Essential Instruments for K-8 General Music Classrooms
Whether you are starting an instrument program, expanding your selection, or making a few updates, classroom building block instruments are time-tested winners for introducing music concepts and building fundamental skills. With all instruments, you’ll make the most of your budget dollars by choosing engaging, well-made instruments that will stand the test of time.
West Music’s -8 Music Education Consultants and the music curriculum experts at Music ConstructED are here to help with instruments, curriculum, and accessories for any grade level and budget
Ukuleles
When planning your classroom ukulele program, consider several factors including the following:
Student ukuleles will be the core of your ukulele program. There are four sizes: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. Soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles are in the same voice and tuning. Baritone ukuleles stand alone. The soprano ukulele is commonly used due to price, size, and ease of storage. If budget allows, we recommend considering your students’ need now and down the road. Concert ukuleles will accommodate their growth and advancing skills for years to come.
Teacher ukuleles are often the same size as their students’, but some teachers prefer the larger concert or tenor ukes. The larger size makes for easier demonstration, provides a fuller tone, projects more volume, and features a larger fretboard that adults often find more comfortable. Upgraded features can improve tone, be more aesthetically appealing, and amplify the volume for the more advanced player.
Ukulele curriculum & supplements are teaching game-changers. What approach will you use in teaching your students how to play ukuleles? From pedagogical methods that dig into technique, skill, scales, etc., to supplemental materials that include arrangements and activities for incorporating other classroom instruments, movement, and popular kid-favorite songs, West Music has it all.
Ukulele storage & accessories are indispensable in keeping your ukulele program in tip-top shape. While some ukuleles include a tote or bag, you’ll need to plan for the full collection when adding ukulele to your classroom. Be sure to make accommodations for storage, accessibility, tuners, strings, and stands.
Learn: “How to Choose the Right Ukulele for You!”
Explore: “Ukulele Method Book Collection”
Teach: “Uke Got It: Create Engaging Ukulele Lessons Virtually”
Orff Instruments
When planning your Orff ensemble, start with xylophones (alto or bass). You’ll want to have three or four times more xylophones than metals. Next, add in glockenspiels and metallophones. Bass bars will be the foundation of your ensemble. Low C, F, and G are common bars, but D, F, and A may better suit your students’ vocal ranges. Ideally, you’ll want enough Orff instruments for about half of your students.
Mallets are provided with xylophones, metallophones, and glockenspiels, but not with bass bars. Purchase extra mallets early to make sharing instruments easier. We recommend you use soft mallets for bass xylophones, medium-hard mallets for alto xylophones, and hard mallets for soprano xylophones. And don’t forget Orff stands and carts to raise instruments to a comfortable playing height, storage/carrying bags to protect, and repair parts for the unexpected.
West Music offers many Orff curriculums from which to choose for the k-8 general music classroom. Plus, Music ConstructED offers many downloadable lesson sketches and lesson blueprints for Orff. Here are some of our favorites:
Learn: “Marimbas – Challenging Your Musicality”
Explore: “The Orff Schulwerk Approach”
Teach: “RU Ready for This? Exploring the Rhythmiche Ubung”
Drums & Percussion
Unpitched instruments like tambourines, shakers, blocks, and finger cymbals allow children with a variety of abilities to experiment with sound and experience the joy of making music. When choosing instruments, remember three Bs: balance, budget, and bounty.
Your curriculum, along with your learning objectives and students’ abilities, will help you select the right balance of shakers, scrapers, metals, drums, and woods. Thirty cowbells playing the timeline for Ensemble I of the “World Music Drumming Curriculum” would be a bit much, but it would be perfect for a performance of “Click, Clack, Moo! Cows That Type!”
Stretch your budget by choosing instruments known for durability, quality, and sound. We often recommend Remo key-tuned tubanos for music classrooms. They were designed specifically to withstand the rigors of k-8 classrooms and can be easily disinfected. Plus, kids absolutely love them! Do you need a tubano for every student? Maybe, but first make sure you have purchased a balanced variety of instruments and sounds.
Giving your students a bountiful selection of drums and percussion instruments will enhance their creativity and complement your curriculum. Instruct students how to use each instrument, step back and watch their curiosity bloom. Want a good laugh or an attention grabber? Try shaking a canary stick or quack stick — the quirky sound will turn a blue day into a brighter one. Need soothing sounds that mimic the ocean? Try the Remo 12” Fish Graphic Ocean Drum.
Learn: “Tubano Care and Maintenance”
Explore: “Accessible and Inclusive: Drumming”
Teach: “Bear Snores On: A Musical Soundscape”
Recorders
Recorders come in a variety of tones. Soprano is the most common for starter programs, but you can challenge students by adding sopranino, alto, tenor, and bass recorders for ensemble play, harmony exploration, and collaboration. This also encourages students to investigate a variety of musical genres. If you want students to be able to fine-tune their recorders, three-piece models are the best choice.
Recorder accessories will help keep your instruments in good shape and more accessible for players. Most recorders come with a protective fabric storage bag, neck strap, and/or thumb rest for support while playing.
Recorder curriculum will help guide your program, and there are many choices. From traditional method books to fingering charts and interactive resources, look for supporting materials that works with the goals of your program. Decide if students will need their own books or if you will use a teacher edition alone.
Learn: “Recorder: Leveling the Playing Field”
Explore: “Recorder Resources”
Teach: “6 Days to Recorder Success”
Find even more resources and hand-selected products for your classroom in the West Music catalog.
I introduced ukes to my 4-5 year olds but tuned them to the C pentatonic scale so they could strum, sing and rock out without learning how to fret–added drums and resonator bells and they named themselves The Stars Band. Never had so much fun!