5 Musical Instruments Every Kindergarten Should Have

Musical instruments that every kindergarten should have are powerful tools for child development, stimulating creativity, coordination and socio-emotional skills.

Music, present in all cultures, is more than entertainment: it is a universal language that connects, teaches and transforms.

In the context of early childhood education, it awakens the brain, strengthens memory and promotes socialization.

In 2025, with the National Common Curricular Base (BNCC) reinforcing the importance of music in the field of “Lines, sounds, colors and shapes”, kindergartens have the opportunity to integrate sounds and rhythms strategically.

This article explores five musical instruments that every kindergarten should have, highlighting their benefits, practical examples and why they are essential.

Why not invest in tools that shape minds and hearts from an early age?

Music in childhood is like planting a seed in fertile soil: it grows strong and bears fruit throughout life.

Studies show that children exposed to music before the age of five better develop the frontal area of the brain, responsible for logical and abstract reasoning.

Furthermore, musicalization strengthens self-confidence and emotional expression. Choosing the right instruments, however, requires a balance between accessibility, safety, and educational potential.

Let's dive into the five musical instruments that every kindergarten should have and understand how each contributes to vibrant and meaningful learning.

1. Rattles: The First Step to Rhythm

Rattles are simple yet powerful. Small, colorful, and safe, they easily introduce babies and toddlers to the world of rhythm.

By holding and shaking, the child explores cause and effect, developing fine motor coordination.

In a musical circle, the rattle encourages interaction, as in the example of an activity where each child plays in response to the other, creating a “sound dialogue”.

The versatility of rattles allows them to be used in rhythmic games or even in crafts with recycled materials, such as pots and seeds.

This encourages environmental awareness. A Khan Academy study highlights that rattles help develop auditory perception as early as six months.

++ How to Make Musical Instruments with Recyclable Materials for Kids

Schools can create “rattle orchestras” to teach simple rhythmic patterns, promoting teamwork.

Furthermore, rattles are affordable and easy to store, ideal for schools on a budget. They can be used in folk songs, such as "Ciranda Cirandinha," reinforcing local culture.

Because of their simplicity, they are perfect for starting musicalization, awakening sonic curiosity without overwhelming.

2. Drums: The Beat of the Collective Heart

The drum is the soul of any children's musical group, bringing energy and connection. Its deep, pulsating sound teaches rhythm and strengthens synchronicity.

Children beating drums in a circle, like a "rhythmic echo" activity, learn to listen and respond, developing empathy. The BNCC recommends activities that integrate sound and movement, and drums are ideal for this.

Beyond rhythm, drums stimulate emotional expression. A child can beat loudly to release energy or softly to create suspense.

See more: What is the Ideal Age to Start Children's Violin Lessons?

Schools can use recycled drums, such as large cans, to promote sustainability. In a project in Sorocaba, children created drums from buckets, exploring sounds and creativity.

The drum's ease of use makes it inclusive, even for children with motor difficulties. Activities like "storytelling with music," where the drum sets the tone for a narrative, are engaging and entertaining.

Thus, he becomes one of the musical instruments that every kindergarten should have to unite and inspire.

3. Xylophones: The Ladder to Melody

Colorful xylophones are gateways to melody, perfect for children ages 3 to 6. Their metal or wooden bars produce clear notes, teaching basic musical concepts.

Activities like playing “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” help recognize melodic patterns and develop memory.

The xylophone also improves hand-eye coordination, as it requires precision when striking the bars. A practical example is using it in "guess the note" games, where children associate colors with sounds.

See also: How to Create a Mini Band with Simple Instruments at Home

Schools with limited resources can opt for simple models or even create versions with PVC pipes.

Musicalization with xylophones promotes concentration. Children learn to follow sequences, like in a "colorful orchestra" activity, where each child plays a specific note.

This reinforces discipline and collective work, making the xylophone one of the musical instruments that every kindergarten should have.

4. Tambourines: Brazilian Rhythm in the Classroom

The tambourine, an icon of Brazilian music, brings culture and liveliness to early childhood education. Its vibrant sound encourages movement and body expression, as in circle dances.

Children can sing along to sambas or marchinhas, connecting with the country's cultural roots.

Playing the tambourine develops gross motor coordination, as it requires large movements. One example is the "traveling tambourine" activity, where each child plays and passes the instrument, promoting collaboration.

Schools in Recife, for example, integrate tambourines into marching bands, expanding the cultural repertoire.

Furthermore, the tambourine is durable and affordable, ideal for school budgets. It can be used in June festival performances, reinforcing traditions.

Due to its versatility, it is one of the musical instruments that every kindergarten should have to enrich cultural learning.

5. Recorders: The Breath of Creativity

The recorder is a classic instrument that introduces children to wind instruments and melodies. Safe and lightweight, it teaches breath control and harmony.

Playing simple songs, like “Cai, Cai, Balão,” helps develop patience and technique.

Flutes are excellent for group activities, such as duets, which encourage active listening.

A project in Paraguay showed children creating flutes from recycled materials, combining music and sustainability. Schools can adapt this idea, using PVC pipes to reduce costs.

Learning to play the flute also encourages basic music reading, preparing children for future studies.

Because of its impact on cognitive development, the recorder is one of the musical instruments that every kindergarten should have to inspire creativity and discipline.

6. Recycled Instruments: Sustainability and Imagination

In addition to traditional instruments, musical instruments that every kindergarten should have include recycled options such as bottle rattles or can drums.

These projects teach sustainability and spark imagination. Children create their own sounds, like a "scrap orchestra."

Activities using recyclable materials, such as cardboard boxes turned into guitars, promote environmental awareness.

One example is a school project in São Paulo, where children built instruments for a performance. This strengthens creativity and a sense of responsibility.

These instruments are affordable and inclusive, allowing all schools to participate. They also encourage sonic experimentation, such as creating rhythms with wooden spoons.

Thus, they become essential among the musical instruments that every kindergarten should have.

Why Invest in Music in Early Childhood Education?

Music isn't just art; it's science and human connection. Children who play instruments develop 30% more cognitive skills before the age of five, according to the RCNEI.

Invest in musical instruments that every kindergarten should have is investing in the future. They transform lessons into experiences, unite cultures, and build trust.

Music in childhood is like a bridge that connects the heart to the brain, guiding children to richer learning.

Schools that prioritize these instruments create environments where creativity flourishes. So, what will be the next sound your school will discover?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are musical instruments important in early childhood education?
They stimulate cognitive, motor and socio-emotional development, promoting creativity and socialization, as provided for in the BNCC.

2. Can schools with few resources adopt these instruments?
Yes, recycled instruments, such as bottle rattles or can drums, are affordable and educational options.

3. From what age can children use these instruments?
From 6 months onwards, babies can explore rattles; other instruments are ideal from 3 years onwards.

4. How can we prevent children from losing interest in music?
Use playful activities, such as rhythmic games, and respect each child's pace, avoiding forcing participation.

Juscilene Alves

Freelance writer with a passion for words. I create engaging, optimized, and personalized content for brands and businesses. I transform ideas into texts that connect, inform, and inspire.

May 30, 2025