Sound Around the World
Discover why squeezing the strings of a West African talking drum changes its pitch; learn to speak and play Indian bols on traditional drums; and consider why some Trinidadian instruments are made of unusual materials.
In this session, your class will follow a conductor to learn and perform rhythms from each of the three world regions both in small groups and with the rest of the class. The workshop culminates in a whole class performance of a Trinidadian Calypso.
Please let us know the exact number of pupils in your class when you book the session.
The Horniman is the perfect place to explore your topic further. Explore our incredible Music Gallery, with collections of instruments- both ancient and modern- from across the world. Create Music in our outdoor Sound Garden, or explore our World Gallery.
Learning Objectives
- Pupils will understand how pitch is related to the rate of vibration
- Pupils will know that different musical instruments are played around the world in a range of contexts
- Pupils will be able to list a range of materials used to make different world instruments and explain some of the reasons for those choices
Please note that our Natural History Gallery is now closed for redevelopment and will reopen in late 2026. The rest of our Galleries, displays, Aquarium and Gardens will be open as usual, with plenty across the site to support your topic (from our free Animal Walk, to our World Gallery). Our schools workshops are unaffected.
Our new, free Natural History Pop Up exhibition is open until May 2026.
Resources
Workshop information
How to book
Booking a taught session includes a welcome briefing on arrival, timed access to a lunch space, cloakroom facilities and access to toilets for the exclusive use of school groups.
Contact us to make a booking:
schools@horniman.ac.uk
020 8291 8686
When you contact us please have ready:
– the name of the taught session you would like to book or topic you are studying,
– 1st/2nd/3rd choice of date and preferred session time,
– the number of pupils and adults attending.
Costs
Entrance to the Horniman Museum and Gardens is free of charge. Taught sessions and access to some exhibitions are charged for. We invoice before your visit.
The following charges apply:
Mainstream State schools: £100 including VAT, £83.33 excluding VAT
Private/independent schools: £140 including VAT, £116.67 excluding VAT
SEND schools and groups: £50 including VAT, £41.67 excluding VAT
We offer a bursary scheme for schools that meet a set criteria.
Planning your visit
See the School Trips page for other essential information including our risk assessment.
We are open from 10am-5.30pm. Entrance to the Museum and Gardens is free of charge but must be booked in advance by emailing schools@horniman.ac.uk.
We offer reduced educational rates for our Aquarium, Butterfly House, and Temporary exhibition. See the School Trips page for further information.
Charges apply to all children aged 3 years and over, and all accompanying teachers and adults, unless they are specific 1:1 carers.