This easy-to-use digital tool lets you design and download barred instrument visuals for your elementary music classroom. Perfect for teaching with Boomwhackers, glockenspiels, and xylophones, this visual generator helps with differentiated instruction, slides, or handouts in just a few clicks.
Watch How To Create Custom Barred Instrument Visuals
👇🏽 No thanks! Take me straight to the tool! 👇🏽
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Barred Instrument Visual MAKER
How to Make Barred Instrument Visuals
- Choose your scale – C Major, F Major, or G Major.
- Grey out unwanted bars by clicking on the bar, click again to bring the color back
- Select a color scheme – Boomwhacker rainbow, wood tone xylophone, or silver glockenspiel.
- Pick your labeling style – Letter names (C D E), solfège (do re mi), or numbers (1 2 3). I used a movable do system.
- Zoom in using your browser for crystal-clear resolution (see tips below).
- Take a screenshot and paste it into your Google Slides, PowerPoint, or printable PDF.
- Paste it into Canva and add special images (fall, winter, spring icons)
What You Can Do with These Barred Instrument Visuals
- Show students which bars to remove before playing
- Create a player’s-eye view of the instrument
- Tap individual bars to demonstrate an ostinato pattern or melody
- Differentiate instruction by customizing colors and labels
- Save time preparing lesson visuals for Orff activities
Zoom Tips for Clear Screenshots (for high resolution image)
On a Mac:
- Zoom In:
Command++ - Zoom Out:
Command+- - Reset Zoom:
Command+0
On Windows/PC:
- Zoom In:
Ctrl++ - Zoom Out:
Ctrl+- - Reset Zoom:
Ctrl+0
Zooming in before taking your screenshot increases the pixel dimensions and sharpness. For digital use, zooming to 150% or 200% often gives excellent results.
Why Music Teachers Love This Tool
- No downloads or special software needed
- Save time creating visuals for student presentations
- Reinforce concepts from your Orff approach curriculum
- Works great on classroom projectors, slides, and handouts
Use this free barred instrument visual generator to support your creative lesson planning and deliver better visual instruction in your elementary music room.
More Classroom Presentation Tools
One of my top favorite presentation tools is a clicker with a laser pointer. Kensingtons were my go-tos.
Students who need that little bit of extra help LOVE when I can point directly to the spot on the screen that they just weren’t able to find!
And I can do it from the back of the room!
(affiliate link)
Related Posts Where You Might Use Barred Instrument Visuals
- How to Teach Students to Play Barred Instruments
- How-To Guides for Teacher Planners and More
- Technology Tips & Tricks for Elementary Music Teachers
- Oodles of Music on TPT-specializing in songs with Orff arrangements!
FAQ | Barred Instrument Visual Tool
Can I print the instrument image? Yes! For small-scale printing like handouts or worksheets, just zoom in before taking your screenshot. For posters, consider using vector graphics.
Can I include this in my digital resources? Absolutely. It works great in slideshows, student instructions, or PDF lessons.
Can I request new features or color schemes? Let me know in the comments or contact me directly! I love feedback from music teachers.
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