Spring Into Sound: 5 Ways Outdoor Musical Instruments Can Enhance Library Programs This Season

As spring blossoms, it’s the perfect time to take learning outdoors and bring joyful sound to your library garden or outdoor reading space. Public libraries are increasingly embracing outdoor musical instruments as tools for education, creativity, and community connection—and spring is a great season to maximize their benefits. From recognizing the sounds of nature to planning performances, here are five fun and educational ways to use musical play to enrich your library programming this season.

1. Tune Into the Sounds of Spring

Spring is full of natural music—from chirping birds to rustling leaves and buzzing insects. Encourage children to listen to the world around them and talk about the sounds they hear. Then, using your outdoor musical instruments, invite them to create melodic versions of those sounds. This not only deepens their auditory awareness but helps them recognize pitch, rhythm, and tone in a fun, hands-on way.

2. Celebrate Springtime Showers with Sound

Spring rains create more than puddles—they're a perfect prompt for a music activity. Invite children to mimic the rhythm of falling rain using percussion instruments. Talk about the crescendo as the rain begins softly and grows louder, and the decrescendo as it tapers off. This is a great way to introduce musical dynamics and improvisation while also getting kids moving with imaginative play.

3. Refresh Your Music Goals with a Spring Showcase

Spring is the ideal time to plan an outdoor music concert in your library garden. This type of event encourages community engagement, strengthens performance and public speaking skills, and fosters a sense of accomplishment. It gives children a chance to showcase what they've learned by performing simple songs or rhythmic pieces on the instruments.

4. Make a Rainbow with Music and Movement

Use the season’s rainbows as a theme for a colorful music and science activity. Outdoor instruments like the Cavatina or Capella xylophones, with their rainbow-colored notes, are perfect for teaching hand-eye coordination, color recognition, and early music literacy. Match colors to notes and introduce musical patterns in a way that's engaging, sensory-rich, and suitable for all learning styles.

5. Plant the Seeds for a Music Garden

If your library doesn't already have a music garden, now’s the perfect time to plan one. Outdoor musical instruments encourage children to explore sound, work together, and develop motor and listening skills—all in a setting that promotes free play and creativity. Unlike traditional indoor music classes, outdoor music spaces feel less structured and more fun, allowing for spontaneous, inclusive learning experiences.

Outdoor Music Makes Learning Blossom

With the right instruments and a little imagination, your library can turn its outdoor space into a musical learning hub that supports literacy, creativity, and wellness. Whether you're hosting a storytime session, planning a family-friendly concert, or simply encouraging free exploration, Percussion Play’s outdoor musical instruments help you strike the perfect note this spring.

Happy music-making —and don’t forget your sunscreen!