Hobbies And Interests
Rhythm Band Sets
Rhythm is essential for almost all music, so simple rhythm band sets are a good place for children to begin to make real music. With a set of rhythm instruments, children will be able to play together and learn social skills, as well. Most rhythm band sets include bells, rhythm sticks, tambourines, castanets and maracas. They are easy for all ages to use, because no particular musical knowledge is necessary. Simply play some favorite music and follow the rhythm with the instruments.
Toy Xylophones
Toy xylophones are particularly valuable as educational toys, because they teach the musical scale to children while they are having fun. Children tend to like them because they can use them to make melodic sounds, but as these sounds are made, serious learning takes place. Toy xylophones are basically constructed in the same way as adult xylophones. A musical note is played when a metal, or sometimes wooden, bar is tapped with a stick. Children usually begin by making random sounds. However, they gradually learn to discriminate as they realize that tapping particular bars will always produce the same sound. Soon they'll create sounds they want to make, thus creating music. Because the bars are arranged in the order of a musical scale, with the lowest note on the left, it's easy to learn the scale. Xylophones are made for all ages of children, including babies.
Toy Pianos
Like toy xylophones, toy pianos teach the musical scale. Instead of hitting a metal piece with a stick, however, fingers press the piano keys to produce musical notes. A toy piano usually plays either one or two scales. Children can learn to differentiate between the notes produced on the toy pianos to learn musical scales and create music, in the same way that they learn from toy xylophones. They begin by making random sounds, then they start to discriminate once they realize that they can control the instrument and create sounds that are pleasant to the ear. After awhile, they will be able to play simple music. Some manufacturers make electronic toy pianos, but there are also pianos made that do not rely on this technology. Both types tend to be equally accurate.
Toy Drums
Percussion is an important component of music, and there are many types of toy drums available for children of all ages. When children learn to beat a drum they are also practicing coordination skills that are useful in many other areas of life. The main educational benefit, however, is that through drums, children learn rhythms. As they learn rhythms, they are learning about the nature of music.