Instrument Inventions

I found a great lesson on a blog I follow (http://bethsmusicnotes.blogspot.com) for creating instruments. First, we studied Ethnomusicology-The study of instruments of the world. We learned that there are 4 categories of world instruments based on what vibrates to make their sounds. Aerophones (air), Chordophones (strings), Membranophones (stretched skin), & Idiophones (solid matter). We then set out to create our own instruments to fit into one of these categories. Instruments were to be made from everyday household materials and had to make at least 3 sounds. No labels or brand names were allowed to be showing and they were to look professional. The instruments they came up with far exceeded my expectations!

After creating their instruments, they then had to compose a sound piece and perform it for the class. A sound piece is a modern form of composition that uses symbols, shapes, colors, and numbers rather than traditional music notation. They needed to include dynamics and it had to be between 20 & 40 seconds long. These were also great! I've posted pictures below of a few of the instruments and sound pieces that were created.

Idiophone & Sound Piece

Idiophone

Idiophone

Chordophone & Sound Piece

Idiophone (top left), Membranophone (top middle), Aerophone & Idiophone (top right)
Sound Piece to go with the Chordophone next to it (bottom)

Membranophone & Sound Piece

Various Idiophones and Membranophones

Chordophone & Sound Piece

Idiophone

Sound Piece to go with the Idiophone pictured above.

Idiophone