12 Music Class Instruments Everyone Played in the ’80s
Here's a fun throwback to the instruments that made the '80s music class unforgettable.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Music class in the ’80s was more than just learning scales; it was a wild mix of plastic recorders, tambourine shaking, and awkward triangle solos. This list revisits the noisy, charming, and sometimes questionable instruments that shaped out first musical memories. Prepare for a wave of flashbacks, and maybe even the sound of a sneaky recorder or two.
1. The Squeaky Recorder
Louis Laboratory on Pexels
Nearly every ’80s kid blew into one of these during notes, but mostly just annoying everyone nearby. It was the first step into melody, even if it sounded more like a traffic jam than a song. Most of us never made it past “Hot Cross Buns."
2. Tambourine Time
Bryan Ledgard on Wikimedia Commons
If you had rhythm (or at least thought you did), you probably went wild on the tambourine. It added just enough drama to make you feel like a rock star in gym shoes. Nothing felt cooler than shaking it at just the right moment.
3. The Dramatic Triangle
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra on Wikimedia Commons
Although it only had one note, the triangle was still a favorite in music class. One perfectly timed “ting” made you feel like a percussion prodigy. Just don’t miss your cue, or you’ll be bringing it mid-silence.
4. The Colorful Xylophone
Friedrich Haag on Wikimedia Commons
It looked more like a toy than an instrument, but the xylophone taught us to follow color-coded tunes. Hitting each bar felt like cracking a code. The best part was it actually sounded pretty good.
5. Handbell Harmony
U.S. Army soldier or employee on Wikimedia Commons
Each student had one bell, which meant teamwork was key and chaotic. When it worked, the whole room lit up with music. When it didn’t, it was still loud and fun.
6. Maracas Madness
Hannes Grobe (talk) on Wikimedia Commons
These made everyone feel like a rhythm expert. Just shake and go; no notes, no problem. Bonus points if you could keep your partner in sync.
7. The Wooden Clack of the Wood Block
User:っ on Wikimedia Commons
It looked like a leftover from a toolbox, but this thing had rhythm. That sharp clack could cut through the noise like a teacher’s whistle. You knew it was business time when someone picked this up.
8. Mini Cymbals, Major Drama
Mcgaggles on Wikimedia Commons
Two little cymbals, one big entrance. You either nailed the crash or startled half the class. Either way, they were impossible to ignore.
9. The Scratchy Guiro
Museu de la Música de Barcelona on Wikimedia Commons
This grooved gourd made scratching noises that somehow counted as music. It took some coordination, but it felt cool once you got it right. It was a bonus if you could do it on beat.
10. Kazoo Chaos
bobistraveling on Wikimedia Commons
Humming into a kazoo was oddly satisfying and totally chaotic. It was less about melody and more about sheer personality. Your kazoo solo was either a hit or a disaster, no in-between.
11. Bongo Drum Break
Žiga on Wikimedia Commons
These little drums packed a punch and gave kids a taste of real percussion. Tapping along to a beat was half music, half stress relief. If you were lucky, you got to play both sides.
12. Click-Clack Castanets
Unknown author on Wikimedia Commons
These clappers gave your hands something to do and added a snappy flair to any classroom tune. The timing was everything. If you messed up, everyone knew exactly who did it.