Keep your learners excited about the instruments of the orchestra with these fun games for music class! Not only do they make teaching easier, but, in addition, the games also help general music class students learn to recognize and differentiate between each instrument. In this post, I’m sharing my favorite classroom games to help students master the instruments of the orchestra. So, let’s get started!
Who Is It Instruments of the Orchestra Game
I’ve shared this secret freebie before in my Teaching Instruments of the Orchestra in Elementary Music blog post, but did you know you can play this game in two different ways? Here’s how!
1. Traditional “Who Is It?” Game for Music Class
First, you’ll need to print out pictures of each orchestra instrument. Although laminating them is optional, it will make the pages last longer. Additionally, you’ll need tape or a hole puncher and yarn. Here’s how to play:
- Attach an instrument picture to each student’s back without them seeing it. You can use tape, or hole-punch them and make necklaces with yarn.
- Students walk around asking yes or no questions to figure out which instrument they have. Example questions include: “Am I a woodwind?” or “Do I have strings?”
- Once a student thinks they know, they ask you to confirm! If they’re right, they can help other students. However, if they’re wrong, they keep playing.
2. Variation: “Find Someone Who…” Game for Music Class
Use the same cut-out orchestra instruments, but this time students find classmates who match specific prompts such as:
- Shares the same instrument family
- Has a similar pitch (high/low sounds)
- Is made from the same material (wood, brass, etc.)
- Is a similar size (big, medium, small)
- Has a similar role in the orchestra (melody, harmony, rhythm)
You can also create your own prompts! The goal is for students to find someone with an instrument characteristic in common.
Boom Cards Games for General Music Class
Boom Cards are a great way to engage your students with entertaining, digital games they can play on Chromebooks, tablets, or other 1:1 devices.
Never used Boom Cards? Check out my post on Boom Cards for Music Class to get started. Here are some of my favorites for teaching the instruments of the orchestra:
- Name the Instrument | Boom Cards
- Fill-in-the-Blank Instruments | Boom Cards
- Which Family? | Boom Cards
- Which Family? | Drag & Drop | Boom Cards
- Aural | Multiple Choice | Boom Cards
- Aural | Fill-in-the-Blank | Boom Cards
- Visual & Aural Identification | Boom Cards
- Seating | Multiple Choice | Boom Cards
- Seating | Puzzle Game | Boom Cards
These games will help your students:
✅ Visually and aurally identify instruments of the orchestra
✅ Learn to spell the instrument names
✅ Understand how orchestra instruments are seated on stage
If you’re looking for a bundle that includes all these Boom Cards, take a look at my Elementary Music Boom Cards Collection on TPT.
BINGO Review Game for Instruments of the Orchestra
My students love playing BINGO, and these orchestra BINGO cards are a perfect musical variation on the original game! The set includes 30 printable cards and teacher calling cards with QR codes that provide auditory clues. Print them in black and white or color, and, if laminated, they’ll last for years.
Grab these BINGO cards as a free bonus in my Instruments of the Orchestra MEGA Bundle on TPT.
Get More Games for Music Class!
Challenging your students with musical games is a fantastic way to keep them engaged as they learn the instruments of the orchestra. Whether they’re playing “Who Is It?” or exploring Boom Cards, these activities will make your general music class more interactive and fun for both you and your students.
So why not scoop up even more resources? Sign up for my Chamber of Freebies and get access to exclusive games, digital activities, and printable resources.
Set your music classroom up for success. These magical games for music class are designed to help your students learn about instruments of the orchestra in an engaging and fun way. Add them to your bag of teaching tricks today!
Happy music teaching! 🎶