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How to Make a Homeade Drum Set

Many experts agree that music is important to early childhood development. In fact, some research indicates a link between musical involvement and spatial development. Accordingly, most preschools and elementary schools offer some form of music education. Providing instruments at home is another way to support a child's musical learning. Building a homemade drum set is an inexpensive, fun project that can encourage a child's interests in learning more about music. With a little creativity and basic materials, a child will enjoy hours of entertainment with his or her own personalized drum set.

Things You'll Need

Metal canisters
Pre-cut foam shapes
Magazine cut-outs
Glitter
Decoupage glue
Fabric backed vinyl
Hose clamp
Metal snips
Needle nose pliers
2 feet of 3/4 inch dowel rod

Instructions

- 1
  Collect several different sizes of canisters, varying in both height and diameter. Different sized canisters allow for a range of sounds. Metal coffee canisters, paint cans and food cans work well for the project. Do not remove the bottom of the canister.
- 2
  Decorate the can how ever you wish. Pre-cut foam shapes, magazine cut outs and glitter all work well. Pre-cut foam shapes can be purchased with glue already applied. Decoupage glue can be used to apply the magazine cut outs and glitter. Do not decorate the rim of the drum; it will be hit with a stick and become damaged.
- 3
  Cut fabric backed vinyl to a diameter that is 1 1/2 inches larger than the diameter of the canister it will be stretched across.
- 4
  Stretch the vinyl over the canister. Place a hose clamp around the canister over top of the vinyl to secure it in place.
- 5
  Tighten the hose clamp tight enough that the vinyl stays in place when hit with drum sticks. Trim excess hose clamp metal with metal snips and bend sharp edges under with needle nose pliers.
- 6
  Cut 3/4 inch dowel rods to 12 inches long to use as the drum sticks.

Educational Toys