Music device for kids
June 29, 2022 5:18 AM Subscribe
Kid is turning 7. She loves the Kaossilator app. She would like a stand alone device to make similar music with.
The only thing I come across is this, which doesn't seem very durable and seems targeted to younger kids.
What would be the best (easy) way for a 7 yo to make electronic music? She's not very experienced with computers. If there is suitable software I would be interested, but I would prefer it if it was something she could do on her own terms (in her own room) without adult help. Note: kid is Dutch and doesn't speak/read English.
The only thing I come across is this, which doesn't seem very durable and seems targeted to younger kids.
What would be the best (easy) way for a 7 yo to make electronic music? She's not very experienced with computers. If there is suitable software I would be interested, but I would prefer it if it was something she could do on her own terms (in her own room) without adult help. Note: kid is Dutch and doesn't speak/read English.
Best answer: I haven't played with one (yet), but how about a Blipbox?
posted by tybstar at 5:45 AM on June 29, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by tybstar at 5:45 AM on June 29, 2022 [1 favorite]
A Novation Circuit can do a lot in one box, and only has very few English words on it (no traditional menu or screens). You could tape Dutch translations over each word pretty easily. Also battery powered and very tactile. There are now several versions but the original is prob best, around $200 used on Reverb.
A Pocket Operator is another option, those start at $80 new but they are kind of tough in terms of interface. Korg's volca line is also less expensive and fun, but one box mostly does one thing, whereas the Circuit can do beats, bass, and chords/melody all at once.
posted by SaltySalticid at 5:53 AM on June 29, 2022 [3 favorites]
A Pocket Operator is another option, those start at $80 new but they are kind of tough in terms of interface. Korg's volca line is also less expensive and fun, but one box mostly does one thing, whereas the Circuit can do beats, bass, and chords/melody all at once.
posted by SaltySalticid at 5:53 AM on June 29, 2022 [3 favorites]
Best answer: The Orba by Artiphon is exactly what you want. It's easy to use, touch responsive in a simple and fun way, and the perfect size for child hands, but it's not a made for kids. The price point is easier to swallow than a lot of gear. It works on its own as an instrument and as a midi controller.
posted by wellifyouinsist at 6:04 AM on June 29, 2022 [5 favorites]
posted by wellifyouinsist at 6:04 AM on June 29, 2022 [5 favorites]
Best answer: I have a physical Kaossilator and it's awesome. It's not designed for kids, but the construction is sturdy enough to withstand abuse, it's wonderfully tactile and responsive, and while the controls aren't completely intuitive your daughter can make plenty of glorious noise without being able to read English. And it's kid-approved by my own daughter, who liked playing with it at the same age.
Make sure to get the A/C adapter because it can eat through batteries if left on for long periods of time.
posted by googly at 6:42 AM on June 29, 2022 [2 favorites]
Make sure to get the A/C adapter because it can eat through batteries if left on for long periods of time.
posted by googly at 6:42 AM on June 29, 2022 [2 favorites]
Best answer: You might want the Dato Duo, made in Utrecht, NL. Have not used personally. Very kid friendly and designed for collaborative play, durability, and expansion.
posted by enfa at 8:13 AM on June 29, 2022
posted by enfa at 8:13 AM on June 29, 2022
The Blipblox and a Korg Monotron may be fun gizmos to play around with. I want them for myself.
posted by 2N2222 at 9:35 AM on June 29, 2022
posted by 2N2222 at 9:35 AM on June 29, 2022
oh my god I would have loved having a Novation Circuit when I was a kid. so many colored buttons.
My adult self has a Circuit and it's pretty sturdily built, it's designed to be used on the go. Not sure whether it is seven-year-old proof, but is anything really seven-year-old proof?
Would recommend against the korg volcas, they are lovely little pieces of kit but there is some assembly required and the blinkenbox factor is much lower.
posted by Sauce Trough at 11:20 AM on June 29, 2022
My adult self has a Circuit and it's pretty sturdily built, it's designed to be used on the go. Not sure whether it is seven-year-old proof, but is anything really seven-year-old proof?
Would recommend against the korg volcas, they are lovely little pieces of kit but there is some assembly required and the blinkenbox factor is much lower.
posted by Sauce Trough at 11:20 AM on June 29, 2022
First was apple GarageBand on an iPad. There is heaps of info to get started on that software. Then I got mine an AKAI MPK Mini, which was about 100$, and frankly mostly sits in its box. All it takes to get that going is plugging it in, but he still prefers to use the software interface.
posted by zenon at 11:27 AM on June 29, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by zenon at 11:27 AM on June 29, 2022 [1 favorite]
I forgot to mention one important thing about the kaossilator: it doesn't have a built-in speaker, so it requires plug-in headphones or an external speaker, which might be too complicated for kid use.
posted by googly at 2:21 PM on June 29, 2022
posted by googly at 2:21 PM on June 29, 2022
How about the Korg Monotron? They are only about $40-50. Fun to use on the go.
posted by medeine at 11:29 AM on June 30, 2022
posted by medeine at 11:29 AM on June 30, 2022
Perhaps a Pocket Operator from Teenage Engineering?
Possible fun apps for noodling and/or beatboxing (all on IOS, not sure on the Android side of things):
GarageBand (show her the Smart Instruments)
Audanika
Nodebeat (might have to have the interface explained first)
Figure
Maaaaaybe Brian Eno’s generative music apps?
posted by Eikonaut at 9:42 AM on July 1, 2022
Possible fun apps for noodling and/or beatboxing (all on IOS, not sure on the Android side of things):
GarageBand (show her the Smart Instruments)
Audanika
Nodebeat (might have to have the interface explained first)
Figure
Maaaaaybe Brian Eno’s generative music apps?
posted by Eikonaut at 9:42 AM on July 1, 2022
Response by poster: So many cool suggestions, thanks!
It's hard to predict which interface she'll appreciate more. It's probably going to be a choice between the Blipblox or the Orba, but I will also be on the lookout for a physical Kaossilator.
The Dato Duo is also amazing, but for now slightly out of budget.
posted by charles kaapjes at 2:13 AM on July 5, 2022 [1 favorite]
It's hard to predict which interface she'll appreciate more. It's probably going to be a choice between the Blipblox or the Orba, but I will also be on the lookout for a physical Kaossilator.
The Dato Duo is also amazing, but for now slightly out of budget.
posted by charles kaapjes at 2:13 AM on July 5, 2022 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by ddaavviidd at 5:32 AM on June 29, 2022 [4 favorites]