April 11th-17th, 2026, marks the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) Week of the Young Child® (WOYC) and Percussion Play, the world-leading designer and manufacturer of outdoor musical instruments, is highlighting the importance of music-making in the great outdoors for children.
Established in 1971 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the Week of the Young Child® is an annual celebration that spotlights the needs of young children and their families. The initiative also honors the early childhood programs and services that support children’s learning, development, and overall well-being.
Studies consistently show that playing outdoor musical instruments encourages relaxation, reduces anxiety, and nurtures a sense of well-being for children and adults alike. Music therapy, long recognized for its powerful therapeutic benefits, further demonstrates how meaningful musical experiences can positively impact emotional, social, and cognitive development at every age.
Research by Percussion Play reveals that exposing young children to musical instruments can not only help them express feelings but also aid in the development of hand-eye coordination, improve listening skills, and increase gross and fine motor skills while developing muscle tone in the hands and arms. Young children are naturally driven to create their own melodies and explore their imaginations through sound. Just as they develop language by listening and speaking before learning to read and write, they experience music most meaningfully by hearing and making it first. This hands-on exploration builds confidence, creativity, and understanding, laying a strong foundation before formal notation and theory are introduced.
Performing music for an audience empowers young people to step outside their comfort zones, face their fears, and grow in confidence- essential qualities that support lifelong success. By learning to manage performance nerves in a healthy, supportive environment, children discover how to transform anxiety into focus and resilience. Taking positive risks through musical performance helps build sound decision-making skills and emotional strength that can guide them well into adulthood.
Music education creates self-assurance and a genuine sense of accomplishment. Outdoor musical instruments provide inclusive, accessible opportunities for schools and nurseries to bring these benefits to life. With encouragement from parents and teachers, children develop a sense of pride in their achievements while strengthening communication, teamwork, and social skills. Early engagement with music cultivates confidence, creativity, and character traits that resonate for a lifetime.
Percussion Play offers a wide range of over 70 outdoor musical and percussion instruments, as well as sound sculptures. These instruments are designed to be accessible for everyone, allowing both children and adults to experience the joy of making music outdoors. They provide opportunities for quality music-making in outdoor settings, catering to individuals of all ages and musical backgrounds, regardless of their experience or ability.
One school that has embraced outdoor musical instrument playing is Ashbrook School, Corvallis, Oregon. What began as a hopeful entry into a competition at the NAEYC conference in California turned into a transformational project for the entire school community.
“We were lucky enough to enter a drawing at the NAEYC conference and we won!” says Casey Lee, Associate Prekindergarten Teacher. That unexpected win brought the opportunity to introduce outdoor musical play to students ranging from Preschool through 8th grade.
The school recognized that an outdoor musical instrument project would not only enrich the playground but also drive creativity, sensory exploration, and collaboration among students. The idea was to create a space where music could be accessible, joyful, and inclusive.
The new instruments were installed on the school’s large playground, making them easily accessible to all students throughout the day. The outdoor location means that music can be enjoyed during recess, incorporated into lessons, or used as a moment of creative expression in between structured activities.
“They are wonderful,” shared Casey. “The students are all excited to have these beautiful instruments added to our playground. My PreK class has been excited every day to try them out.”
The gifted instruments have quickly become a favorite among students of all ages. Children are naturally drawn to the chimes, drums, and metallophone, exploring sound and rhythm in spontaneous and imaginative ways. Whether it’s a solo moment of reflection or a group creating music together, the instruments offer endless opportunities for play and learning.
This special project has already made a lasting impact, turning a lucky moment into a meaningful addition to campus life. The school is thrilled with how the instruments have brought students together and encouraged joyful learning outdoors. They would wholeheartedly recommend Percussion Play to others looking to do the same.
