Share a big hit song that surprises you
Pick a surprising big hit song, create a simple instrument remix or vocal cover, and record a short performance to share with friends or family.
About this activity
Pick a surprising big hit song, create a simple instrument remix or vocal cover, and record a short performance to share with friends or family.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Pick a surprising big hit song that you love or that you think will surprise your friends.
- 2
Step 2
Listen to the song once and hum or sing the main melody to remember it.
- 3
Step 3
Choose one or two household items to turn into simple instruments.
- 4
Step 4
Turn your first item into an instrument by tapping it or stretching a rubber band to make a sound.
- 5
Step 5
If you picked a second item, turn it into a second instrument by filling bottles with different amounts of water or using a spoon to tap a pot.
- 6
Step 6
Decide whether you will make an instrument remix or do a vocal cover.
- 7
Step 7
Pick a short 30 to 60 second section of the song to perform.
- 8
Step 8
Decide which instrument or voice will play the melody and which will play the rhythm.
- 9
Step 9
Write a tiny plan on paper of who plays what and when for your chosen section.
- 10
Step 10
Practice your chosen section at least three times to get comfortable.
- 11
Step 11
Pick a quiet well-lit spot and place your instruments where you can easily reach them.
- 12
Step 12
Record one short performance of your chosen section as a video or audio take.
- 13
Step 13
Listen to your recording and pick the take you like best.
- 14
Step 14
Share your finished performance on DIY.org so friends and family can enjoy your surprising hit remix or cover.
Fun facts
How do I help my child pick a surprising big hit song and make a simple instrument remix or vocal cover to record?
Start by letting your child pick a “surprising” big hit—maybe an old classic or a song from a different genre. Listen together and simplify the melody. Decide whether to do a vocal cover or a simple instrument remix (change tempo, rhythm, or add percussion). Practice short sections, pick a quiet spot, and record a one-minute performance on a phone or tablet. Finish by reviewing together and choosing how to share with family safely.
What materials do I need to create a simple instrument remix or vocal cover at home?
You'll need a device to play the original song and a separate device to record (a smartphone, tablet, or computer). Simple instruments like a ukulele, keyboard, or shaker work well. Optional items: headphones, a microphone or earbuds with mic, free recording apps or voice memos, and props for a fun performance. Keep cords tidy and supervise any apps or online accounts. Low-cost or homemade instruments are fine.
What ages is this activity suitable for?
This activity suits different ages with adult guidance. Ages 3–5 enjoy choosing songs and doing simple rhythm or vocal play with close supervision. Ages 6–9 can learn basic chords or sing a short cover with practice. Ages 10–14 can arrange remixes, use simple editing apps, and perform longer pieces. Teens can produce and share polished recordings. Always supervise online sharing and help with copyrighted material permissions.
What are the benefits of making a surprising-hit remix or vocal cover with my child?
Making a surprising-hit remix boosts creativity, listening skills, and musical confidence. Children practice rhythm, pitch, arranging, and basic recording tech while developing performance courage and memory. Working together encourages communication and problem-solving. It also teaches respectful reuse of songs and online safety if sharing. Keep sessions short, praise effort over perfection, and get parental permission before posting to protect privacy and respect copyright.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have rubber bands, bottles, or a pot for instruments?
If you don't have rubber bands for step 4, use a hair tie or string stretched around a shoebox lid, and if you lack bottles or a pot for step 5, use different-sized cups or tins filled with varying amounts of water to create distinct pitches.
My homemade instrument sounds too quiet or wrong-pitched — how can I fix it?
For a quiet or off-pitch sound during steps 4–5, tap closer to the center or edge to change volume, tighten or loosen the rubber band to adjust pitch, and change bottle water levels or tap strength until the melody in your planned 30–60 second section rings clearly.
How can I adapt this activity for younger kids or older kids?
For younger children simplify steps by choosing a 15–30 second section, using one easy instrument and skipping a written plan, while older kids can expand the task by arranging harmony, writing a detailed tiny plan in step 9, practicing more than three times, and multi-tracking their recording.
What are easy ways to make the performance more creative or personal before sharing on DIY.org?
To enhance your final take in steps 11–13, add a simple costume or visual prop, layer a second instrument or vocal harmony, use your phone's basic editing to trim or combine takes, and include a one-sentence title explaining why the hit song is surprising.