Discover 11+ music STEM activities and projects from DIY guitars, theremins, coding, and more, that connect science, technology, engineering, and math to music. Ideal for general classrooms and elementary to middle school music programs.
How Can I Integrate STEM Into My Music Classroom?
It’s easier than you might think to blend science, technology, engineering, and math into music instruction.
🎸 Start with an instrument, then consider the science behind it.
🔉Or start with one of the principles of sound production and consider how to use a music activity to explore.
From sound waves to circuitry, here are twelve classroom-tested projects that show how STEM principles come alive through music.
1. Electric Strings in a STEM Magnet Program
STEM link: Compare acoustic vs. electric sound production, study amplification, and explore the technology behind modern instruments.
Try it: Add a single electric violin or pickup so students can test vibration and signal transfer.
2. Build-Your-Own Dulcimers
My students built dulcimers using kits with wooden fretboards, tuning pegs, and cardboard sound boxes. We started by looking at ratios and building pan flutes. Check out the video below!
What they need: Wood pieces, strings, tuning pegs, and simple hand tools to construct playable dulcimers.
STEM connection: Students explore ratios, vibration, and sound waves by measuring string length and tension to create specific pitches. Building the instruments reinforces concepts of fractions, resonance, and engineering design, while the music-making celebrates creativity and collaboration.
View the STEAMY Rockin’ Ratios slideshow ›
3. STEM2Strings: Electric Guitar Kits
STEM link: Woodworking, wiring, and the physics of sound meet professional-quality instrument assembly.
Classroom twist: Small groups can each build one component before final assembly.
4. Theremins Bring Joy
STEM link: Explore sound waves, frequencies, and electronic circuits with an instrument played entirely by manipulating electromagnetic fields.
Engagement idea: Connect a theremin to a spectrum analyzer so students see the frequencies they create.
5. Music and Building with 3D Printing
STEM link: Combine music performance with 3D design by printing instrument parts or custom picks.
Extension: Compare resonance of printed parts vs. wood or metal.
6. Ukuleles for a STEAM School
STEM link: Explore sound vibrations and frequency while developing fine-motor skills.
Budget tip: Add a unit on string tension to connect math ratios to pitch.
7. Percussion Meets Engineering
STEM link: Measure, cut, and assemble percussion instruments while experimenting with pitch and resonance.
Quick start: PVC pipes or tin cans become a percussion lab.
8. Coding with Electronic Drum Pads
STEM link: Connect drums to software, learning about coding, MIDI data, and digital audio production.
Student favorite: Program pads to trigger different sound effects and build a class beat.
9. Sound Science with PVC Instruments
STEM link: Investigate air columns, pitch control, and instrument design.
Fun challenge: Predict the note before cutting each pipe, then test with a tuner.
10. From Scrap to Symphony
STEM link: Sustainability meets acoustics as students engineer instruments from recycled materials.
Eco angle: Track decibel levels of different recycled materials to compare sound quality.
11. Build-Your-Own One-String Guitars
STEM link: Engineering, design, and acoustics come alive as students construct and tune their own playable instruments.
Tip: Simple wood, wire, and a tuner app keep costs low.
12. TinkerTar
This one-string instrument is PERFECT for learning about pitches and relationships with length of string and vibrations. Read all about it!
Funding Your Idea
If you’d like to bring one of these projects to life, DonorsChoose often runs STEM Innovation matches where eligible music projects receive bonus funding. Even outside of match periods, a well-written proposal with a clear STEM connection can attract donors year-round.
Key Takeaways
- Music and STEM naturally overlap through acoustics, vibration, and resonance.
- Instrument-building projects reinforce engineering concepts like measurement and problem-solving.
- Technology projects introduce coding and electronics while keeping music at the center.
- Hands-on learning ends in performance, proving that STEM concepts create real art.
Integrating STEM into music doesn’t require expensive gear or a physics degree—just curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to experiment.
How have YOU integrated STEM and music? Share in the comments below!
