(A post from Matt)

How to make a double bass (would also work for a guitar or other stringed instrument – just adjust the materials)

Materials: 
One (1) strong piece of string
One (1) big sister.

1) Bring a piece of string and a big sister into the bedroom.  Evacuate any parents from said room for a good 20 minutes, since this will take some work and you don’t need any interruptions.

2) Convince the big sister that she is, in fact, a horse, and that she needs a string tied around her waist so that any nearby cowboys could hold on.  This is easier than it looks  Since you don’t (yet!) know how to tie a knot, she’ll have to tie this herself. 

3) Convince the big sister that she now needs to be hitched to the bedpost.  Now, at this point, you’ve probably gotten distracted playing cowboy, and you only have a few minutes left.  You either need to learn how to tie a knot yourself – and fast! – or you need to convince the big sister to do it herself.  No need to take the hard route here.  When you talk to her, make sure that she makes it a good, square knot so that it doesn’t come untied too easily. 

4) Wait a few minutes.  The big sister will now realize that she is, in fact, stuck, and will try to get away.  This is an important step.  As she pulls, the string will get quite taut.  She may also make some noises to attract attention.  Concentrate and work fast through the next step to minimize this risk!

5) Start plucking the string.  If you do this in a coordinated way, your music may sound good enough that the big sister stops crying and you can get a few minutes to enjoy your newfound creation before being interrupted by those pesky parents.

How to make a violin
Sure, a violin can make music, but it’s best function is as a prop.  Any performer can dance around on stage, but a performer holding and playing a violin while dancing is that much more impressive.  To this end, it really doesn’t matter if your violin can make music or not – it’s the physical form that matters.

Materials:
A good solid board book, maybe 10″ square, makes a decent instrument.  For a bow, any long, thin wooden block will do. 

1)  Tuck the book under your chin.  Make sure your fingers are where the frets would be.

2)  Hold your block as a bow.  Scrape against the edge of the book.

How to make a drum

Materials:
Some buildings are made of brick, or concrete, or cinder blocks.  These are quite dull, musically speaking.  Modern home construction is nothing more than a bit of chalk between some pieces of cardboard held up by wood so flimsy that it can be sold for $2 a piece.  This is what you’re aiming for.  An interior wall, such as a bathroom, is nice and hollow inside.

As a small child, you sometimes need some help after you use the toilet.  If help is too far away, it’s nice to be able to attract attention.  Simply bang on the wall in a rhythmic way and you’re there.    A nice, loud song, like “I’m <bang> all <bang> done <bang> <bang> <bang> ” (repeats) works, too.

(Addendum from Mommy:  Effective drums are also made of the dining room table, particularly during dinner.  Also available during dinner are plates, cups, and glasses, all played beautifully with the best drumstick:  a stainless steel spoon.  Mommy insists that dinner is not the best occasion to make music, but C&D are skeptical of this.)