Tambourine

An 8 inch tambourine with natural skin head and wooden frame, this handheld tambourine percussion instrument gives a warm, deep tone with bright metal jingles. It’s a durable classroom tambourine musical instrument, sized for small hands but robust enough for Early Years, Primary, Secondary, Adult and SEND players in lessons, bands and drum circles.

This medium-size tambourine instrument is built around an 8 inch (approx. 21 cm) wooden tambourine frame with a natural skin head and a single row of four metal jingles. The combination gives players a warm, rounded shake plus crisp accents when they tap or strike the head like a small hand drum.

Designed as a classroom tambourine percussion instrument, it works equally well in Early Years play, Primary music lessons, Secondary ensembles and adult community groups. The size suits smaller hands, while the robust frame and tuned skin make it reliable for regular school use, workshops and drum circles.

Because this tambourine with skin uses a real hide head, it responds naturally to changes in humidity - tightening slightly in warm, dry rooms and loosening in cooler, damp conditions. A quick wipe with a dry cloth after use and storage in a padded drum bag will help the head and jingles stay in good condition for years of school and home music-making.

If you’d like a themed option for nursery or story-time, our Animal Tambourine for Early Years is also available separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size tambourine should I choose for school or groups?

For most classrooms, an 8 inch tambourine is the best all-round size: full sound, easy grip, and manageable volume. Choose 6 inch for very young children, or a 10–12 inch concert tambourine for stronger projection and advanced technique.

Is this 8 inch tambourine easy for small hands to hold?
Yes. The 8 inch tambourine (approx. 21 cm) is a comfortable “mid-size” for children and adults. It’s easier to grip than larger concert sizes, but still gives a full, warm sound—ideal for Early Years, Primary, and mixed-ability groups.

Is the tambourine head synthetic or natural skin?
This 8 inch tambourine uses a natural skin head on a solid wood frame. Natural skin gives a warm tone and feels responsive when tapped like a small hand drum, while the wooden shell keeps it robust for regular classroom use.

N.B. For SEN settings: When you purchase this product you get free access to a wide range of downloadable SEND teaching resources. Please visit our SEND resources page to see the range - free resources have a purple "FREE" label alongside.