Musical instruments

Early musical education

In early music education, children are introduced to music and instruments in a playful way, for example in an instrument carousel. Since there is such a wide range of instruments to choose from, from string instruments to brass and woodwind instruments to percussion instruments, every child can find its own approach to music. Musical activities in groups in particular promote social interaction.

5 Advantages of early musical education

1. The children get to know different instruments.

2. The sense of rhythm is raised to consciousness.

3. They learn to play melodies for the first time.

4. Children can breathe out and relax through music.

5. Children experience a joy in trying things out.

5 Advantages of musical activities in groups

1. Experiencing different instruments in harmony.

2. Learning to listen to each other and to oneself.

3. Being in harmony with the others.

4. Learning from each other and motivating each other.

5. Planning small performances together.

Making music from the beginning

Making music is an important part of Waldorf education. It has been proven that singing and playing musical instruments not only broadens musical abilities, but also promotes social skills, intelligence and creativity.

The Pentatonic

In the pentatonic, as the name suggests, a scale of five tones is used. Pentatonic is characteristic of East Asian music, but the exact origin can no longer be traced today. An important feature of the pentatonic is that there are no leading tones and no fundamental tones. Because of this and because there are only whole tone sequences and one and a half tone steps in the pentatonic, no discord is possible. Because of the always harmonious sound, playing with such tuned musical instruments can be easy and imaginative. The pentatonic is therefore ideally suited as a basis for musical practice in Waldorf education.

Music in the Waldorf Kindergarten

In the Waldorf kindergarten there is a lot of singing. Songs are an essential part of the programme. The lyre is particularly suitable for accompanying the songs and also for creating a musical atmosphere for table theatre and puppet shows. Children can be inspired to play musically mainly through sound toys.

Music in the Waldorf School

In accordance with Waldorf education, music lessons at the Waldorf School are structured in a processual way in the twelve-year curriculum - based on human development. After the tuning to fifths in the first two years, canons and polyphony are introduced in the following grades. The children and young people learn about music history and the various instruments in an increasingly differentiated way. In the Lower School, in addition to singing, they learn to play the recorder. In the second grade, many pupils begin instrumental lessons. In the Middle and Upper School, there is then the possibility of attending choir, orchestra or percussion.

Musical instruments in Waldorfshop

In Waldorfshop you will find instruments and sound toys for the Waldorf kindergarten, the Waldorf school, instrumental lessons and for the family. For schools we also offer class sets of some instruments!

Kalimbas

Kalimbas are sounding reed instruments of African origin. In the south of Africa they can be found in countless forms and designs. Our kalimbas are carefully handcrafted from solid American cherry by the Hokema company. This second generation family business has been developing and producing beautiful, easy-to-play kalimbas in various models since 1985.

Sansula Basic is a new type of instrument in the style of a kalimba. The Sansula Basic consists of a wooden ring covered with a drumhead on which the classical sound block of a kalimba is mounted. The resonating body produces a full and vibrating, long-lasting sound. It is covered with a thin membrane that has been optimised for sound. All the notes fit together harmoniously so that even beginners can enjoy a successful playing experience.

Glockenspiel

We have many different glockenspiels on offer, both pentatonically and diatonically tuned. In our online shop you will find aesthetically clear models as well as appealingly colourful ones in rainbow colours. With this wonderful musical instrument, even small children can play harmonious melodies and find their first own access to music.

Flutes

You will also find a large selection of flutes, such as pentatonic flutes, soprano flutes, diatonic and five-tone flutes, ideal for school and instrumental lessons.

Lyres

In our shop you will find various lyres tuned according to the pentatonic scale. Ideal for use in the kindergarten, at school or in the family. For example, our harp for children made of maple wood convinces with its open and delicate sound. It is especially suitable for school children, as it is easy to play due to its ergonomic string spacing.