Start an MMM Music Group
Step 4: Building Your Inventory
Building Your Instrument Inventory
Building your instrument inventory is important for any drum circle or band group. There are a wide range of instrument companies with high quality instruments, but prices aren’t always affordable. Instead, here are a few alternative ways to consider getting instruments. These methods have been utilized by other music group leaders, but if you have other ideas that come to mind, feel free to use those as well!
Instrument Inventory Options
Option 1: Borrow for Free
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Explore checking out instruments from the library
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Some libraries keep rhythm instruments available for checkout.
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Ask your local branch if they offer this service. If they do, you can create a simple rotation system among volunteers to check out and return instruments.
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Volunteer Checkout Form
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Option 3: DIY Instruments
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Water Jug Drumming
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Empty five-gallon water jugs (often found outside grocery stores) create excellent drum tones at no cost.
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Tupperware Shakers
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Fill sealed plastic containers with:
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Dried beans
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Rice
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Cheerios (or other non-perishables)
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Ensure lids are tightly secured and consider taping them shut for safety.
Option 2: Ask for Donations
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Hardware Stores (Buckets)
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Plastic pails from hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s can be flipped upside down to create drums. You can also purchase drum covers to improve sound quality.
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Some stores may donate buckets, especially for nonprofit or educational use — it never hurts to ask.
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Community Food Drive
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Ask participants to bring:
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Tin cans
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Boxed food items (like macaroni and cheese)
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Use them as percussion instruments during rehearsal, then donate the collected food to a local food bank.
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Option 4: Budget Purchases
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If you prefer to purchase instruments, affordable options are available online. MMM has an Amazon list of recommended instruments (link).
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Budget friendly ideas include:
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Djembe drums (link)
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Plastic drumsticks (link)
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Wrist bells (link)
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Soft squeaky dog toys (great for seniors with limited mobility or children)
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While these instruments may not be professional-grade, they are accessible and effective for group music-making.
Additional Tips
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Sanitize shared instruments regularly.
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Choose lightweight options for participants with limited mobility.
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Keep extra backup instruments available.
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Label your instruments for easy inventory tracking.
Checklist and Templates
Download the detailed Team Checklist, plus easy-to-use templates for media outreach and flyers to post around your community:
When you sign up, you will receive an email every week with the next recommended step to take to starting a successful group. Each step includes clear, bite-sized guidance, and you can go at your own pace, taking the next step whenever you’re ready.