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Homemade Flutes for Kids

Homemade flute crafts help children learn about music and different cultures and can inspire a life-long love of art. Simple and more advanced crafts make homemade flutes a project that is enjoyed by children of all ages. Children can practice blowing techniques on bottles filled with different amounts of water before attempting to play their flutes.

History
- Flutes are one of the oldest instruments in the world. A flute carved from the wing bone of a vulture found in Hohle Fels cave in Germany dates back to 35,000 years ago. Since antiquity, flutes have been used to make music, for ceremonial purposes and to aid in meditation throughout the world. For instance, the dizi, a Chinese bamboo flute, became popular around 475 B.C, and was used by bards. Similarly, the shakuhachi of Japan is a classic flute used to aid in meditation with its soothing sounds. As your child builds her homemade flute, she can learn about the rich history and cultures of this ancient musical instrument.
Materials
- Homemade flutes can be made out of nearly any tubular material. Simple flutes are best made from the cardboard tubes of wrapping paper or paper towel rolls. The larger the diameter of the tube, the lower the sound of the flute. More advanced flutes can be carved out of wood or bamboo. These flutes allow your child to have more control and produce a richer sound when playing.
Simple Flute-making
- Simple flutes can be made by children of all ages out of wrapping paper tubes. The narrow diameter of these tubes allows the flute to make a higher sound. The wrapping paper tube should be cut so that it is approximately 12 inches in length. A small rectangle is then cut out of the body of the flute, about 2 1/2 inches from the top of the tube. This rectangle will be the mouthpiece. Five finger holes are then cut from the body of the tube about 5 inches from the mouthpiece, spaced approximately 1 inch apart. A paper circle is glued to the top of the tube to direct air flow.
Advanced Flute-making
- A flute similar to the ones used since antiquity in East Asia can be made using a piece of bamboo and a heated wooden skewer. The excess interior of the bamboo is removed using the heated skewer, then the mouth hole and keys are burned out of the body of the flute with the skewer. Using a knife, smooth the holes and mouthpiece, making it safe and easy for children to play. Parents can make this flute for the child, or older children can create it themselves with adult supervision.

Educational Toys