Musical Instruments

Children's Literature

Musical Instruments is an attractive volume in the "Crafts of Many Cultures" series that describes a variety of crafts from many geographic areas. Young readers and adults will find historical information about the folk arts as well as directions for making some items themselves. Parents or teachers will need to help in both assembling and using the necessary materials and tools listed at the beginning of each book. Musical Instruments features color photos (with a map showing the region of origin) and directions for making eleven instruments ranging from simple painted rhythm sticks to a much more complex one-string violin from Mozambique. Some of the more intriguing crafts are the chamois-covered skin drum from Africa, a set of bamboo panpipes from Bolivia, and a sansa, or Kenyan thumb piano made of wood and wire (definitely advanced). Although the instruments will surely appeal to younger children, making them requires sophisticated hand and eye coordination; adults will need to help with such tools as vises, wire cutters, and linoleum cutting tools. Older students with some experience may be able to complete some of the projects, but most should be done with supervision. Adult artists, too, can enjoy creating unusual instruments inspired by these designs (Suggestions for music making and for tuning instruments are included.). Each volume lists books and websites with further information on traditional musical instruments to make. 2004 (orig. 1995), Gareth Stevens, Ages 8 up.
—Barbara L. Talcroft