The Dream Drum is a unique yet simple pitched percussion instrument with a soothing, meditative sound. It is easy and satisfying to play and offers a range of learning opportunities in early years settings.
It is suitable both for supervised and unsupervised play and can be used indoors and outside. It can be played solo or together, used as a sound background for storytelling and play in small groups, or played alongside singing or other percussion or melodic instruments.
The Dream Drum has nine pitched notes - one for each of the eight 'tongues' or keys on the surface of the drum - and the smaller the key, the higher the pitch. Each drum comes with three different beaters all made from felt, synthetic rubber and recycled car tyre.
The Dream Drum itself is made from a recycled cooking gas container with its valves and feet removed, fired to make it resonant. Grooves have been cut into the drum's surface to make the 'tongues' that produce the notes. You can use your fingertips for single notes, and use two or more fingers, your whole hand, or even two hands together for chords.
The product comes in a kit that includes the drum, a padded canvas carry case, a drum rest and the three beaters.
There is a natural resonance that means the Dream Drum caresses the ears and encourages relaxed, attentive listening - a rare quality these days but an absolute essential skill for learning how to engage.
It is a simple and immediately accessible instrument and allows for creative and reflective skills to be experienced and developed together. It has dozens of applications in SEN settings and, because of the vibrations it makes, is particularly useful for the hearing impaired.
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Criterion
Open to early years resources and equipment that support children's learning, development and enjoyment in the Early Years Foundation Stage or equivalent.