5 Musical Instrument Yoga Poses, Picture Books, and Other Learning Ideas for Children
We love hearing from our Kids Yoga Stories community, and this fun musical instrument yoga theme was inspired by Diandra, a Kids Yoga Monthly member and kids yoga teacher extraordinaire!
Musical instruments are a fantastic way to engage young children in movement while reinforcing their learning. Preschoolers and kindergarteners love exploring instruments through sound, and by adding yoga postures, we can make learning even more interactive, memorable, and fun!
5 Fun Musical Instrument Yoga Poses
Try these five yoga postures inspired by common musical instruments. As you move through each posture, encourage children to make the sounds of the instruments and use their imagination!
1.Pretend to be a Clarinet.
How to practice Extended Mountain Pose: Stand tall in Mountain Pose with your feet hip-width apart. Inhale, look up, and raise your arms straight up to the sky like a long clarinet. Wiggle your fingers like you’re playing the clarinet keys.
2. Pretend to be a Guitar.
How to practice Extended Side Angle Pose: Stand tall in Mountain Pose with your feet hip-width apart. Step one foot back, angling your toes slightly outward. Keep your torso straight and bend your front leg. Tilt your upper body forward and rest your front elbow on your thigh (or take your hand to the floor). Reach your other arm straight up to the sky, forming the neck of a guitar. Strum your imaginary guitar with your lower arm. Repeat on the other side.
3. Pretend to be a Harp.
How to practice Triangle Pose: From a standing position, step one foot back, angling your toes slightly outward. Take your arms up parallel to the ground then bend at your waist, tilting your upper body forward. Reach your front hand down to gently rest on your shin and reach your other arm straight up. Move your top hand as if plucking harp strings. Imagine the soft, calming sound of a harp as you breathe deeply. Repeat on the other side.
4. Pretend to be a Piano.
How to practice Horse Stance: Stand with your legs apart, feet facing slightly outward. Bend your knees and stand firm, holding your arms out in front of you like you’re playing the piano. Wiggle your fingers to pretend you’re pressing the piano keys. Try playing a fast song, then slow it down!
5. Pretend to be a Trombone.
How to practice Archer Pose: Come to a sitting position with your legs out in front and a straight spine. Bend your right knee and reach forward with your right hand to grab your foot. Pull it back toward your right ear like you’re moving the trombone slide. Release the shape and repeat on the other side.
Musical Instruments Books for Kids
Introduce children to the captivating world of musical instruments through these engaging and beautifully illustrated picture books that are perfect additions to your yoga story time:
Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin
by Lloyd Moss, illustrated by Marjorie Priceman
This rhythmic, read-aloud favorite introduces children to a variety of musical instruments as they join together in a symphony. With lively, lyrical text and vibrant illustrations, it’s a joyful way to explore counting and sound—perfect for a yoga session featuring instrument-themed poses.
Never Play Music Right Next to the Zoo
by John Lithgow, illustrated by Leeza Hernandez
This playful story imagines what happens when animals take over the orchestra! This hilarious musical tale invites children to move, dance, and act out animal and instrument combinations, adding laughter and creativity to your yoga adventures.
88 Instruments
by Chris Barton, illustrated by Louis Thomas
Follow one determined child’s journey to choose the perfect instrument from a room full of options. This whimsical, fast-paced story inspires exploration and helps children celebrate the joy of choice—great for encouraging children to “try on” different yoga poses like trying different instruments.
Because
by Mo Willems, illustrated by Amber Ren
This beautifully orchestrated story shows how one small moment can spark a lifelong passion for music. The heartfelt read highlights how inspiration grows and is perfect for inviting reflection and calm after an energetic yoga session.
Around the World in 80 Musical Instruments
by Nancy Dickmann, illustrated by Sue Downing
Take a global journey through music as you discover instruments from every corner of the world. This book is ideal for older children or educators planning a multicultural music and movement unit. Pair it with yoga poses from different cultures to deepen the experience.
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More Ways to Add Musical Yoga Fun
Musician-inspired Breathing exercises:
- Clarinet or Trombone Breath: Inhale deeply through your nose, then exhale slowly as if blowing into a wind instrument.
- Harp Breath: Inhale as you pretend to pluck a string, then exhale as you imagine the soft sound floating away.
Modifications for different age groups:
- Toddlers: Keep it simple! Focus on just one or two yoga shapes, and use more music and movement rather than holding postures for long.
- Preschoolers: Let them choose their favorite instruments, then act them out with yoga movements.
- Older children: Challenge them to combine poses into a sequence, like moving from Triangle (Harp) to Extended Side Angle (Guitar) in a flow.
Storytime suggestions for celebrating music:
- Explore Music is in Everything by Ziggy Marley, illustrated by Ag Jatkowska, to celebrate how rhythm and sound can be found all around us—perfect for inspiring mindful listening and movement.
- Dance along to I Got the Rhythm by Connie Schofield-Morrison, illustrated by Frank Morrison, a joyful celebration of body awareness, music, and expressive movement.
- Join the fun with Acoustic Rooster’s Barnyard Boogie by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Tim Bowers, a playful tale that blends music, friendship, and rhythm—great for group yoga or dance activities.
Art projects:
- Have children draw themselves as a musical instrument in their yoga posture. What would they sound like?
- Create DIY instruments (like paper plate tambourines or cardboard guitars) and let them play along with their poses.
Enhance your Musical Instrument Yoga Experience
Looking for ways to enhance the experience? Try these additional ideas to make your musical instrument yoga session even more engaging!
Sing along: Pair the postures with fun children’s songs about instruments. Try classics like “Old MacDonald Had a Band” (but with instrument sounds instead of animal sounds!) or “The Wheels on the Bus.”
Create a yoga band: Have each child choose a posture then have the group “play” their instruments together. Pretend you’re performing in front of a big audience!
Add rhythm: Use clapping, small percussion instruments (like egg shakers or rhythm sticks), or even a drumbeat on the floor to keep the beat as children move into their poses.
Guest presenter: Invite a professional musician, music teacher, or middle school band to share real instruments with the class. After they play, guide children through matching yoga poses to the instruments they just learned about!
Musical instrument yoga is a fun, engaging way to combine movement, imagination, and early learning. By embodying the instruments through yoga, children internalize new vocabulary, build coordination, and develop a love of music—all while staying active!
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