Are you looking for instruments or accessories to fit the needs of the student or participant populations with specific skills? Look no further! We have a wide selection of instruments, accessories, and movement props that can be modified in usage or explored to adapt to the needs of each individual player.
We have a great team of knowledgeable Music Therapists and Music Consultants that collaborate on developing and discussing instruments and accessories that fit the needs of all types of players. We’re here to share our vast knowledge with you and help you create a meaningful learning environment for all to be successful. They can, you can, we all can…play now, play for life.
From the music education realm:
Instruments can assist with visual, aural, and pacing needs, vibra-tactile stimulation, increasing kinesthetic movements, aiding in the implementation of performance, enhancing the overall musical experience, and much, much, more!
In the elementary music classroom, a little creativity in finding ways to adapt musical instruments will help to provide a joyful and student-centered musical experience. Creating a plan immersing everyone including the general education teachers, the student, and the parents will help the student in becoming successful in music class. It is possible and your student(s) will outshine your expectations!
Does your student need:
- Extra support holding a mallet, drumstick, or unpitched percussion instrument?
- Check out the EazyHolds! The EazyHolds are adaptive cuffs that come in a variety of lengths and sizes that can hold instruments and/or accessories such as mallets, drumsticks, rainsticks, chiquitas, and much more! The cuffs have an opening at each end that can expand. The cuffs are made of silicone and are durable and can be disinfected. These also assist with functional living skills!
- Extra support for producing a scraper sound?
- If you have a student that needs assistance holding instruments and you’re looking for a guiro sound-try the Remo Guiro Square! You can stick it to any hard surface (or cajon) and your student will feel comfortable moving one hand to produce the sound.
- A soothing sound that will help to release energy and is calming?
- Are you exploring Mindfulness in the classroom and/or guided imagery or do you need a calming sound imitating the ocean? Check out Remo Ocean Drums, we have a wide variety and sizes to fit your needs and help your students “be in the moment”.
- A drum that you can hold for the player in close proximity?
- Remo Frame Drums, Buffalo Drums, Lollipop Drums, Paddle Drums, and Sound Shapes are great drums that can easily be adapted for students needing close proximity to teachers or aids. The helper can hold the drum while the student uses their hands, mallets, or striker to keep a steady beat or rhythm.
- A recorder that is easy to cover the holes?
- The Nuvo Recorder Plus series was a genius creation. Made of ABS plastic and silicone it can be disinfected and your student will easily be able to be able to cover the holes and participate regardless of the ability level.
- A larger pick to assist with strumming?
- The D’Andrea Monster Picks are a great tool for players needing a bigger size pick to grip to be able to strum a guitar, ukulele, or auto-harp.
- A tool to allow for hands-free playing of ukuleles?
- The Hug Straps fit around the waist of the ukulele and headstock for protection making it easier for hands-free playing.
- A movement prop that enhances team building and teamwork?
- Parachutes, Bear Paw Creek Stretchy Bands, West Music Scarves are just a few movement props that can lead to repeated smiles and help students understand teamwork, spatial awareness, loco and non-locomotor movements, and much, much more!
From the Music Therapy realm:
If you ask any Music Therapist what is in their “bag of tricks”, I think many would agree that cabasas, castanets, egg shakers, and drums are high on their list! These instruments are lightweight and are easily adapted for any ability! Keep in mind, when choosing instruments; durability, portability, and the overall usage needed for your specific environment.
Cabasas are an amazing multi-faceted sensory instrument. The beads provide sensory input and the different sized cabasas mean that we can use them for just about anyone! In the schools, we work on identifying body parts by rolling the cabasa on legs, arms, heads and backs. We can also use the cabasa to help individuals with spastic or tight muscles, as the cabasa provides sensory input while stretching fingers and palms. Our clients almost always choose the cabasa as a reward at the end of the session because they are easy and rewarding to play and they just feel “cool”.
The Basic Beat Plastic Finger Castanets are a big hit in the schools, especially when working on color identification (have you seen all of the fun colors?) or counting. Using “play” to enhance the session the castanets often act as “alligators” and “eat” the coins, shapes, words, etc, making the session fun and motivating. Even with gross motor limitations, individuals can reach and land on the castanet sitting on a table/tray to produce a sound. Check out our other castanets options!
Basic Beat Egg Shakers are a staple in any Music Therapy collection! They fit in the palm of the hand and have a great sound with minimal effort! Egg shakers are often the first thing that will help a client have a “breakthrough.” For example, while working on impulse control, one of my clients would sit and hold onto two egg shakers at once and was able to shake the eggs for more than three minutes, compared to the classroom where the client threw everything within a second of being given an item. Thus maximizing this goal and engaging in other tasks such as color identification. The client could identify colors with the egg shakers without replication from others in the room!
Remo Sound Shapes are lightweight, easy to carry, and have good sound. They come in a variety of primary colors, so they are perfect for color and shape identification, and counting. Fun fact! You can also write words on the heads with a dry-erase marker to master word recognition or addition/subtraction!
When working with individuals with profound motor limitations, choosing instruments that provide a rewarding sound and minimal engagement is imperative. The Westco Foot Tambourines are ideal for individuals who need to explore gross motor movements such as leg extensions or even strengthening of muscles. Similarly, Bear Paw Creek Wrist Ribbons can be worn as bracelets or anklets and provide a visual to help cue movement.
These are just a few of our recommendations for students with varying needs. Give us a call and ask to explore with a consultant on possibilities for your populations!
Tereasa Evans & Kelly Carlson
Tereasa Evans is the Music Education Consultant for Classroom Percussion and Wellness. She manages products for music therapists, music educators, and general hobbyists specifically related to unpitched percussion.
Kelly Carlson, MA, MT-BC, is the Director of Music Therapy for West Music. West Music is dedicated to enhancing the lives of all clients through successful musical experiences that address specific needs with respect and dignity.
