Non-Pitched Instruments

Non-pitched instruments are rhythm instruments and they are generally the first instruments a child will play.  They are easy for them to pick up quickly because they usually only involve a striking or a shaking motion, which they have been able to do since their first stage of development.  These instruments provide a wide range of timbres that are perfect for improvisation with young children. These are the families of non-pitched percussion instruments.

Gourds

Maracas- From Latin America, these are dried gourds with seeds inside, played by shaking.

Woods

Sticks- Played by striking one stick against the other.  Rhythm sticks with ridges can be rubbed together to produce a different sound.  Young children can use them to play accurate rhythms.

Claves- Thicker sticks, played by cupping one in the hand to make a resonating chamber in the hand and striking it with the other.  This playing position could take some development to master.  They are typically used in Latin rhythms.

Woodblock- Partially hallowed block of wood that produces a resonant sound when stuck with a mallet.  If it has ridges, it can also be rubbed with a mallet.

Sandblocks- Two blocks of wood covered in sandpaper that make a swishing sound when rubbed together.  They are good for feeling the pulse of a meter, and appeal to children because of their unique timbre.

Slit Long Drum- A box shaped drum with slits in it producing lower and higher sounds depending on the length of the slits.  Children are intrigued by the resonant quality.

Guiro- Ridged instrument played by rubbing with a wooden stick.  It helps develop rhythm and physical coordination in children.