Make the Mundane into Music: Unusual Instruments That You Probably Have at Home
Ever looked at a spoon and thought, “That’s a possible instrument?” Well, you’re going to turn your living room into a concert hall! Unconventional objects can be transformed into amazing musical instruments. For centuries, humans have been making music with everyday items, finding rhythm in the most unusual places. Let’s explore some creative ways to produce music using objects you might have in your house.
Kitchen Rhythms: Cooking up Unusual Instruments Music with Kitchen Implements
The kitchen is not just for cooking; it’s also a musical smorgasbord waiting to happen. Kitchen implements can create many unique sounds. From pots and pans to kitchen gadgets, let’s make some noise!
Pots and Pans Percussion
Gather your pans and pots! Different sizes and materials make different sounds. A large metal pot will sound distinct from a small ceramic pan. Experiment by striking them with wooden spoons, spatulas, or even your fingers. Try to soften the sound by putting a cloth on the striking surface for a muffled sound. You can create a whole drum set in your kitchen!
Spoonful of Sound
A simple old spoon can be very rhythmic. Experiment by tapping it against different surfaces like a countertop, a glass, or another spoon. Tap out rhythms on your knee or in the air. You can even use two spoons and tap them together for a great beat. It’s amazing what you can do with a simple piece of silverware!
Whisking Up a Beat
Don’t restrict your whisk to baking in isolation! Try scraping the tines over a rough surface. A metal grill, a corrugated box, or even a different kitchen implement will work. Change the speed of the scrape to create varying rhythmic patterns. You can create a unique percussive sound that adds an interesting texture to your music.
Office Orchestra: Making Work Tools Sing
The office may seem dull, but it has musical potential. Simple office supplies can be used to create unique sounds. Let’s explore how to turn your desk into a stage!
The Ruler Riff
A ruler can be used to do more than just serve as a straight edge. Hold it down firmly on your desk with one hand. Snap the end with the other hand to create a snapping sound. Try tapping the ruler rhythmically on your desk at different speeds and pressures. You can even use it to create a funky scratching sound over a bumpy surface.
Stapler Symphony
The stapler can be very percussive in sound. Try stapling different materials together to change the sound. Stapling paper, cardboard, or even cloth will yield different results. Try varying your rhythm to create a unique percussive pattern.
Paperclip Harmonies
Paperclips might seem so small, but they can produce interesting sounds. Hold a paperclip and strike it against something hard. Try vibrating it between your fingers. You can actually bend paperclips into different shapes to alter the sound. Get creative and try what you can!
Bathroom Ballads: Harmonizing with Hygiene Products
The bathroom is also where you can find strange instruments. You can apply common hygiene products in some rather creative ways to create musical moments. Time to make some music while you get ready!
Toothbrush Beats
A toothbrush is surprisingly effective as a percussive instrument. Try brushing the bristles against different surfaces, like your hand or a countertop. Experiment with varying speed and pressure to produce differing rhythms. You can even rap the handle against a hard surface for another sound.
Comb Creations
A plain comb is a small musical instrument. Put your fingernail or other small item against the comb teeth. Adjust the speed and pressure to make different sounds. Try using combs of different tooth sizes to make different tones.
Shampoo Bottle Blows
Leave the shampoo bottle open, and you can produce wind-like sounds. Blow across the opening of the bottle, like you were blowing across the opening of a flute. Experiment with putting different amounts of water in the bottle to create varying pitches. You can generate some really eerie tunes!
Garden Groove: Growing Music from Nature’s Implements
Venture outdoors and experiment with the sounds of your garden tools! With watering cans, rakes, and other yard equipment, numerous possibilities for fascinating sounds await your discovery.
Watering Can Waterphone
A watering can is not just for watering plants! Fill it with varying amounts of water. Tilt the can to create disparate flows of water. The water flowing over the spout creates distinct gurgling sounds. Suspend a contact microphone and listen through an amp for a space-like effect.
Shovel Chimes
A shovel may be more than a digging instrument. Hang the shovel and hit it with a metal rod or hammer. The striking location varies the tone. The handle produces a different sound than the blade.
Rake Rhythms
Use a rake to rub against all types of surfaces to get rhythmic sounds. Try rubbing it on gravel, pavement, or even grass. Experiment at different speeds and forces to alter the sound. You can create a scratching, hip rhythm that adds texture to your music.
Amplifying Everyday Objects with Everyday Electronics
Sounds of everyday objects can be amplified with everyday electronics. Use contact microphones and hack toys.
Contact Microphones and Found Sounds
Put a contact microphone on any object to hear it amplified. These microphones pick up vibrations directly. Even gentle sounds are audible when amplified. This opens up a new world of sonic discovery.
Making Toys into Instruments
Don’t throw away old toys! Old toys can be hacked or repurposed into instruments. Fit contact microphones on toys. Distort a toy piano’s electronics and produce new sounds.
Conclusion
Producing music using household items is an easy, affordable, and entertaining art form. You can turn your home into a musical playfield with a little creativity. So, go on, play, and discover the secret musical potential of objects in your life. What accidental instruments will you invent?
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