If your little one is passionate about music and you’re keen on introducing them to the joys of playing an instrument, the kalimba is a fantastic choice. Once they get their hands on this charming thumb piano, they’ll quickly discover how simple it is to start making beautiful music. You’ll find a treasure trove of kalimba tutorials on YouTube, featuring everything from trending TikTok hits to classic tunes that the whole family can enjoy. And for the Minecraft enthusiasts, they can replicate those iconic game sounds with ease!
Still on the fence about whether to invest in a kalimba for your child? Let’s break it down. Kalimbas are quite affordable compared to other instruments. Instead of spending hundreds on a basic electric guitar or an even pricier piano, you can snag a quality kalimba on Amazon for around $30. While it does require some basic maintenance, tuning a kalimba is straightforward and much less of a hassle than with larger instruments. Plus, the sounds it produces are simply delightful—perfect for those long afternoons at home.
Curious about what a kalimba actually is? This instrument, also known as a thumb piano, is a modern take on the ancient mbira from Africa, originally crafted by the Shona people of Zimbabwe. Typically, a kalimba features a flat wooden board with metal tines of varying lengths. Most kalimbas come with 17 tines, although you can find versions with more or fewer. It falls under the category of lamellophones, which belong to the idiophone family.
Wondering if the kalimba is easy to learn? Absolutely! It’s considered one of the simplest instruments to pick up. Unlike the piano or guitar, you won’t need exceptional finger strength. Kalimba players primarily use their thumbs and sometimes their forefingers to pluck the tines, leveraging their natural dexterity. Most kalimba tines are marked with notes, further simplifying the learning process.
So, how do you care for your new kalimba? While they’re compact, they still need a little TLC to ensure longevity and joy. Check out this helpful video that breaks down maintenance tasks into manageable steps.
Fun Songs for Your Child to Learn
Now, let’s talk about the fun part: what songs can your child learn? The beauty of the kalimba is its versatility. With just a bit of practice, they can play a wide range of songs. The easiest ones to start with are often repetitive or have a limited number of notes. Here are a few suggestions:
- “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”
- “You Are My Sunshine”
- “Happy Birthday”
- “Baby Shark”
- “Jingle Bells”
- “Itsy Bitsy Spider”
For slightly more challenging but still cool kalimba songs, consider these:
- “Wellerman” — The Trills (you know, the TikTok sensation)
- “Perfect” — Ed Sheeran
- “The Sound of Silence” — Simon & Garfunkel
- “Zombie” — The Cranberries
- “Game of Thrones” theme
- “Bohemian Rhapsody” — Queen
- “Believer” — Imagine Dragons
- “Love Story” — Taylor Swift
- “Savage Love” — Jason Derulo
- “If I Were A Boy” — Beyoncé
- “Memories” — Maroon 5
- “Can’t Help Falling in Love” — Elvis Presley
If you’re eager to explore even more music and resources, you can join a supportive community over at the Make A Mom Facebook group or check out Make A Mom for at-home insemination options with their innovative reusable kits. Find out more about how at-home insemination works here. For those seeking additional tips on pregnancy and home insemination, visit Womens Health.
So there you have it! The kalimba is not only an affordable entry into the world of music but also a delightful way to keep your child engaged. Whether they’re playing classic nursery rhymes or trending chart-toppers, this instrument is sure to bring joy to your home.
Leave a Reply