At 9 months old my little guy loves music. He is learning to dance and it cracks me up when he busts out his moves. Favorite toys are all music instruments; he loves his drum and his piano. Last week we spent an afternoon exploring music shakers, and I realized how versatile and fun they are for any age. Have fun making these beautiful DIY Music Shaker Eggs and raise your Easter mood!
Creating Your Shaker Eggs
These music shaker eggs are awesome. While you can find professional ones at West Music or Amazon, I figured it would be fun and easy to make a set myself. Supplies were easy to find since it’s Easter time and plastic eggs are on every store shelf. Since Baby D is still pretty little, I wasn’t worried about him breaking the eggs open if I secured them well.
Supplies Needed
- Plastic Easter eggs
- Fillers: Dried beans, rice, beads, sand, or lentils
- Washi tape or electrical tape
- Strong craft glue
Directions
I gathered up some fun plastic colored Easter eggs, a few cute rolls of washi tape, a handful of dried beans, and my craft glue. The construction is simple.
I placed a few beans in each egg for optimal noise making. You can experiment with different loose objects to change the sound. Rice creates a soft, gentle swish, while beans or metal beads create a louder, more percussive sound.
I dabbed a few spots of craft glue on the edge of the egg halves and closed them up. This ensures the container stays shut even when shaken vigorously.
I let them sit for a few minutes then wrapped the seam with fun patterned washi tape. Make sure you smooth it down all the way around. This adds a pop of color and extra security.
Why Use Egg Shakers?
The egg shaker is an idiophone that produces sound when shaken as the contents collide with the inner walls. It is a staple in music classes and group activities because of its simplicity. It allows children to explore rhythm and is an ideal percussion instrument for early music education.
Historically, shakers like maracas and the ganzá have a rich history in Latin American culture, often used in samba, mariachi, and other Latin styles. While traditional ones might be made of wood, brass, or leather, modern educational versions use materials like plastic for durability.
Conclusion
To make this Easter more interesting for your little ones, why not turn it into an experience by preparing DIY music shaker eggs? Not only is it a fun way to play with music and shake the eggs, but you can also share the experience with other family members! It’s an inexpensive and interactive activity. No wonder these egg-shakers became so popular. Didn’t you know about them yet? Then let us know in the comments!
FAQs
Q: What are music shaker eggs and how do they produce a musical sound?
A: Music shaker eggs are small egg-shaped percussion instruments filled with small items such as beads, seeds, or pellets. When shaken they create rhythmic, acoustic tones; the design and size of the egg, plus the type and amount of filler, determine the distinct sound and tone you hear.
Q: How can educators use shaker eggs for teaching in the classroom?
A: Educators can use shaker eggs to engage learners in musical activities, help teach rhythm, timing, and basic ensemble skills. They work well in a classroom setting for group exercises, marching patterns, and to accompany singing or guitar and band practice to improve listening and coordination.
Q: What materials are best for filling instruments filled like shaker eggs to enhance tone?
A: Common fillers include plastic beads, rice, seeds, or small metal pellets. Each filler produces a different tone and volume: seeds and rice give a softer, warm tone, while beads or pellets make a brighter, more distinct sound. Experiment to discover which filler enhances the musical quality you want.
Q: Can I decorate or customize shaker eggs for a visually appealing classroom design?
A: Yes. Shaker eggs can be decorated with paint, stickers, washi tape, or fabric bags to match a theme or identify student instruments. Decorating makes them visually engaging for learners and helps personalize instruments for teaching and performance.
Q: Are there size differences and how do they affect the sound and use in a band?
A: Shaker eggs come in various sizes; smaller eggs produce higher-pitched, quieter sounds while larger ones create fuller, louder tones. Choose sizes depending on whether you want the shaker to blend into an acoustic band or stand out for a marching exercise; mixing sizes can improve overall texture.
