We’re big music fans around our house, which may be in part to my strong musical background (my parents are both music professors). I firmly believe the only reason I survived math in school is because I was also taking piano lessons. But even without formal training, the ability to bang on a drum or a strum on a guitar is very gratifying for kids.

When you combine the satisfaction of making noise with the satisfaction of making the thing that makes the noise, you’ve got a winner! Take a look at these DIY musical instruments to get started, from the softer sound of rain sticks to the louder drums and bells, and you can pick the instrument best suited to your kids and tolerance for noise!

Bottle Cap Tambourines
via Spoonful

Recycle those bottle caps, get eco with a branch from the yard, and add feathers for the full effect – these shakers are adorable!

Balloon Bongo, Shaker, and Güiro
via Mini Eco

This has to be one of the slickest uses of old soup cans that I’ve seen – and I bet the sounds are great, too.

Popsicle Stick Harmonica
via Housing A Forest

Introduce your kids to their first reed-based instrument with this simple craft. I’m so curious to see what kind of sound they make!

Cardboard Guitars
via Make It and Love It

These have to be the coolest cardboard guitars I’ve ever seen, and the quieter sound is great for playing inside.

Tubular Cardboard Bells
via Mini Eco

Yes, these bells will function well, and they’re easy to make. But it’s the bold painted interior that makes them so amazing – don’t skip that step!

Rain Stick Tutorial
via The Imagination Tree

This is a great musical craft for younger kids. Plus, the sound of a rain stick is always soothing, perfect for little ones.

Pictured at top of post: DIY Drums via A Beautiful Mess.