Form a music group
Form a small music group with friends, choose simple instruments or household items, rehearse songs, and perform a short concert for family.
About this activity
Form a small music group with friends, choose simple instruments or household items, rehearse songs, and perform a short concert for family.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather 2-4 friends in one room to form your music group.
- 2
Step 2
Decide on a fun band name together.
- 3
Step 3
Each person picks one instrument or household item to play.
- 4
Step 4
Assign one simple role to each person like beat keeper or melody player.
- 5
Step 5
Choose one simple song to learn together.
- 6
Step 6
Use paper and pen to write the song order and a short setlist.
- 7
Step 7
Make a simple rhythm pattern for the song and agree how to count the beats.
- 8
Step 8
Practice your own part slowly while counting the beats out loud.
- 9
Step 9
Practice together and listen to how the parts fit.
- 10
Step 10
Do a full run-through of the song at the speed you will perform.
- 11
Step 11
Arrange chairs for the audience and mark a small stage area.
- 12
Step 12
Put on simple costumes or props to make your show fun.
- 13
Step 13
Invite family to watch and tell them when the concert will start.
- 14
Step 14
Perform your short concert for the family.
- 15
Step 15
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I form a small music group with my child and organize a short family concert?
To form a music group, invite a few friends and set a simple rehearsal schedule. Choose easy, repeatable songs and assign each child an instrument or household item. Teach one part at a time using call-and-response, practice short run-throughs with breaks, and plan a 5–10-minute set list. Rehearse transitions and do a final dress rehearsal before the family performance. Keep directions clear, focus on fun, and encourage teamwork and positive praise.
What materials do I need to form a kid-friendly music group at home?
You’ll need simple instruments or household alternatives: a small drum or pot with a wooden spoon, shakers (bottles with rice), tambourine, and a keyboard or xylophone if available. Also bring a speaker or phone for backing tracks, lyric sheets, chairs, a small performance space, costumes or hats for fun, water, and tape or cloth for props. Optional items: a toy microphone, timer, and adult supervision for safety. Keep everything low-cost and easy to handle.
What ages is forming a small music group suitable for?
This activity suits roughly ages 3–12 with adjustments. Preschoolers (3–5) enjoy simple rhythms, short songs, and lots of adult guidance; elementary kids (6–9) can learn basic parts and steady beats; older children (10–12) can handle structure, harmonies, and leadership roles. Keep rehearsal lengths age-appropriate—10–20 minutes for younger kids and up to 30–40 minutes for older ones—and prioritize fun, clear instructions, and frequent breaks.
What are the benefits of forming a children’s music group?
Forming a small music group builds teamwork, listening, timing, memory, and confidence. Kids learn to follow cues, share roles, and practice patience during rehearsals. Performing for family helps reduce stage fright and boosts self-esteem, while making instruments and arranging songs encourages creativity and problem-solving. It also supports language development and fine motor skills. Use specific praise and celebrate effort to maximize these educational and emotional benefits.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use instead of real instruments if we don't have any?
If you don't have instruments, follow 'Each person picks one instrument or household item to play' and use pots and wooden spoons, a sealed rice or pasta shaker, a cardboard box as a drum, or a smartphone metronome app for steady beats.
What if we can't keep the beat or the parts don't fit together?
If you lose the beat or parts clash during 'Practice together and listen to how the parts fit', have the 'beat keeper' slow the tempo, count the agreed beats out loud while others practice their parts, and use your written song order and short setlist to stay organized.
How can we adapt this activity for younger or older kids?
For younger children, simplify 'Assign one simple role' and 'Choose one simple song' by picking a short nursery rhyme and using picture-based setlist cards, while older kids can make more complex rhythm patterns from 'Make a simple rhythm pattern', add harmonies, and design costumes or stage markings.
How can we make the show more special or share it?
To enhance the show, use paper and pen to design a poster and stage plan from the 'Arrange chairs' and 'write the song order' steps, add simple choreography and props from 'Put on simple costumes', record your final run-through, and upload the performance to DIY.org.