As an elementary music teacher, I often heard the question, “Do we get to use instruments?” If you get this question from your elementary music students, your answer to it should be something like this: “Yes, but, before I give you an instrument, you must learn about musical instrument care.” Instrument care is a crucial aspect of teaching young musicians. Instruments hold an undeniable allure for children. For one thing, instruments make noise. But even more exciting, instruments make music. And once children find an instrument they love? Total magic.

All of us want our students to play instruments. For young students, it’s a cornerstone of the general music experience. But sometimes students don’t handle instruments the way we’d expect. When it comes to musical instruments in the hands of young people, we have to expect the unexpected and guide our students accordingly.

Teach Children to Respect Instruments

Music teachers should be doing this with all ages.

For example, music teachers often introduce kindergarteners to musical instruments as special friends or characters from storybooks. As they get older, they learn to respect their instruments. Fourth grade band students assemble their instruments on the floor to prevent them from falling and getting damaged.

Teaching instrument care at the elementary level is essential. One way to foster respect for an instrument is by modeling proper behavior and by recognizing students who care for the instruments. Additionally, you can create a zero-tolerance policy for instrument misuse. If a child mistreats an instrument, it should go away, with or without the possibility of earning it back.

If your program provides school instruments for students in band or chorus, you might want to develop a care contract outlining your expectations for students who take their instrument home. Alternatively, you can purchase a school owned instrument agreement form from my TPT store.

Teach Proper Instrument Technique 

Proper musical instrument care begins with learning correct playing techniques. If you don’t specifically show students how to hold mallets, they’ll find some interesting ways! Focus on age-appropriate techniques by opting for shaking, tapping, and scraping skills in kindergarten, and refining fine motor instrumental skills as students reach the upper elementary years. As a bonus, spending time on technique will help students develop confidence while playing the instrument.

Percussive instruments, in particular, can be a fun challenge for young elementary music students. . I have some tips in my blog on teaching tempo that you might find helpful.

Emphasize the Importance of Instrument Care

Musical instrument care is essential for preserving the life and sound of an instrument. Students learning to play recorder should learn how to clean out their instruments the same way those who play woodwinds are taught to swab out their instruments after playing. This reinforces the standard that instruments should be treated kindly before, during, and after playing.

Encourage Practicing Inside and Outside the Classroom

Emphasize practice as a normal part of a musician’s routine. Practice time  should be incorporated inside and outside the classroom. During class, try creating practice groups or centers and assigning a specific task and practice duration. Example: “Spend five minutes clapping and counting the rhythm of Jingle Bells in your practice groups.” For students who have access to an instrument at home, assign practice assignments for each week. Communicate with families to emphasize the importance of practicing at home and offer resources to support successful practice routines at home.

Remember, patience and consistency are key as you teach your students responsible instrument habits. By modeling proper playing techniques, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for practice, you’ll create a music class where students thrive on learning all they can about musical instruments.