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!
Reflecting on a Year of Innovation: Celebrating Connections and Insights
As we approach the end of the year, Percussion Play is thrilled to announce our participation in the NAEYC Annual Conference in Anaheim, CA. This event signifies the culmination of a series of expos we have attended, covering a range of topics from early childhood programs to senior initiatives. Our journey has also included meetings focused on children's museums, landscape architecture, camps, and parks and recreation.
Over the past year, we have had the pleasure of showcasing our outdoor musical instruments, specifically designed to perform well in a range of environments. Whether in playgrounds, educational settings, or community spaces, our instruments provide opportunities for creative expression, sensory development, and community engagement.
The NAEYC Conference is particularly special because it focuses on the early childhood education community. We are excited to connect with educators and professionals who recognize the importance of music and play in child development....
Percussion Play Launches New Research Exploring How Play Areas Can Be Made More Accessible for the Blind and Partially Sighted Community
In partnership with the Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) and The Amber Trust, Percussion Play has chosen World Sight Day to release new research exploring how play areas can be more accessible for the blind and partially sighted community.
As part of the project, two focus groups were held at the RSBC’s Life Without Limits Centre, where Percussion Play’s instruments were demonstrated. Feedback examined the accessibility of these instruments for blind and partially sighted users.
This research informed our new White Paper, "Sounds of Progress: Putting Music to Work for Blind, Low Vision, Partially Sighted and Visually Impaired People" which explores the ways in which music might be mobilized to create more inclusive environments.
The Amber Trust is the only national charity dedicated to supporting vision-impaired children with their musical development and...
Elevating Senior Well-being with Music This World Alzheimer’s Day
As we observe World Alzheimer’s Month this September, with a special focus on World Alzheimer’s Day on the 21st, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on innovative ways to support and enrich the lives of those affected by dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. At Percussion Play, we’re passionate about harnessing the power of music to make a positive impact, especially for our senior community members. In line with this year’s theme of action against dementia and Alzheimer's, we’re keen to share how outdoor musical instruments can play a pivotal role in enhancing the well-being of seniors, particularly those navigating the challenges of dementia.
The Power of Music in Dementia Care
Music has long been recognized for its therapeutic effects. It can soothe the mind, trigger memories, and encourage social interaction. For individuals with dementia, music can be a gateway to communication when words are hard to find, enabling them to connect with others and...
Noodling Around: Unleashing Creativity Through Musical Improvisation
What is musical improvisation?
Musical improvisation is the act of creating, composing, or performing music in the moment without any prior preparation. It's like making music on the spot, as it happens.
Learning to play a musical instrument is an incredible experience, especially when you start at a young age. While traditional training is fantastic for building consistency, it may not always encourage creativity. On the other hand, improvisation is all about unleashing your creativity and can enhance your musical skills. Developing improvisational skills can boost your confidence in all your performances.
At Percussion Play, we're big fans of improvisation. Our instruments are designed to inspire and nurture the improvisational spirit in everyone who plays them.
When you spend time creating and exploring music, it becomes more alive, free, and connected to your emotions. It's less about being "correct" and more about exploring possibilities. Instead of worrying about making...
Harmony Without Boundaries: Percussion Play's Journey with the Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
At Percussion Play, we believe in the power of music and community to transform lives. Our journey towards making a meaningful impact led us to partner with the Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association, who provide exceptional support for children with Down syndrome and their families.
The Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association is dedicated to promoting the development, education, and inclusion of children with Down syndrome. They provide specialized services to help these children reach their developmental goals, succeed in school, and become valued members of their communities.
Our involvement with the Association supports the Teenage Group Socials, a vibrant initiative aimed at promoting true inclusion. Seeing the daily challenges that the members and their families face reminds us of the significance of our contribution.
We have heard heartwarming stories like Max's, a dedicated member of the Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association: “I have been going to Portsmouth Down Syndrome...
Podcast Episode Two: Beyond Books - How Libraries are Tuning Into Music Outdoors
In the second episode of our new podcast, "Music Made for the Great Outdoors," we will delve deeper into the fascinating ways in which libraries are embracing music within their community offerings. This exploration will include insights from academia, representatives from the American Library Association, and firsthand experiences from a library that has seen significant benefits from incorporating an outdoor music area.
Today, libraries are not just about books; they are transforming into community hubs that offer a variety of cultural and educational experiences. This transformation includes the incorporation of music into their array of services. From organizing lively drum circles that bring people together through rhythm, to creating serene outdoor spaces dedicated to Music Gardens, where individuals can enjoy and interact with musical instruments in a natural setting. Additionally, libraries are enhancing the outdoor experience with Storywalks, which combine the joy of reading...