The museum was keen to incorporate more music into the museum, recognizing that through musical play kids not only have fun, but also build upon and develop important life skills.

All the museum’s exhibits are developed around the seven powers of play - the 7c’s - seven lifelong skills they believe children need to thrive, now and throughout their lives:

Creative Thinking - Critical Thinking - (Self)-Control - Confidence - Collaboration - Communication and Coordination

The goal for any new exhibit or program is to nourish the development of one or more of the seven powers of play in any way. Knowing that music helps develop confidence, creative and critical thinking, and communication skills, it made total sense to create a space for visitors to compose and play their own music in the new ‘creativity jam’ zone.

The design and development team began looking for large musical instruments that had pleasant tones and were easy to play, to build confidence and encourage a high success in creating music. They were also aware that the instrument they chose would have to hold up to the high numbers of visitors they see pass through their doors each year.

‘Percussion Play instruments met both these needs with the bonus of being aesthetically beautiful’. said Michelle Blodgett - Exhibit Developer.

Museum Experience Lead Jenny Covey told us “Once I was walking through the area. I said 'Hi' to a little boy. He totally ignored me. I went over to one of the instruments, and I began to play. He wandered closer to me. I kept playing as I watched the child inch closer. Finally, he was right next to me. I held a mallet for him to take. At first, he backed up. He looked at me trying to figure out if I was OK to play with. He grabbed the mallet and started to hit the instrument. We played together for a bit. I started to leave. He said 'No!' and pointed at the instrument. He wanted me to stay and play!”

“Another time, a grandfather and I were in the gallery with the child. I was talking about the musical tune the child had been creating earlier. The child ran back to the instruments and continued to play. The Grandfather said that it was so great that we had these here and what a great way it was for children to learn about patterns in sound.”

Asked how the instruments had been received by the museum’s visitors Michelle told us "We see all ages using and enjoying the instruments from the 1 year old to the adult visitor." She continued "They have great tones that are pleasant throughout the building. The instruments are sturdy and have held up really well. Everyone is successful when using the instrument, which encourages more musical exploration”.