Upsound Instruments – Make & Play Workshop Area at The Garden

Families can unleash their creativity at the Upsound Instruments – Make & Play Workshop Area, premiering at The Garden of Unearthly Delights during the Fringe.

Dutch-Australian sound artist and acclaimed violinist Jacob Plooij leads this hands-on experience, allowing participants to craft unique, playable musical instruments from upcycled materials, blending creativity with circularity.

The workshop invites participants to transform broken, foraged and found objects into musical masterpieces. Upsound Instruments encourages families to embrace the concept of upcycling by reimagining materials that would otherwise end up as waste.

From reinventing classics like a guitar, trumpet, flute or drum, to designing entirely new sound creations, the possibilities are endless. Best of all, everyone gets to take home a self-made Upsound instrument.

Participants are also welcome to bring old, broken instruments or other musical materials from home, which can be transformed into upcycled instruments. Whether it’s a cracked ukulele or your favourite broken toy, these items could become the cornerstone of a new musical creation.

Jacob’s vision for Upsound Instruments is rooted in collaboration and sustainability, inspiring participants to create playable musical instruments from materials that others may discard.

This activity is suited to school groups from reception through to middle school (five to 12 years). Bespoke group workshops can also be designed to cater to various skills and abilities, offering a hands-on, unique learning experience.