. Due to the ongoing pandemic, virtual events and promotions for Kids Music Day will include live-streamed performances, open mics for kids, free online lessons, virtual instrument petting zoos (think “Musical Show & Tell”), online instrument clinics and Kids Music Day sales on select instruments, accessories and lesson programs.

“This year has presented many challenges, and I’m very thankful for music and its ability to bring positivity to my family’s life,” Morrison states. “I know firsthand just how valuable an introduction to the arts can be, and because of that, I’m here to support my friends at Keep Music Alive to celebrate Kids Music Day. Our hope is to encourage kids and their parents to tap into the arts to find the relief, joy, and inspiration that playing music can offer,” said Morrison.

 Disney Dreamin' for Kids Music Day

Over a dozen celebrity artists are showing their support for Music Education as Kids Music Day Ambassadors including Matthew Morrison, Julie Andrews, Jack Black, Ann & Nancy Wilson of Heart, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Michael Feinstein, Kenny Loggins, Richie Sambora, Sarah McLachlan, Vanessa Williams, Victor Wooten, Todd Rundgren, Philip Lawrence, Bernie Williams, Damien Escobar and Mandy Harvey.

Kids Music Day is also supported by music industry brands including Alfred Music, CASIO EMI, Conn-Selmer, D’Addario Foundation, Kala Brand Music, Guitar Girl Magazine, Hungry for Music, Les Paul Foundation, Music & Sound Retailer, Music Nomad Equipment Care, Remo Percussion and Rock Out Loud LIVE.  Some of the largest music chains in the nation participate including Music & Arts, Guitar Center, Kindermusik, Music Together, Gymboree, Long & McQuade, Bach to Rock and the legendary School of Rock.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Keep Music Alive

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