Your room is too small for all your resources and the large class sizes at your school! How will this ever work? Or maybe you’re a new teacher with a big beautiful room but don’t know where to begin. Let’s look at some best practices along with tips and tricks to set up an elementary music room!
Transform your chaotic classroom into a harmonious haven with these top tips for a super functional elementary music room set up!
This post may contain affiliate links. I make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Read my full disclosure.
Elementary music classroom essentials and must-haves will be determined by your teaching philosophy, teaching space, budget, and students. Let’s look at how these factor into your decision-making, some of the most common choices among music teachers, and then a basic list of must-haves!
The Playlist
What Factors In?
#1 Your Teaching Philosophy
The best essentials are the ones that match your teaching philosophy. If you’re a first-year or newer music teacher, this will change over time. If you student taught and used lots of rhythm stick learning and your classroom doesn’t have them, that’s a great resource to obtain. Here’s how to proceed.
Make a list of what you know and want to use in your teaching. (i.e. folk songs, movement, barred instruments, non-pitched percussion, recorders, etc.)
To your wishlist, add the equipment needed to teach them. (i.e. for movement-scarves, parachute)
Write down what you want to learn about. (barred instruments, ukuleles, movement, curriculum)
Add the equipment/resources needed for this new learning to your wishlist.
#2 Existing Equipment
Look at the existing items in your room and determine what you’d like to use in your teaching. For example, if you have a class set of ukuleles and have never played before, you need to research how to teach with them or store them for the next teacher. If you have a bunch of broken rhythm sticks and you want to use them, figure out a way to fix them or put them on your wishlist. Go through the entire room this way.
If you are a new (er) teacher and you inherit a room of what you think is not useable, I suggest Marie Kondo-ing the budget-minded music teacher way. Three piles: trash, not sure, keep.
Trash would be damaged beyond repair, worksheet copies that are for who knows what, and outdated equipment such as giant computer screens, etc. The “not sure” group might be your biggest and I’d take a year to digest these items. I’d suggest hopping on a Facebook music teacher group and running items by the members. You’ll get a consensus pretty quickly if it’s worthy.
Do not, I repeat DO NOT throw out all old textbook series with CDs. I’d keep one copy of each textbook and all the CDs. Yes, there are some really crappy songs on some of them but also some JEWELS! AND, they come with accompaniment tracks. If you want to get a song for a concert, you can buy the music and an accompaniment mp3 on a music site for $50 or more. But the textbooks may contain lots of songs with accompaniments for FREE! You will have to get an external CD drive to get them on your computer, but if the school doesn’t have one, they are less than $50 on Amazon.
#3 Your Teaching Space
The size, location, and hardware in your room matter SO much! You can’t buy a huge parachute in a long, narrow room. If you are on a stage by the gym or next to classrooms, I wouldn’t put drumming high on my list. If your room has no sound system, that might need to go to the top of your list. Your teaching space dictates a lot of your decisions.
#4 Your Budget and Fundraising
A yearly budget varies widely from school to school. It can go from $0 to hundreds of dollars. Sometimes schools will get a year of an extra bump or be renovating and get several thousand dollars.
Then there’s your decision to fundraise or not. The big national entity is DonorsChoose and then there are local and regional opportunities. No matter what, it takes time, persistence, and more time.
#5 The Students
What you need will depend on the grade levels you teach. K-8, K-5, Prek-2, 3-5. You want to offer a diversity of learning to ALL students but maybe a community has a particular cultural interest that you want to pull into your teaching. Your resources might reflect that interest. Perhaps you will be teaching a lot of students with special needs and accommodations so certain resources will provide better participation for those situations. The school environment can create situations where classroom management necessitates less student movement in the room. All of these situations and more can have an impact on what you need.
Commonly Used Elementary Music Classroom Essentials
Here are the most common item choices you will find for music rooms.
The Room
Seating
My K-5 students sat on the floor in assigned seats and I never used sit spots. Some teachers always use sit spots. It’s up to you. Chairs were stacked along the side or in the hallway because I taught K-8 and I had them mainly for my middle school students. Stools (IKEA) were stacked against the wall and used for drumming, ukuleles, or sometimes learning centers. My goal was to keep things as open as possible for movement activities and to easily get out the barred instruments.
Classroom chairs
Stools
Flipforms
Rugs
Sit Spots
Audio/Visual
Teacher Computer
Teacher Piano
Speakers
Whiteboard & Projection System
Teacher microphone
Storage
Small containers for un-pitched percussion, mallets, folders, basics (pencils, crayons)
Ask 10 teachers and you’ll get 10 different answers. The quantities are what I like-heavy on the woods. One metallophone is VERY loud. You don’t need bunches of them. Zimbabwe-style pieces (Walt Hampton) are fabulous and dependent on having lots of xylophones. I taught in many different types of schools and I never EVER had a student not LOVE these pieces. I went heavy on xylophones.
Contra-bass bars (one set-C, D, E, F, G, A, B)
Bass xylophones (2)
Alto xylophones (8)
Soprano xylophones (8)
Alto/Soprano glockenspiels (8)
Alto metallophone (2)
If I was starting from zero, I’d start with soprano xylophones, then glockenspiels, a bass xylophone, altos, then the rest. This would give me a combination of lower cost instruments to get more kids playing. Studio 49, Sonor, and Peripole are the best. Suzuki and Rhythm Band should be avoided. (However, I bought a Suzuki xylophone on ShopGoodwill so if it’s super cheap, go for it.)
Un-pitched Percussion
Class Sets
Rhythm Sticks
Egg Shakers
Need 2-4
These instruments are great for sound stories. In a class of 24, you could have 4 groups (6 to a group) for Goldilocks. The groups could be Daddy Bear (wood blocks & tone blocks), Momma Bear (maracas & egg shakers), Baby Bear (triangles & finger cymbals), Goldilocks (rhythm sticks).
*Triangles
Tambourines
*Finger Cymbals
*Claves
*Maracas
Tone Blocks
Jingle Bells
Wood Blocks
*Guiros
*Cow Bell
Agogo Bells/Gonkogui
*My favorites & most used.
Just 1
Rain Sticks
Vibraslap
Slap Stick
Ratchet
Cabasa
Gong
Slit/Tongue Drum
Stir Drum
Wind Chimes
Shekere
Ukuleles
These are my favorite instruments in the music classroom. The learning can continue into adulthood. Kids can easily play along to songs they love. Here are all my buying recommendations AND an entire free ukulele curriculum based mainly on playing chords.
Drums
Hand Drums
Lots of teachers (me included) get a class set of the Remo tuneable tubano drums. They are sturdy, sound good, have feet and a hand grip. If I had it to do over again, I would have gotten a mix of djembes, congas, etc. too. I like the diversity of sound better and they can be a bit cheaper. The problem with them is that they have to be tipped when you play them so that would be a challenge for the K-3 crowd. Whatever you get, don’t get anything that isn’t tuneable. They’ll eventually lose their resonance and sound awful.
Bucket Drums
They are fun because of the drumsticks and the variety of sounds you can get but if you have a class set of drums, I think you can skip bucket drumming. If you don’t have hand drums or a budget, this is the way to go! You can petition Lowes or Home Depot to donate them to you.
Frame Drums
These hand-held drums are so great. I had a class set but rarely used them as a set. I think you could get 10 in a couple of sizes and be fine. Use them in combination with rhythm sticks and other un-pitched percussion or as a B section to a barred instrument piece. (but then again you could use hand drums for that too) I got the Remo Pre-tuned Fiberskyn and they worked fine although some eventually lost their zing.
Cajon
Cajons are so useful because they’re small, provide a great sound, don’t need a chair/stool, and are super portable. Two is a great number to have, for the teacher to use but also for students to use in ensembles, small group work, and as an accompaniment to a class song.
Recorders
Your two choices are to buy recorders for each student and keep them in your room or let the kids purchase their own.
Boomwhackers
The instrument I love to hate! LOL. BWs are so fun and kids love them and they serve several worthy teaching purposes. They are the perfect low-cost class set option if you don’t have much of a budget. Here’s a table to help with how many you need to order.
Student Keyboards
I had student full-sized keyboards (2 students to a keyboard) mainly because I taught middle school. Because I had them, I ran a mini-unit in 4th and 5th grade. They require a lot of storage space and accessories. (power source, extension cords, splitters, headphones)
A large class parachute is SO fun and you can pair movement with learning about high/low, pitch, form, and many music elements. I eventually got partner parachutes too and they are just magical. Here’s more about them.
Bean Bags
Bean bags are great for passing circle games, target games, and more.
Scarves
Scarves are magical for Prek-2 and maybe older depending on your students. They are great for using movement and hand/eye coordination, high/low, musical form, smooth/bumpy, beat/no beat, and much more. You can buy tulle or other light fabricd at JoAnn Fabric and cut it up into 2′ x 2′ squares or buy online at West Music or PE supply stores. I invested in some amazing, floating silk scarves.
Ribbon Wands
Kids love ribbon wands but I think they’re a pain in the patoot. They are always knotting up or flicking someone in the head. Did I have them? Yes. Did I use them? Yes. But I didn’t use them that often. They wouldn’t be at the top of my wishlist.
Great children’s literature is very important to include in your teaching and there are so many options here. Many teachers buy their own books and then take them with them when they leave the school so classrooms may not have much that stays in-house. Use your local library to borrow books until you can acquire books you love and want to own. There are also many online versions of books on Libby and YouTube.
Curriculum
Your district may have a scope and sequence to use. Old textbook series usually have a really nice basic K-6 scope and sequence at the back of every teacher’s edition. Musicplay is the most affordable online option that is praised by many teachers. There are also curriculum purchase options from TPT and other music teacher content creators.
Sheet Music, mp3s, and Concert music
Finding music for classroom use and concert use can be a HUGE problem. Music with mp3s is costly to buy from sheet music companies. This is one of the most challenging elementary music classroom essentials.
Many teachers love Music K8 because you get lots of music (not all useable though) for not a lot of money. You can get a yearly subscription and then buy singles that come with the music and mp3s. The subscription by itself is not going to give you everything you need, though it will help.
Musicplay gives you tons of classroom curricular options and some concert options as well.
Dry Erase Boards/Pocket Sleeves
Dry-erase boards are so wonderful for quick assessments, composing and creating, and for use in learning centers. Pocket sleeves allow you to insert a paper for guided learning to be used multiple times.
HeadPhones
A couple of noise-cancelling earmuffs are great to have for kids who are noise-sensitive. Some kids will bring their own. Regular headphones are a must to have on hand for learning centers.
The BASIC List of Elementary Music Classroom Essentials
If I was starting with an empty room…
The Room
Basic: Teacher computer, sound system, projection system, teacher piano, stools/chairs for drumming, storage for percussion and other items. (Dollar Tree or IKEA)
Other Considerations & Next Steps: If you don’t have carpet, a large area rug is important. A teacher microphone can really save your voice.
Instruments
Basic: class set of rhythm sticks and Boomwhackers, a few small percussion instruments (sets of 2-4)
Next Steps: Barred instruments, drums, class set of egg shakers, ukuleles, recorders, more small percussion, cajon.
Movement Props
Basic: class parachute, scarves
Next Steps: partner parachutes, ribbon wands, bean bags
Learning Materials
Basic: Musicplay (or similar) and a class set of dry-erase boards or sleeves.
Next Steps: Children’s books, headphones, iPads
Final Thoughts
The biggest thing to remember is that it doesn’t matter what another music teacher is using, doing, or teaching. What matters is YOUR teaching philosophy and curriculum and what you need to implement them. As you gain experience, your teaching ideas will probably broaden and you can then add new items to your elementary music classroom essentials list.
If you’ve made it to the bottom, congratulations! Even though this post took a lot of thought, I know it’s going to still need some editing as I think of items that I’ve missed along the way. Help me out! What do I need to add? Thanks for your help! Laura
Classroom lighting doesn’t have to be like a scene in a horror movie: “The fluorescent lights flickered, casting pale light against the beige concrete walls while the yellowed shades all hung awkwardly at different lengths against the windows that wouldn’t open.”
YES! You know we’ve all been in that room in a school!
If you’re looking for classroom lighting ideas to create a peaceful MOOD and groovy VIBE, keep reading!
IMPORTANT: Rules change from district to district, so it is imperative that you check with your administration about fire safety and the use of “extra” lighting. All of the images from my classroom show lighting that was approved by my district.
Table of Contents
Classroom Lighting Benefits
Numerous studies have demonstrated a clear connection between lighting quality and student performance. Well-designed lighting in educational settings can enhance student focus, comprehension, and overall achievement.
Proper lighting not only reduces visual discomfort but also creates an environment conducive to active participation and cognitive engagement.
And sometimes, lighting can be SO FUN!
It can set a mood from calm to celebratory that takes a lesson to the next level.
Let’s look at how we can do damage control to the bad and ramp up the good!
Fluorescent Light Covers for Damage Control
Fluorescent lighting is a common feature in many classrooms, but it often comes with drawbacks that can hinder student focus and comfort. Light covers provide a creative and effective solution to transform the harsh glare and flicker of standard fluorescent lights into a more inviting and visually appealing environment.
Let’s explore safety features, designs, and placement of these fluorescent light covers.
Safety & Permission
Not all schools allow these covers so you need to make sure you get permission from your administration and/or custodian. Also called light diffusers or panels, these covers are specially designed overlays that fit over standard fluorescent light fixtures.
They attach to the light frame with strong magnets sewn into the edges. These covers are usually made from various flame-retardent materials and come in a range of patterns and designs.
I had the basic blue covers and placed them over the center back light and all across the middle. You can also see a desk lamp (on a broken conga drum) in the back corner and the natural light coming from the windows.
Designs and Placement
The covers come in such fun designs and colors. I was going for calm and cool so I got the blue for my classroom and put them on banks of lights toward the back/middle of the room. I had the ability to turn on/off all of my ceiling lights in several configurations. Some classrooms don’t and it’s either all on or all off for them.
TIP: If you have just all on/all off light switches, ask your principal if the district can send an electrician and give you more options for your ceiling lights. You never know if you don’t ask!
I almost always turned off the bank of lights at the front of the room (where my screen was located) and depending on the class, time, and activity had one or two banks on. I had floor and table lamps so sometimes I had no ceiling lights on at all.
As an Amazon Affiliate, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Floor and Table Lamps
Effective learning is fostered in an environment where students feel comfortable and engaged. Floor and table lamps play a pivotal role in setting the mood by creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
This was my favorite way of changing the atmosphere in my room! I had 5 or more table lamps and one floor lamp spread all throughout my room. In all my years of teaching, I rarely had good natural light. My classrooms were often in basements or facing north.
Lamp on broken conga drum “stand” for ambient lighting in a dark corner of the music room.
Table lamps to the left and right of the door provide warm light while ceiling lights are not on at all.
What are the benefits of ambient lighting in the classroom?
Use more subdued lighting when
classes are coming from PE, recess, lunch, and other active times.
you’ve had high energy parts to your lesson and are ready for students to listen and focus.
you’ve had a classroom event or conflict and need to restore calm to the class.
you are setting the mood for something new or mysterious.
The gentle glow they emit can transform an ordinary classroom into a space that encourages collaboration, creativity, and focused learning. The soft, diffused lighting from these lamps can help reduce eye strain and contribute to a sense of well-being among students. It just feels like home with lots of ambient lighting.
I found my lights at Target during their back-to-college sales or at Goodwill.
SAFETY TIP: If you have a cloth shade, many times you will be required to spray it with a flame-retardent material and in some districts are not allowed to have cloth shades at all!
Shelf Floor Lamp
I did not have this shelf lamp in my room but saw it requested in a DonorsChoose project and fell in love with it! A soft glow lamp and SHELVES! If I’d known about these, I’d have had one (or two) in my room!
As an Amazon Affiliate, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Using String Lights in the Classroom
String lights, known for their enchanting glow and versatile design, have found their way beyond holiday decorations and into educational spaces. These whimsical lighting solutions offer a creative and engaging way to enhance the classroom environment, fostering a sense of comfort, creativity, and inspiration.
Create focus for the bulletin board with the neon lights and a fun presentation mood with white lights around the presentation screen.
Supernight LED RGB strips change colors and have a remote control.
Infusing Magic into Learning Spaces
String lights have a unique ability to infuse spaces with a touch of magic and wonder. By draping them along walls, bulletin boards, or bookshelves, you can instantly create a captivating atmosphere that captures students’ attention and imagination.
Perfect for creating zones of focus and learning, the soft, twinkling lights create a cozy ambiance that encourages relaxation and exploration, making the learning environment feel less formal and more inviting.
Safety and Practicality
I had white string lights around a back bulletin board and rarely turned them on. Speaking honestly here, I was afraid that I’d forget to turn them off. I never had the same fear with my lamps for some reason.
Once again, you would need to know your school rules for using this type of lighting.
Black Lights for that Fun Vibe
A very popular choice these days is to pair black lights with songs and activities for a fun effect at concerts. These UV lights also are being used more and more in the classroom to set a mood and to use directly in lessons.
Black Lights for Concerts
There’s an entire blog post dedicated to black lights in concerts with buying ideas and specific songs and activities to use. Check it out!
Inspiring Creative Projects in the Classroom
One of the standout features of black lights is their ability to reveal hidden patterns and colors. In the classroom, this characteristic can be harnessed for creative projects that captivate students’ interest. Students love “Glow Days.”
Have students use fluorescent markers or glow sticks to write rhythms then turn the lights out to reveal the neon creations!
Use fluorescent paint and a stencil to spray paint your school mascot on bucket drums and have a bucket drumming Glow Day!
Use glow tape on rhythm sticks for a Glow Stick Play Along day.
Have these anytime of year but for sure during Halloween week. (Think Addams Family theme)
Use white cups for cup routines or white gloves for body percussion routines.
Write clues around the room using a fluorescent dry erase marker for a Scavenger Hunt. Turn the lights off and let the game begin.
While black lights can be both educational and entertaining, safety considerations are paramount. Direct exposure to UV radiation should be minimized, and proper precautions should be taken to prevent eye strain. Educators should also ensure that any materials used for projects are safe and non-toxic.
Conclusion
I found so many positive student outcomes from having a lighting plan for my classroom. And the win-win is that I benefitted too.
Join the thousands of other teachers who get timely tips, FREEBIES, and trending videos and music delivered to their inbox EVERY week! The Oodles of Music Newsletter!
Processing…
Success! Use the PW: MUSIC4LIFE to unlock FREEBIES on the Subscriber Spot tab in the top menu!
Whoops! There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. Please reload the page and try again.
