CLASSROOM INSTRUMENTS & LEARNING TOOLS
Unlock the doors to learning.
Our comprehensive music education resources and solutions make it possible.
QUESTIONS ABOUT CALIFORNIA’S PROP 28?
West Music is Your Resource!
Building a new PK-6 music program? Freshening things up? Start here!
Whether you are starting a new elementary music classroom instrument program, expanding your instrument selection, or updating your curriculum, it all starts with what we call Classroom Building Blocks. These are the essential instruments early music education teachers use to introduce music and rhythm basics to young learners.
Our Process
The music education experts at West Music first learn about your teaching goals and your classroom’s unique needs based on age, skills, and special abilities. We then create a custom recommendation of engaging, well-made instruments and learning aids at a variety of price points that will stand up to the daily rigors of classroom life.
FREE! Top Picks for All Skill Levels & Budgets
West Music’s music education consultants and the music curriculum experts at Music ConstructED are ready to create a FREE custom instrument and curriculum plan for you today!
Ukuleles
There are four ukulele 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 in music classrooms 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. Learn more.
Learn: “How to Choose the Right Ukulele for You!”
Explore: “Ukulele Method Book Collection”
Teach: “Uke Got It: Create Engaging Ukulele Lessons Virtually”
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. Learn more.
Learn: “Recorder: Leveling the Playing Field”
Explore: “Recorder Resources”
Teach: “6 Days to Recorder Success”
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. Learn more.
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. Learn more.
Learn: “Tubano Care and Maintenance”
Explore:“Accessible and Inclusive: Drumming”
Teach: “Bear Snores On: A Musical Soundscape”