Make a brass instrument
Build a simple brass-style instrument using cardboard tubing, a plastic funnel for a mouthpiece, and tape; explore buzzing lips and basic pitch control.
About this activity
Build a simple brass-style instrument using cardboard tubing, a plastic funnel for a mouthpiece, and tape; explore buzzing lips and basic pitch control.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all the Materials Needed and set them on a clear table.
- 2
Step 2
Use the ruler and marker to mark the length of the tube you want to use.
- 3
Step 3
Cut the cardboard tube at your mark with scissors while an adult watches or helps.
- 4
Step 4
Wrap tape around the cut ends of the tube to make the edges smooth and safe.
- 5
Step 5
Wrap thin strips of tape around the narrow end of the funnel until it becomes slightly thicker.
- 6
Step 6
Push the taped narrow end of the funnel firmly into one end of the tube.
- 7
Step 7
Wrap tape around the outside seam where the funnel meets the tube to make a tight seal.
- 8
Step 8
Use the ruler and marker to mark three evenly spaced finger hole positions along the length of the tube starting a few centimeters from the mouthpiece.
- 9
Step 9
With adult help make small holes at the marks using the hole punch or a sharp poking tool.
- 10
Step 10
Put your lips together like a tiny smile and buzz them while blowing gently into the funnel to make a sound.
- 11
Step 11
Tighten your lips a little to try higher notes and loosen them to try lower notes to practice pitch control.
- 12
Step 12
Cover and uncover the finger holes one at a time to hear how the pitch changes.
- 13
Step 13
If you want a higher pitch trim a little off the far end or for a lower pitch add a short extra tube and test again.
- 14
Step 14
Take a photo or video of your finished brass-style instrument and share it on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I make a simple brass-style instrument from cardboard and a funnel?
To build a simple brass-style instrument, cut a cardboard tube to 30–60 cm. Fit a plastic funnel into one end as the mouthpiece; wrap the junction with tape to seal it. If the funnel is loose, use a rolled piece of cardboard or tape sleeve. Encourage the child to buzz lips against the funnel, vary lip tightness and airflow to change pitch, and cover or uncover the open end with a hand to create different tones.
What materials do I need to build a homemade cardboard brass instrument?
You'll need: one cardboard tube (paper towel length or longer mailing tube), a plastic funnel for the mouthpiece, strong tape (duct or packing), scissors or a craft knife (adult use), optional extra tubes to extend length, rubber bands, foil or masking tape to adjust fit, and cleaning wipes for hygiene. Optional markers or stickers let kids decorate the instrument.
What ages is this cardboard brass instrument activity suitable for?
This activity suits children aged about 5 and up with adult supervision; younger children (3–5) can join while an adult handles cutting and assembly. Ages 6–10 can build with guidance and practice lip buzzing. Older children and teens can experiment with tube length and tone control. Always supervise tool use and watch for choking hazards with small parts for kids under 3.
What safety tips and benefits should I know before trying this activity with my child?
Safety: always have adults cut or trim tubes and avoid sharp edges; secure the funnel and tape firmly; clean the mouthpiece between users and discard small parts that might be choking hazards. Benefits: the activity develops breath control, lip buzzing and oral motor skills, early acoustics understanding, creativity, and cooperative play. Limit very loud practice to protect young ears.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have a funnel, cardboard tube, or hole punch?
Use a cleaned plastic bottle neck or a paper towel roll for the cardboard tube, a kitchen funnel or a folded heavy-paper funnel in place of the funnel, and a thumbtack, nail, or awl (with adult help) instead of the hole punch when making the finger holes.
Nothing comes out when I blow — what should I check?
If there's no or a weak sound, make sure the taped funnel-to-tube seam is airtight (re-wrap the outside seam with tape), the cut mouthpiece end is smoothed with tape, and practice the lip-buzzing step while blowing gently as instructed.
How can I adapt this activity for different ages?
For younger children have an adult do the ruler marking, cutting, and hole punching and pre-fit the taped funnel so the child can buzz, cover holes, and decorate, while older kids can measure and mark three evenly spaced finger holes, trim the far end, or add a short extra tube themselves to experiment with pitch.
How can we make the instrument more interesting or personalized?
Decorate the cardboard tube with colored tape or stickers, experiment with trimming the far end or adding a short extra tube to change pitch, and take a photo or video of the finished brass-style instrument to share on DIY.org.