Shakers

Quick overview (sizes, packs, finishes)

Compact hand percussion for classroom and ensemble use. Choose 5cm, 7cm or 9cm sizes for an egg shaker instrument feel and a steady pulse. Sets come in packs of 5, 30 or 100, so class distribution is simple. Bodies include painted wood, natural wood, coconut shell, and wicker/woven styles. Alongside classic eggs, you’ll also find seed shaker and shell-based models (e.g., Kenari and Pangi), plus cas cas/kashaka, beaded options, caxixi types and maracas. As a result, it’s easy to add texture across Early Years, Adult and SEND.

Where the shakers fit in teaching

These percussion shaker instruments work well across Early Years, Primary, Secondary and SEND settings. First, eggs help with clean time-keeping. Then, beaded, caxixi and maracas widen the timbre range for pulse, texture and groove. They fit naturally into Hand Percussion and Early Years Percussion activities. They also support West African Percussion and wider world percussion topics. Most importantly, they keep the rhythm clear without overpowering drums.

Classroom setup, storage and care

For group use, pick multi-packs to keep hand-out fast. Then store sets in cotton bags (where supplied) or on low racks for quick access. Also label instruments, so rotation stays smooth. Next, pair them with rainsticks, small drums and tambourines for layered rhythm and ensemble work. For care, wipe painted finishes with a dry cloth. Finally, check cords, beads or shell ties for wear.

Use them for pulse games, call-and-response, improvisation and inclusive activities that build confident musical progression.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Shaker?
In music, a shaker is a handheld percussion instrument you move to create a steady rhythmic sound – great for pulse, groove and texture in ensembles.

Which shaker size is best for Early Years?
Smaller and lighter is usually easiest: 5–7cm egg shakers are quick for little hands, while 9cm can be easier for some learners to grip and control more slowly.

Egg shakers vs seed/shell shakers vs maracas – what’s the difference?
Egg shakers give a clean, even pulse. Seed/shell and beaded styles add a more textured “rustle” that works well for soundscapes. Maracas are typically more present and can help with strong accents and call-and-response cues.