How to Make Music Egg Shakers for Kids

Percussion egg shakers are a fun and engaging activity for young children and they are so easy to a make at home!

This version is easy to make and the end result is sturdy and completely sealed so it won’t break open while being used.

Many DIY egg shakers just use tape to hold the egg shut, but in my experience this often don’t stand up well to repeated use by little kids (cue rice all over the carpet).

In contrast, our egg shakers are completely sealed, so toddlers can manhandle them all day long and they will hold up to the rough treatment.

And the way they look can be customized depending on the kind of fabric you use to cover them.

These shaker eggs are perfect for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers to practice rhythm and learn to enjoy music. And they are an ideal size to fit in little hands.

Read on for instructions on how to make your own musical egg shakers!

If you would like your shaker egg to have a handle, check out our DIY maraca craft.

DIY Egg Shakers

Materials

• Plastic Easter egg(s)
• Rice*
• Fabric
• Mod Podge
• Brush
• Scissors

*You could also use beans or corn kernels for the filling instead, which provides a louder, more dramatic sound when shaken. The rice provides a softer sound which is better for children that might be easily overwhelmed by loud sounds.

Instructions

First off, fill your plastic egg about half way with rice. Fasten the egg shut.

Next, cut out the fabric you will use to cover your egg. You will need to cut a rectangle large enough to wrap around the width of the egg, leaving about a one inch excess at the top and bottom.

Place a strip of Mod Podge down the center of the fabric lengthwise.

Wrap the fabric around the width of the egg, sealing the loose side to the egg with more Mod Podge.

Cut 1/2 inch strips up the fabric, stopping when you get to the egg. This will allow you to secure the fabric around the egg without it bunching.

Cover the top of the egg with Mod Podge and begin folding the flaps of the fabric down, applying more Mod Podge as needed to secure them.

Do the same on the other side of egg: cut strips up the fabric and use Mod Podge to secure them to the egg.

Once the fabric is secured, cover the entire egg in a layer of Mod Podge. Let it dry.

Once the egg is dry, cover it with another layer of Mod Podge. Let it dry again. Add more layers of Mod Podge as needed to get the desired finish. When completed, the egg should have a smooth surface with no loose pieces of fabric.

Now your DIY shaker egg is ready to enjoy!

These eggs are great for music time with toddlers and preschoolers. They are prefect for young children because they are sealed and sturdy, meaning that young children won’t be able to break them open while they’re using them.

You can use these shaker eggs over and over again for lots of musical fun!

Common questions about shaker eggs

What is an egg shaker used for?

An egg shaker is a small, handheld percussion instrument used to create rhythmic sounds by shaking it. It typically consists of a plastic or wooden shell filled with small beads or pellets.

Egg shakers are commonly used in music, particularly in genres like folk, rock, and especially in children’s music, as they are easy to use and produce a gentle, shuffling sound when shaken.

They are often used in music classes, performances, and as a fun and simple way to introduce rhythm and musical concepts to children.

What do you fill egg shakers with?

There are many different options for filling egg shakers. Some of the most popular fillings for homemade eggs shakers are rice, beans, and corn kernels.

Rice makes a softer sound, which can be less alarming for young children. It also feels less jarring on your hand when shaken.

However, if you want a louder, more distinct sound beans or corn kernels are a good option.

How do you use musical egg shakers?

Egg shakers are simple percussion instruments that are easy to use and can add a fun, rhythmic element to music.

Really all you need to do it grab the egg and shake it, causing the small beads, pellets, or filling inside to hit the walls of the shaker, creating a rhythmic, shuffling sound.

Here are a few more ideas on how to play around with these egg shakers:

• Experiment with Speed and Intensity: The speed and intensity of your shaking can influence the sound. Faster shaking often results in a more pronounced and faster rhythm, while gentler shaking can produce a subtler, softer sound.
• Incorporate into Music: You can use egg shakers in various musical settings. They’re great for adding rhythm to songs, keeping the beat, or providing percussion in group music activities. You can shake the egg shaker in time with the music to contribute to the overall rhythm.
• Experiment with Different Techniques: Get creative and try different techniques like shaking two egg shakers in each hand, shaking one in each hand at different rhythms, or incorporating pauses and accents to create dynamic rhythms.
• Combine with Other Instruments: Egg shakers can be used alongside other musical instruments like drums, tambourines, or xylophones to enhance the overall sound of a musical ensemble
• Teaching Rhythm: In educational settings, egg shakers are often used to teach children about rhythm and timing. They can be used as a fun tool for learning the basics of music.

Egg shakers are versatile and easy to use, making them suitable for a wide range of musical activities and settings. They are commonly used in music classes, children’s music, and even in professional music performances to add a rhythmic element to the music.

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