Welcome to the Percussion Play Blog

We hope you'll be a regular visitor as we share stories about the instruments we make and the people who play them.

This is where we share our passion for music in the great outdoors! We'll share with you details of exciting new outdoor music projects and designs from around the globe. We'll share with you information about the instruments we sell and a little about the inspiration behind them

Most importantly, this blog is about what we love to do the most - help you create new and exciting ways to bring music to the great outdoors.

Thank you for reading, visiting, commenting and contributing - we’re excited to have you here!

Rocking Winter: How Outdoor Music Instruments Help Children Stay Healthy, Boost Moods, Aid Learning, and Encourage Self-Expression Through the Colder Months.

Although it's getting colder in the Northern Hemisphere, it shouldn't deter us from enjoying the outdoors. Since winter is upon us, December may not seem like the ideal month to consider buying outdoor musical instruments or highlighting the significance of children playing outside. However, as the weather gets colder, planning outdoor activities for children becomes increasingly important. Despite the common misconception that cold air can cause illness, studies have shown that exposure to fresh air is actually good for our health. When people spend extended periods together indoors in poorly ventilated, heated spaces, illnesses and germs can spread easily from person to person, particularly among young children and older adults. During the winter season, it is crucial for children to experience creative outdoor play during their school day, especially since the daylight hours are shorter. Outdoor music activities during winter can be an exciting creative adventure for children.

Percussion...


Percussion Play Listed in Christian School Products Magazine's Top Products of the Year for the Second Year in a Row.

Christian School Products (CSP) magazine is a bi-monthly publication that provides the latest information and resources about products, furnishings, building supplies, technology, media, and more for Christian schools. The magazine introduces school leaders to new products that can help their schools.

Every year, CSP lists the "best of the best" products and services from manufacturers and dealers in the school market. We are thrilled to announce that our outdoor musical instruments have been recognized and highlighted in this prestigious list for their educational and recreational benefits.

Jody Ashfield, Founder and CEO of Percussion Play said, 'It's fantastic that our instruments have been recognized by Christian School Products as one of the latest and greatest products available to educational facilities. The 2023 "Top Products of the Year" shows a real mix of innovative resources...


Early Years Expo Competition Winner Announced

Last week we attended the NAEYC Annual Conference and Expo in Nashville, where early childhood educators from around the world gathered to connect, collaborate, and learn together. It was a fantastic event!

NAEYC's Annual Conference is designed for all early childhood professionals, including classroom teachers, center directors, administrators, and the leaders who mentor, prepare, and support them. The conference is a must-attend for those who want to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field. The Early Childhood Education Expo had over 250 exhibitors and took place over three days.

We were excited to introduce the concept of outdoor musical instruments to early childhood educators and encouraged them to participate in our giveaway competition for a chance to win a Rainbow Trio Ensemble. We received nearly 500 entries, and we are thrilled to announce that the winner of the competition...


Beating the Drum for Inclusion - SEN Magazine Article

The latest edition of SEN Magazine, the UK's leading journal for Special Educational Needs, features a compelling article by Jody Ashfield, Founder and Managing Director of Percussion Play. In it, Jody delves into the topic of music in special education, exploring the role it plays in accessibility and the power it has to promote inclusivity.

Read the article "Beating the Drum For Inclusion"


Showcasing new outdoor musical instruments for both above and below ground at the upcoming 2023 ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture

The city of Minneapolis, known as the "city by nature," is preparing to host the ASLA 2023 Conference on Landscape Architecture. This conference will take place against the backdrop of Minneapolis's natural beauty and promises to be a Mecca for professionals in the field. As landscape architects gather to explore new horizons, we will celebrate nature in a musical form, showcasing our latest outdoor musical instruments, including the Harmony Hop (musical hopscotch), the Temple Block Tree, and the Tropical Cyclone, along with some of our old favorites. We will be at Booth #1025, and we welcome you to visit us.

The American Society of Landscape Architects ASLA has been in existence since 1899 and is a professional association of landscape architects in the United States with more than 15000 members. The ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture is the biggest event for landscape architects and related professionals worldwide, with over 6,000 attendees. This is an opportunity to come together...


Percussion Play Attends 2023 NRPA Annual Conference Exhibition

Percussion Play is excited to announce that we will be showcasing our latest outdoor musical instruments at Booth 2231 during this year's NRPA (National Recreation and Parks Association) Annual Conference, taking place in Dallas, TX. Our new offerings include the Harmony Hop (a musical hopscotch), the Temple Block Tree, and the Tropical Cyclone, along with some of our old favorites.

The conference theme is "Where Community Grows", and it highlights the park and recreation profession's commitment to excellence, learning, and growth. This dedication ensures that communities continue to benefit from activities promoting health and wellness, climate resilience, and social connection.

The exhibit hall is a breathtaking sight, with over 400 exhibitors and an amusement park-like atmosphere showcasing the latest and greatest products and services. Visitors are invited to explore the latest innovations in park and recreation environments. The event is expected to attract over 8,000 attendees.

If...