So you want to get your kid a musical instrument to see if they are a young Mozart. You’ve noticed their propensity for hitting things or waving their arms up and down and you think: percussion. If you have to hear loud noises anyway, maybe put it to good use? You can take a look at any of these instruments that introduce percussion and will spark musical inspiration. No matter what age you get into music, it helps stimulate the mind and can boost creativity. We’ve highlighted a few options for the best percussion instruments that aren’t a regular drum set that you or your child can pick up and learn to play more easily.
Percussion instruments that aren’t a regular drum set can be another drum set
The bongo drums are a staple in Caribbean music and can be used in many different ways. They are also a great tool to introduce music to children and the Remo KD-5400-01 Kids Percussion Bongo Drum is no exception. It has two connected drums, one that measures 5″ and the other measures 6″. The drumheads are pre-tuned, one of which is pitched high and the other low. It is made with Acousticon shells, so it will remain sturdy amidst all the use. It teaches children the importance of rhythm from the age of three and up. Plus, it has fun rainforest designs on it.
Key Features:
- Drumheads are pre-tuned
- Made with Acousticon shells
- Teaches children the importance of rhythm
A box can work as a percussion instrument that’s not a regular drum set
Sturdily designed, the Pyle String Cajon Wooden Percussion Box is perfect for jamming at any age. It has adjustable guitar strings on the inside that provide a smooth rhythmic sound. They can be adjusted from the bottom of the box with the hex key that’s included. It measures 120″ x 120″ x 180″ and weighs only 109 lbs., meaning it can travel with you to your next gig. It’s made to be sit on and played by tapping or slapping the box with your hands. It has rubber-capped feet that combat against vibration interference.
Key Features:
- Weighs 109 lbs.
- Strings can be adjusted from the bottom of the box with a hex key
- Measures 120″ x 120″ x 180″
Make it easy for kids to participate
Meant to be used in a similar fashion as maracas, the Nino Percussion Plastic Egg Shaker Set is great for a music classroom or for playing at home. The four different colored eggs create a clear shaker sound that mixes well with other instruments and music. Each egg is two inches tall and fits easily in one hand, making it a solid instrument for up to four people. They are lightweight and durable, constructed from ABS plastic. This is another great tool to be used for children learning percussion instruments.
Key Features:
- Each is two inches tall
- Lightweight and durable
- Four different colors
Add this to your set
For those folksy songs that are a part of your band’s repertoire, adding the Latin Percussion Jam Block to your kit will let you fit in. This comes in multiple pitches, so you’ll be able to pick and choose how high or low you want your jam block to sound. The one we’ve highlighted specifically replicates the sound of a wood block in a high pitch. This is crafted from Jenigor, Latin Percussion’s exclusive plastic formulation, which is a patented design. You’ll have a hard time causing this any damage, as it is virtually indestructible. The mounting bracket is very sturdy and the eye-bolt assembly is included.
Key Features:
- Comes in multiple pitches
- Sounds like a wood block
- Mounting bracket is very sturdy
The animalistic element is needed
Go up and back on the WADSUWAN Percussion Instruments Wooden Frog 3 Piece Set to mimic sounds of a frog. These are made with wood percussion and come with a four-inch brown frog, a three-inch black frog, and a two-inch natural wood frog. They have ridges on their backs that you can slide the wooden scraper over to create the sounds of a frog. This adds a unique element to your music and performances. They are simple to use and can be spread around the band or stage to give you a variety of sounds.
Key Features:
- Ridges on their backs
- Includes a wooden scraper
- Three in a pack
