16 Music Crafts for Kids in Preschool

Music time with little kids can be loud, wiggly, and a bit chaotic—but it’s also pure joy. The tricky part is finding projects that feel “wow!” without a big mess or tricky steps. These music crafts are simple enough for preschool hands, yet they look and sound impressive.

They use basic supplies, build fine-motor skills, and invite kids to explore rhythm, pitch, and sound—without needing a fancy music room.

1. Rainbow Ribbon Wrist Jingle

A bright, swishy bracelet that jingles with every move. Kids will love how the ribbons flutter while the bells chime, turning any wiggle into a mini parade.

Materials Needed:

1. Wide elastic or hook-and-loop wrist strap
2. Colorful ribbon scraps
3. Small craft bells

How to make it:

1. 1. Cut ribbon into 6–8 inch strips.
2. 2. Tie a bell onto the end of each ribbon with a double knot.
3. 3. Knot the other ends of the ribbons evenly around the elastic or strap.
4. 4. Fit it on the wrist and trim ribbons for even, pretty tails.

2. Rainstick Surprise Tube

A gentle rainfall sound from a simple tube, decorated like a magical wand. It’s soothing to tilt back and forth and watch the slow fall of seeds inside.

Materials Needed:

1. Cardboard mailing tube with caps or paper towel roll
2. Aluminum foil
3. Dry rice or lentils

How to make it:

1. 1. Twist aluminum foil into a long coil, then bend it like a loose spring and fit it inside the tube.
2. 2. Pour in a handful of rice or lentils.
3. 3. Cap both ends with tape-secured caps or sturdy paper circles.
4. 4. Decorate the outside with markers or washi tape.

3. Painted Egg Shaker Pals

Cute, palm-sized shakers that look like tiny animals or friendly monsters. The soft rattle sound and bright paint make them a favorite for circle time.

Materials Needed:

1. Plastic fillable eggs
2. Dry beans or popcorn kernels
3. Washi tape or child-safe paint

How to make it:

1. 1. Add a spoonful of beans or kernels into one egg half and snap it shut.
2. 2. Wrap the seam tightly with washi tape to secure.
3. 3. Paint or tape on simple faces, spots, or stripes.
4. 4. Let dry completely before shaking.

4. Paper Plate Ocean Drum

A mini ocean in your hands—swish it and hear soft waves. The glittery “sand” inside looks magical as it shimmers.

Materials Needed:

1. Two sturdy paper plates
2. Dry sand or small beads
3. Glue stick or tape

How to make it:

1. 1. Sprinkle a thin layer of sand or beads into one plate.
2. 2. Place the second plate on top, rims touching.
3. 3. Glue or tape the rims all the way around to seal.
4. 4. Paint waves or add fish stickers on the outside.

5. Stretchy Straw Pan Flute

A colorful, zig-zag flute kids can blow across to explore pitch. It looks like a tiny rainbow ladder and sounds airy and fun.

Materials Needed:

1. Colorful drinking straws
2. Tape
3. Scissors

How to make it:

1. 1. Cut straws into different lengths (shorter = higher pitch).
2. 2. Line them up from longest to shortest.
3. 3. Tape across the straws in two places to hold them together.
4. 4. Decorate the tape with doodles and blow gently across the tops.

6. Box-top Thumb Piano (Kalimba-Lite)

A tiny plucky instrument that makes cheerful twangs. The paperclip tines look cool and feel magical to press.

Materials Needed:

1. Small cardboard box lid
2. Jumbo paper clips
3. Tape

How to make it:

1. 1. Unfold paper clips to create straight “tines” with a short bend at one end.
2. 2. Tape a row of tines across the box edge so the short bends are secured and the long ends hang over.
3. 3. Press the free ends to pluck and adjust lengths for different pitches.
4. 4. Decorate the box lid with markers or stickers.

7. Sensory Scarf Stick

A light, floaty wand that swirls through the air to music. It turns simple movement into dance with whispery whooshes.

Materials Needed:

1. Wooden dowel or chunky craft stick
2. Sheer scarf or strips of tulle
3. Washi tape

How to make it:

1. 1. Wrap the handle with washi tape for grip and color.
2. 2. Tie one end of the scarf or tulle strips to the top of the stick.
3. 3. Double-knot to secure.
4. 4. Trim ends so they’re even and fluttery.

8. Jingle Jump Anklets

Little ankle bands that turn stomps into music. They sparkle and ring, perfect for freeze dance.

Materials Needed:

1. Soft felt strip or elastic band
2. Craft bells
3. Yarn or embroidery thread

How to make it:

1. 1. Measure and cut the felt or elastic to fit around an ankle.
2. 2. Thread bells onto short pieces of yarn.
3. 3. Tie the bell threads onto the band, spacing them out.
4. 4. Secure the anklet with a gentle knot or Velcro.

9. Mini Cardboard Harp

A sweet, strummy harp made from a box piece and rubber bands. The lines look tidy and sound zippy when plucked.

Materials Needed:

1. Sturdy cardboard cut into a U-shape
2. Rubber bands
3. Tape

How to make it:

1. 1. Cut a U-shaped frame out of cardboard.
2. 2. Stretch rubber bands across the opening, side to side.
3. 3. Tape bands on the back edges to keep them spaced.
4. 4. Pluck each band to hear different pitches.

10. Bottle Cap Castanets

Snap-clack percussion that fits in tiny hands. The painted caps look like shiny beetles tapping together.

Materials Needed:

1. Thick cardboard strip or craft stick
2. Two metal bottle caps
3. Glue

How to make it:

1. 1. Glue one bottle cap to each end of the strip, facing inward.
2. 2. Let dry fully so the caps align and touch when folded.
3. 3. Decorate the strip with paint or markers.
4. 4. Pinch ends to make a crisp click.

11. Shoebox Stage Drum

A deep, satisfying thump from a simple box drum. The taped “drumhead” looks sleek and gives a nice bounce.

Materials Needed:

1. Shoebox
2. Packing tape or parchment paper
3. Two wooden spoons

How to make it:

1. 1. Remove the lid and stretch tape strips tightly across the opening, covering it.
2. 2. Or tape parchment paper taut over the top.
3. 3. Decorate the box sides with stickers or drawings.
4. 4. Tap gently with hands or wooden spoons.

12. Beaded Rhythm Rings

Chunky, colorful rings that make soft clicks when shaken. They double as counting tools and look like candy bracelets.

Materials Needed:

1. Pipe cleaners
2. Large pony beads
3. Tape

How to make it:

1. 1. Thread beads onto a pipe cleaner, leaving an inch at each end.
2. 2. Twist ends together to form a ring.
3. 3. Wrap the twist with tape for comfort.
4. 4. Shake or tap together to keep the beat.

13. Water Xylophone Jars

A pretty line of jars that play different notes. The light shining through the colored water is mesmerizing.

Materials Needed:

1. 5–7 small glass or plastic jars
2. Water and food coloring
3. Wooden spoon

How to make it:

1. 1. Fill jars with different water levels.
2. 2. Add a drop of color to each for a rainbow effect.
3. 3. Line them up from fullest to least full.
4. 4. Tap gently with a wooden spoon to explore pitch.

14. Muffin Tin Bell Chimes

Sparkly, cheerful chimes for little tappers. Each cup holds a bell that shivers with sound.

Materials Needed:

1. Metal muffin tin
2. Craft bells
3. Ribbon or yarn

How to make it:

1. 1. Tie a short ribbon to each bell.
2. 2. Loop ribbons over the muffin tin edges so bells hang in the cups.
3. 3. Knot or tape ribbons to secure.
4. 4. Tap the tin or shake gently to chime.

15. Spoon Gourd Guiro (Cardboard Version)

A raspy “zip-zip” scraper inspired by a guiro, using ridged cardboard. It looks artsy and makes a great beat.

Materials Needed:

1. Corrugated cardboard piece
2. Wooden spoon
3. Tape or markers

How to make it:

1. 1. Cut a rectangle of corrugated cardboard with the ridges exposed on one side.
2. 2. Tape edges for smooth handling and decorate.
3. 3. Hold the cardboard like a small board.
4. 4. Scrape the wooden spoon along the ridges for that classic sound.

16. Ribboned Hoop Tambourine

A cheerful hoop that shakes, swishes, and looks like a carnival. The ribbons make it feel festive and fun to play.

Materials Needed:

1. Small embroidery hoop or sturdy plastic ring
2. Craft bells
3. Ribbon

How to make it:

1. 1. Tie lengths of ribbon around the hoop, letting tails hang.
2. 2. Thread a few bells onto some ribbons before knotting.
3. 3. Space ribbons evenly for a full look.
4. 4. Shake and spin to hear jingle and swish together.