http://childsplaymusic.com.au/ &   / childsplaymusicperth  . A video showing some of the over 60 home made musical instruments that I use with children in my hands-on music education programs here in Perth, Western Australia. My business is called Child's Play Music because music really is child's play.

I make all of these instruments myself. Many of the instruments are made from recycled materials and they are all designed to be simple to play, very safe, and above all, almost unbreakable. I also use PVC pipe and plantation hardwood; most of the PVC pipe I use is made from recycled plastics. Many of the instruments are based on ethnic musical instruments from around the world.

I do programs in kindergartens, pre-primary schools and primary schools; education support centres and education support schools; child care centres and vacation care programs. My programs are designed around hands-on learning through active child-focussed play - I don't do performances, I guide the children through an exploration of the instruments and a range of play-based music activities. Play is the natural way for children to learn, so my programs are play-based and fun.

My programs have been specifically designed to address the learning outcomes of the Curriculum Framework and the Early Years Learning Framework. They have learning links to music and the arts, mathematics, science, environmental studies, and community and multicultural studies. Children learn about music and musical instruments, about making their own instruments from recycled and sustainable materials, about musical instruments from different cultures, and most of all: they learn that playing music is something they can do themselves and it's fun!

You can find out more about Child's Play Music and my programs at www.facebook.com/ChildsPlayMusicPerth - feel free to hit that Like button!

Alec Duncan (B. Soc. Sci. Children Studies)