Outdoor Musical Instruments in the Playground can provide Music Therapy and an outlet for creative and emotional expression & through the medium of music many essential life skills can be learned.  This makes them great Outdoor Music Therapy Instruments for Children with Special Needs.

Freenotes Outdoor Musical Instruments make ideal playground equipment, however they also make wonderful Music Therapy Instruments and education resources.   Music can be a motivating and fun way to teach all children and in particular children who have special learning needs and using the medium of music many essential enabling and life skills can be learned.  Every child can be helped to learn to enjoy and to become involved in music to some degree and because Freenotes are tuned to a harmonic pentatonic scale, they produce a soothing sound straightaway, which makes them instantly gratifying – hey you're a natural!

All children have the same need to express themselves and Freenotes can provide an outlet for creative and emotional expression.  Freenotes are ideal for use during Music Therapy sessions that can be of inestimable value for children who have difficulties in hearing, seeing, moving, thinking or responding; each can experience the music in their own unique way.

For children and adolescents with cerebral palsy, playing music may be an effective way to stimulate speech development and communication skills, express emotions, develop a sense of rhythm and provide opportunity for physical, cognitive and motor development whilst creating an environment for socialisation and fun.

Playing music and Music Therapy Instruments have proven to be a very effective method in dealing with autism and aspergers syndrome. Most children diagnosed with Autism or Asperger’s lack the social skills that enable them to participate fully in play and other social situations.  Interestingly, many children with autism show a heightened interest in music and Freenotes instruments possess qualities of sound and tone irresistible enough to reach a child in a direct, uncomplicated manner.   While they may be unable to easily communicate verbally with others, music is an avenue for many autistic people to express themselves and communicate in a non-verbal, non-threatening manner.  Playing music puts the individual at ease, allowing for strides in social interactions to follow.

Easy access to Freenotes Outdoor Musical Instruments may provide an outlet that encourages children to use music to deal with emotional issues, especially when they are unable to express them through speech.  Where words fail, music may be a medium through which to explore one's inner world and experiences. Often people with developmental delays and learning disabilities such as Down's syndrome will respond to music. The responses may range from a small smile, a ‘yee-haa!’ singing or even dancing.  The easy, non-challenging way in which Freenotes instruments can be played offers opportunities for response and expression to children and adults with such developmental delays.

Freenotes Outdoor Musical Instruments  in the playground offer blind or partially sighted children the opportunity to explore and musical sound and awareness.  Freenotes are simple to play and enable creative experimentation and tactile exploration.  They encourage the use of motor skills, developing coordination whilst stimulating the imagination.  Which is why our range of Playground Equipment are also the ideal Music Therapy Instruments for children with special needs.


Music is a tool that is used in pain management and healing for children undergoing medical procedures and as a comfort for those who have suffered a traumatic experience, making Freenotes ideal for hospices, hospitals and therapy centres.

Freenotes Outdoor Musical Instruments can be installed individually or in groups.  So, in addition to the purely musical benefits, playing in an ensemble is useful for working on concepts such as cooperation with others, coordination, and a sense of accomplishment.   Making music and singing songs together in a group can build a harmonious cooperative spirit of support and encouragement for everyone. Children who experience severe obstacles in forming relationships with other children, adults and their environment can achieve security and joy in making music.

To see, hear and play musical instruments at school or in community programs is an important cultural experience for every child.  We aim to make Freenotes accessible to all and try to consider the individual needs of all players including wheelchair users and those with special needs.  The Outdoor Musical Instruments can be installed at varying heights and in numerous arrangements, can be supplied with heavier or lighter beaters to suit individual needs and are available in bright stimulating colours.

Music Therapy Instruments - The soothing, engaging and fun way to connect with children who have special needs 

We are always happy to discuss individual needs or specific requirements – so please call or email the Freenotes team; we’d love to talk to you.