At Get Set 4 Education, we see music as something that lives in all of us, not just in school, but in the rhythms of daily life. That’s why we created Musical Families: a free, open access space full of easy, creative music activities you can enjoy together at home.
Whether you’re singing in the car, tapping out rhythms in the garden, or unwinding to a favourite tune at the end of the day, music has a way of bringing families closer, wherever you are.
Why make music together?
Making music as a family isn’t just fun, it’s brilliant for:
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Creativity – turning everyday objects into instruments
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Listening skills – learning to pick out rhythms and patterns
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Confidence – letting children share their ideas and perform
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Bonding – creating memories you’ll all cherish
Families: Try these simple summer music ideas
Here’s a little taster of what you’ll find in Musical Families:
- Nature’s Orchestra
Head to the park and listen closely – can you hear the wind in the trees, bird calls, or the crunch of gravel underfoot? Use your voices or homemade instruments to copy the sounds you hear.
- Family Rhythm Jam
Grab pots, pans, wooden spoons, or plastic tubs and create your own percussion band. Take turns leading the beat while everyone else follows.
- Musical Scavenger Hunt
Go on a musical scavenger hunt and see if you can find examples of:
A piece of music with a quick tempo.
A piece of music with a slow tempo.
A piece of music with loud dynamics.
A piece of music with quiet dynamics.
A piece of music that uses a verse and chorus.
Families: Ready for more free activities?
The Musical Families section of our platform is completely free to use, no sign in required and is packed with quick, easy music activities you can enjoy anywhere.
Visit Musical Families here: Musical Families link
Teachers: Back to school and ready to share!
These musical moments are great talking points when children return to school. Why not encourage your children to share their favourite summer music moment in September with some of these sharing ideas:
"My Summer Soundtrack" Drawing & Talking Activity
EYFS/KS1
Children draw a picture of a moment from the summer when music was part of their day e.g. dancing in the kitchen, singing in the car, drumming on buckets in the garden.
Use this as a prompt for circle time or 1:1 chats:
“What song reminds you of your summer?”
“Did you make any sounds or music with your family?”
You could use the drawings to make a display called “Holiday Rhythms.”
"Our Holiday Playlist" Class Music Sharing Wall
KS1
Create a space on a wall or whiteboard where children can “add” songs or sounds they remember from the holidays. This could include:
- Songs they sang with family
- Music they heard on a trip
- Sounds they copied (like waves, birds, fireworks)
- Play short clips if they suggest popular or well known songs. You could also use images or symbols for non-readers.
You could create a “class playlist” with a mix of real songs and made-up ones.
"Musical Me" Booklets
KS2
Children create a mini booklet called "Musical Me" with prompts such as:
- My favourite summer sound was...
- I made music by...
- A song I heard was...
- A noise I didn’t like was...
- I’d like to learn how to…
These can be added to their learning journals or kept for reflection at the end of term.
Music has a unique way of helping children feel seen, heard, and connected and those feelings don’t stop when school ends. By celebrating the musical moments children experience over the holidays, we’re not only nurturing creativity, but also strengthening the bridge between home and school.