Take an Adventure with Thomas Tortoise
Thomas’ Story
Thomas Tortoise is a little smaller than his other friends and likes to play with Winnie Rat. He doesn’t have hands that grip, so he adapts to play the xylophone by using his strong nails instead of mallets. Thomas Tortoise is glad to be able to participate in music. Thomas reminds young musicians that there is more than one way to create music. With patience, practice, and creativity, every child can discover their own musical voice.
🐢 Thomas Tortoise Plays the Xylophone
A new Music Animals storybook and classroom adventure!
Discover rhythm, melody, and xylophone skills with Thomas Tortoise. Explore the story, play along with the video, and download a free xylophone activity.
Thomas Tortoise Plays the Xylophone Is Available Now!
Thomas Tortoise Resources
Meet Thomas Tortoise
Thomas Finds His Own Way to Make Music
Thomas Tortoise loves music! Even though playing an instrument looks different for Thomas, he discovers that every musician can find their own special way to make music. Thomas Tortoise believes you can find your own way to make beautiful melodies.
What Is a Xylophone?
A Fun Percussion Instrument for Kids
- xylophones have wooden bars
- each bar makes a different sound
- players use mallets to create music
- xylophones are common in elementary music classrooms
Parts of the Xylophone
Types of Pitched Orff Instruments
Learn Beginner Xylophone Skills
Holding Xylophone Mallets
- Find the Fulcrum: Divide the mallet shaft into thirds. Place your thumb and the first knuckle of your index finger at the two-thirds mark from the head to establish your pivot point.
- Pinch Lightly: Squeeze the stick gently between your thumb pad and index finger.
- Wrap Remaining Fingers: Curl your middle, ring, and pinky fingers loosely around the rest of the shaft.
- Use relaxed hands
- Tap the center of the bar
Why Learn the Xylophone?
- coordination
- listening skills
- rhythm
- creativity
- confidence
Fun Xylophone Activities
Play Along With Thomas Tortoise
Practice rhythm and melody with Thomas Tortoise in this fun xylophone play-along for elementary music students
More Fun Orff Songs
Learn Xylophone Activities for Kids with Thomas Tortoise
Download a Free Xylophone Songs Packet
Extend the fun after the video! Download this free collection of beginner-friendly xylophone songs to use in your classroom or at home.
Read the Story
Thomas Tortoise Plays the Xylophone
Thomas Tortoise loves listening to music, but he believes he could never play an instrument. After all, tortoises don’t have hands! When Thomas joins music class with Miss Alligator and his Music Animal friends, he discovers that making music isn’t about being the same as everyone else—it’s about finding your own way to create beautiful sounds. Instead of using traditional mallets, Thomas discovers he can play the xylophone with his strong nails, creating beautiful melodies all his own. In that moment, he realizes that making music isn’t about doing things like everyone else—it’s about discovering the special gifts only you can share.
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Love these music resources? 🎵
Inclusive Music Education: Every Child Can Make Music
Every musician has a unique way of learning and expressing themselves. Thomas Tortoise’s xylophone adventure celebrates patience, creativity, and finding your own path to making music. Explore these resources for creating inclusive music experiences where every student can participate.
Meet Winnie’s Friends
