Early Years Music Library
We have a library of Early Years instruments and sensory items to support the musicality of Dorset settings. Our library works on a pick and mix basis, so you can borrow what you need, and the amount that works for your setting. You are invited to visit our warehouse to see what is on offer and take away what you want. Resources are £30 per set for up to two terms (subject to availability) and available for any Dorset-based nursery, pre-school or childminder to borrow.
Suzuki Music Pads
Suzuki Music Pads are played by stepping or jumping on the coloured pads. Each pad sounds a different pitch so you can step/jump to make melodies or arrange them in low to high.
Egg shakers
Egg shakers are played by holding them in your hands and shaking them up and down or side to side. We provide a tub with approximately 30 shakers inside.
Gathering drum
Gathering drums are large drums that are placed on a hard surface. You can use the beaters to strike the skin, hit it with your hands, or even drop shakey eggs on top. We can provide one drum per setting.
Yarn cones
Yarn cones are not an instrument, but a fun way to explore sound making. You can use them as a megaphone, scrape the sides with a beater, rub them together, knock them down on a hard surface…
Tambourine
Tambourines can be played by shaking them, tapping the edge with your hand, or striking the drum skin on the top.
Squeaky pig
Squeaky dog toys such as the pig can be used to create excitement in a song, add sound effects to a story or practice making animal sounds. You could even start your own animal orchestra!
Dance scarves
Dance scarves are the perfect resource to accompany singing, peekaboo games or moving to music. They are semi see-through making them ideal for hiding behind and creating excitement in your sessions. We provide packs of 30 scarves.
Ocean drum
Ocean Drums recreate the sounds of the ocean by allowing the beads inside to move around. A soothing instrument that can calm lively groups or be used to represent sounds in a story. You can also hit the skins for a more bold sound.
Lycra
Lycra is a versatile resource for music sessions. Get children to hold on to it and stretch it out then move it in time to the beat, or match high and low sounds, let go and make it ping into a heap after a bit of suspense. Our 4-way stretch Lycra comes in 2 metre x 2 metre squares.
Kokoriko
Kokoriko, or clatterpillars, are a wooden rhythm instrument that work by holding each end and moving your hands in a wave like motion.
Recordable buttons
Recordable buttons are a great device for children to use who may be shy performing in front of others. Simply press the record button and you will have 10 seconds worth of recording which you can play back straight from the device. We provide our recordable buttons in sets of 6.
Stir drum
Stir Drums are wooden circular drums with separate panels that produce different sounds when struck with the mallet. You can also move the mallet inside the drum in a circular motion for a rippling effect.
Soundbop
Soundbops are battery operated devices (batteries safely secured with screws) where you place coloured discs on different posts. By pushing the blue button on top of the post, it will play the pitch of the disc you placed on the post. You can also change the volume and instrument sound.
Sensory flashing ball
Sensory flashing balls are a great accompaniment to songs and can be passed around in time to the beat, or rolled across the circle. They can also be used to bounce on gathering drums, knock down yarn cones, jump on top of Lycra and a whole range of other activities.
Remember, some of the best music making resources are things you will already have in your setting… cardboard boxes make great drums, spoons tapping bottles, speaking into cardboard tubes, running sticks along a metal fence. You don’t need to invest money to make fantastic musical opportunities for children! For more ideas about how to use instruments in our resource library please visit our Early Years CPD and training page.
For bookings or queries please contact:
- dorsetmusicservice@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
- 01305 225770