How to make music with everyday objects

How do we create music?

While learning to play a musical instrument is great fun, you don't need to play an instrument to start making music with your friends.

You can make music using objects you find in your home, classroom or the area around you. We call these found sounds.

YolanDa is going to help you get started. Discover what sounds and music YolanDa makes when she visits a school.

What do you think she might find to help her create her first sound?

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YolanDa has made a big box bass from a box, broom handle and an old washing line.

Which instrument does this sound like?

YolanDa is exploring a street market looking for some found sounds. What kind of sounds do you think she is going to find there ?

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Using the objects YolanDa found in the street market, the Mighty Music Makers made a comb kazoo.

It's made from a comb and some tissue paper.

Humming or speaking into the kazoo makes a cool buzzing sound.

Hum or sing through the kazoo and see what melodies you can make for your music.

If you're working with your friends, why not make and play your big box bass and comb kazoo together to create your own music!

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Have a go at making your own big box bass.
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Step 1
1. Have a responsible adult drill or poke a hole in the middle of the box. We’re going to put the string through this hole, so you don’t need to make it too large.
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Step 2
2. Next, cut the washing line. The length of the line needs to be longer than the pole, but if you make the line too long, you can trim the ends later. Take the metal washer (a large one is preferred) and tie one end of the washing line to it.
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Step 3
3. Thread the washing line from inside the box, so it comes out through the hole we made earlier. The washer we tied to the end stops the rest of the line from slipping through.
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Step 4
4. Take the pole, and hold it vertically at the corner of the box. Tie the loose end of the line to the top end of the pole. Now you're ready to play your big box bass!

Always ask a grown up to use the drill and make sure you stand back while they are using it.

This musical instrument can be made with a cardboard box, but a wooden box gives the best results

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Step 1
1. First, you’ll need a square of tissue paper, less than 20cm wide, to place around the comb. Fold the square paper in half. Next, you’ll need a comb - a wide one with lots of teeth is perfect (you won’t find much success with a hairbrush here).
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Step 2
2. Place the comb inside the folded paper so the teeth are pointing away from the fold.
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Step 3
3. If the length of the paper is wider than the comb, ask a grown up to cut off the excess from the sides.
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Step 4
4. You’re now ready to perform! Play your comb kazoo by holding the comb by the edges, placing the fold of the paper to your lips and humming (just blowing won’t make any sound).