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Make Music with Paper Towel Tubes.

Blog Post about making a Music Instrument from Toilet Paper Rolls.

Get your students tapping their feet while creating their own instruments! Your class can make several unique sounds by cutting a paper towel tube into thirds and adding different kinds of dried beans. Allow each student to draw their own design on the instrument for an added creative touch. Have the kids play in small groups, then share their original creations with the whole class!

Materials needed:

  • Paper towel tubes
  • Scissors
  • Rubber bands
  • Rice, beans, or small beads
  • Markers, paint, or stickers (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Gather several paper towel tubes. You can use as many as you like, depending on how many instruments you want to make.
  2. Cut one paper towel tube into two equal parts. These will be the handles for your instrument.
  3. Cut another paper towel tube into small pieces, each about an inch long. These will be the sound makers for your instrument.
  4. Fill the small paper towel tube pieces with rice, beans, or small beads. You can experiment with different amounts to create different sounds.
  5. Place one of the sound maker pieces into the end of a handle piece, ensuring it’s snugly in place. Secure it with a rubber band wrapped tightly around the end.
  6. Repeat the previous step with the remaining sound maker pieces and handle pieces.
  7. Decorate your instruments with markers, paint, or stickers, if desired.

You’re done! Shake your new instrument and enjoy the sounds it makes.

Tips:

  1. You can experiment with different fillings to create different sounds. Try using sand, dried pasta, or even small pebbles.
  2. You can also vary the size of the sound makers to create different tones.
  3. Supervise young children closely while making and using this instrument to ensure they are safe.