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Musical Instrument Names for Kindergarten and Nursery Classes

musical instrument names
‘Music can change the world’, you’ve heard this statement, haven’t you? Music has a vital role to play in shaping human culture and development. Early exposure to musical instruments enhances cognitive skills, creativity, and emotional expression. Music, songs, tunes and beats become a part of every kid’s life. Many of you may sing songs for your little ones to calm them down, engage them, or put them to sleep. Musical instruments are popular among children, whether drums, pianos, or xylophones. However, the world of musical instruments is vast. Therefore, introduce them to musical instrument names, whether or not your little one is inclined towards music.
Are you wondering about how and when to introduce your little ones to the names of musical instruments? The guide has answers to all your questions. So, stay tuned!

Benefits of Musical Instrument Names

Learning the names of musical instruments benefits children in the following ways:
  • Build vocabulary
  • Link sounds to culture, for instance tabla in India
  • Enhances creativity
  • Develops cognitive skills
  • Builds confidence
  • Brain development

List of Musical Instrument Names for Kindergarten and Nursery Classes

Let’s explore some musical instruments by name for children:
musical instrument names

Bongo Drums

They are a pair of small drums from Cuba and are wide open at the bottom. The small-sized drums are called machos, which creates high pitches. On the other hand, the big ones are called hembra and create deep tones. Play the instrument with your palm or fingertips. The little ones will love bongo drums because they are the best for quick energetic rhythms.

Flute

The flute is a delicate metal or wooden musical instrument. Blow it across the hole to create gentle sounds. Begin with a recorder for children because operating a recorder will be easier for the little ones.

Keyboard

A keyboard is an electronic variant of the highly popular musical instrument, the piano. Press the keys to play the instrument or create synth sounds and noises.

Tabla

The table is a pair of music instruments Indian. The drum on the right side is usually small in size, while the one on the left is big. The two drums of different sizes help create complicated rhythms in Indian classical music. When you teach the little ones about the tabla, you can tap your knees like a tabla player.

Xylophone

A xylophone features bars manufactured from wood or metal. They look bright and colourful. Pluck the colourful bars using mallets for vibrant, ringing notes.

Violin

The violin is a common musical instrument and highly popular. It features 4 strings and is played using a bow. It is the main centre of attraction in orchestras and has small variants for children.

Harmonica

The harmonica is a small instrument with holes in between. Blow air through them to play any type of music as per your choice.

Accordion

The accordion is a musical instrument with a box-shaped structure. It features keys and buttons on both sides. Squeeze the buttons on the folding side to push air in between the reeds, which helps create rich, vibrant sounds. An accordion is famous in folk music, and the weight of some of these instruments is the same as toddler.

Maracas

Maracas are shakers that originated in Latin America. Filled with seeds and pebbles, this musical instrument is traditionally manufactured from dried gourds. But in the contemporary world, maracas are available in multiple sizes and materials such as wood, plastic, etc. You can make this instrument at home. Surprised right? Fill beads, dried beans, or rice in water bottles, and shake them well to make festive rhythms.

Maracas

Maracas are shakers that originated in Latin America. Filled with seeds and pebbles, this musical instrument is traditionally manufactured from dried gourds. But in the contemporary world, maracas are available in multiple sizes and materials such as wood, plastic, etc. You can make this instrument at home. Surprised right? Fill beads, dried beans, or rice in water bottles, and shake them well to make festive rhythms.

Zither

With origins in Europe, the Zither is a musical instrument featuring flat strings. Keep the instrument on your lap and pluck its strings for sober, harp-like sounds. Do you know? This musical instrument has been a part of the Harry Potter series!

How Can You Teach Your Children About Musical Instrument Names

Here is how you can teach the little ones the names of various musical instruments:
  • Use Flashcards and Books: Show cards and books with the pictures and names of musical instruments to the little ones. Tell them the names and later ask the kids. Then ask them, ‘What is this?’
  • Watch Music Cartoons: Music shows such as Bluey or Cocomelon introduce musical instruments. Show the cartoons to children and ask them their names.
  • Go to a Music Shop: Take the children to a music shop. Let them touch the instruments and say, ‘This is a tabla or violin.’
  • Hands-on Play: Give toy instruments to the children and tell them music instruments Indian names. Tell the kids to play the instruments, and then ask them the names you have told them.

Fun Activities to Learn Musical Instrument Names

There are various ways to entertain your child with musical instruments. The main thing is to create an enjoyable, supportive environment that promotes exploration and innovativeness. Here are some fun activities that will keep your little ones engaged and help them get familiar with music instruments Indian:
musical instrument names

DIY Instrument Crafts

Fill a bottle with rice to create a shaker or tie a box with rubber bands to create a guitar-like instrument, and teach them about the guitar.

Name-That-Sound Game

Play various musical instruments like flute, drum, violin, piano, harmonium, tabla, or guitar. Tell kids the names while playing each instrument, and then ask the children about the instruments.

Matching Worksheets

Take a paper and write the musical instrument names on one side. On the other side, draw a picture of musical instruments or paste their images. Match the names to the photographs while teaching.

Stop and Play

This activity is like musical chairs. Ask the children to do some activities when the music plays. When it stops, ask them to pick any musical instrument and play until the recorder starts playing again. This helps them familiarise themselves with different sounds and identify musical cues.

Musical Hide and Seek

Ask one child to act as the seeker, and ask the other kids to hide with their musical instruments. Tell the hiding kids to play their respective instruments periodically to give hints to the seeker, helping to find friends and cousins. Such activities enhance listening skills and teamwork.

Conclusion

Teaching children the names of musical instruments is like unlocking the door to a magical world. A child derives long-term benefits by being introduced to musical instrument names. From beads-filled bottles to xylophones for your little ones, instilling a musical taste in kindergarten and nursery classes sets the foundation for enjoyment and personal growth. Formal musical lessons, casual play, and real instruments can instil a wonderful experience. Introducing your little ones to music at a tender age will help them engage in this fun activity between their academics. At Bodhi Montessori, we combine fun and learning to support your little ones and help them grow. Therefore, let’s beat the drums and sing a song because every kid deserves a soundtrack in their childhood. Connect with us today for quality education and to make learning fun and easy!

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