This blog post was originally published many years ago. However the process Mile End School Nursery in Aberdeen used to create the music wall remains a good example a process that involves the children and began with their interest in exploring sounds.
The nursery staff worked with the children to think about the sounds they might like and the materials which could be used.
Then the parents were asked for their input…
I think this helped as unwanted items were brought in from home such as pans…
…and plastic buckets
…and even an oven rack. Yay!
The school janitors were extremely helpful and were able to assist with the making of this wooden xylophone…
…and this pvc piping instrument…
Some old triangles also were added and I think that’s a cowbell on the right…
I rather liked the wooden spoons being used as beaters too!
This wall is such a doable project, that takes up little space and can be varied as new sounds are discovered and added to the mix. If you want further inspiration, I strongly recommend visiting Child’s Play Music. Alec Duncan who is the founder has this website which is helpful. Also don’t forget to download my free pdf with over 50 ideas for outdoor music: Bish! Bosh! Bang! Experiencing Music Outside.:)
This blog post was originally published in October 2011.
wow that’s incredible – i love the whole idea of consulting the children & parents – ownership! Brilliant Juliet & what a greta post for our linky 🙂
What I particularly liked was the parents encouraging their children to write down the suggestions and comments too!
I love it Juliet. It shows how much can be done if we have commitment. I also love Alec’s examples & his videos. he makes it seem so easy.
I love how much you upcycle to make these walls! I think every school should have one. So great to get the kids and parents involved in the design and making of the wall too.
Thanks for linking up with the Outdoor Play Link Up! I pinned some of the images onto our Pinterst board as well; Outdoor Play Link Up Ideas
Thanks for all the kind comments – you’re right, every school needs one of these. In fact, now the pressure is on for me to develop one of the other side of the fence for more children to access!!!
I just love this! I’m slightly obsessed with the idea of having an outdoor music play area in our garden, and thrilled to see all these great ideas! I especially love the oven rack idea, hadn’t thought of that! Thanks again for linking up with us – hope to see you back again this Friday!
It reminds me of a video I have called Stomp Out Loud by the group Stomp. They start the video out with them suspended from a billboard type structure with a whole bunch of pans, car radiators, barrels and such. They play as they swing back and forth.
Love the idea what did you use to attach the pans to the wall??
I am getting ready to make one for my school. My concern is the weather and how is it effecting your materials? Are the pots and pans rusting or the spoons falling apart? I am debating painting them with outdoor paint to help them last or make it so that can come down easily for the winter months.
Hello Rachel
Sensible question. This post is now many years old. Weather DOES affect the materials and they need replacing every 1-2 years depending on where you live and what you put on the music wall. I would go for the latter – make it moveable and changeable. There’s so much more to a music wall in terms of possibility other than pots, pans and old instruments. So you can change it in line with the children’s interests.