How To Clean A Plastic Kazoo

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The kazoo is a fun and whimsical instrument. It is inexpensive and easy to play, but it's not just for kids. Even bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jimi Hendrix have used the kazoo in their music.^[1]

1
Determine your purpose. Do you want to play for fun, for a class, or as a whimsical addition to your band? This will help determine the quality of kazoo that you need.
- For the most part, the kazoo is a very inexpensive instrument. You can find plastic kazoos at dollar stores, department stores, and toy stores.
- If you're looking for something of a slightly higher quality or different aesthetic, consider a wooden kazoo. You also might consider a metal kazoo.^[2] If you do choose metal, watch for rust, and dry it off each time you play.
- If you're going to be playing a lot, consider getting a few kazoos, since they are often only a couple of dollars each. This will ensure you have a back up in case one breaks.
- An electric kazoo is another alternative for musicians and those interested in recording with the kazoo.^[3]
2
Choose your color. The kazoo is a whimsical instrument that comes in a rainbow array of colors to match.
- Pick a fun color that makes you excited to pick up your kazoo and play.^[4]
- Add personalization. Consider putting a small sticker on your kazoo. This is especially great for identification if you'll be using it in a classroom setting, where a lot of people have their kazoos with them.
3
Create a designated case for your kazoo. Even though the kazoo is a relatively inexpensive instrument, you still want to take care of it.
- If the kazoo doesn't come with a case, use an old, hard shell eyeglass case. You can find these at thrift stores, if you don't have one already.
- Write your name on your case in permanent marker.

1
Hold the kazoo horizontally. Unlike a larger instrument such as a clarinet, you can use one hand to hold your kazoo.
- The mouthpiece of the kazoo is the wider, flattened end.
2
Hum into the kazoo. To make sounds with your kazoo, you'll need to hum, rather than blow^[5] because humming creates vibration.^[6]
- You should place your mouth on the kazoo as though it were a whistle.
- To make slightly different types of sounds, try humming different syllables like "do," "who," "brr," or "rrr."
3
Create pitch with your humming. The kazoo has no frills so you create all of the pitches in a song with your mouth.
- Practice humming songs you like without the kazoo, first.
- Then, try humming them with your kazoo's mouthpiece against your mouth.

1
Train your ear. Because all the pitch in your kazoo playing comes from your mouth alone, you'll want to practice hearing and recreating notes.^[7]
- Listen to songs you like, and sing along out loud. Pay attention to trying to match the pitch correctly.
- Record yourself humming a song on a recorder device or your phone. Then, play the song and your recording at the same time. See how well you matched pitch.
- Try playing your kazoo along to recorded songs.
2
Set aside time to practice each day. Even though the kazoo is a simple instrument, you won't improve unless you practice.
- Pick a specific time of day and length of time you want to practice.
- Set some goals for each practice session.^[8] Write them down in a notebook. Your goals could be experimenting with humming techniques or practicing specific songs.
3
Play with friends. Above all, the kazoo is a fun instrument, and you should enjoy playing it.
- Play your favorite songs for your friends.
- If you're in a class, practice with other people from your class.
- If some of your friends play different instruments, consider starting a band for fun.

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Question

Are there specific differences between plastic, metal and wood kazoos? Do they have different sounds or tones?

Yes. Metal kazoos have the lowest sound whilst the plastic ones have the highest. Wood is somewhere in between.
Question

How do I make higher notes louder?

Push more air through it. You'll run out of breath faster, but it works.
Question

Will a kazoo still make noise if there is only air blown through it?

No. It will not play any noise if air is blown through. It works on vibrations and pitch levels, not air.
Question

How do I clean a plastic kazoo?

Running water through a plastic kazoo isn't the best idea because of the thin paper in the hole on the top of the kazoo that helps make the noise. A Q-Tip or piece of tissue would be safest.
Question

Which stores sell kazoos?

Most party stores carry kazoos, but if you prefer a more professional kazoo, order it online or go to a music store.
Question

My chorus teacher says I am humming through my nose. What does that mean and how do I fix it?

It means that you are pushing the air through your nose instead of through your mouth into the kazoo as you are playing, and it is making you play incorrectly. Try clogging your nose. Or, much simpler, listen to your teacher for advice on fixing it.
Question

How do I clean a metal kazoo?

It's no different than a plastic kazoo. You don't want to damage the thin paper by using water, so use a cotton swab.
Question

When I try to play long and fast songs, I always have to stop to breathe. How can I fix this.

Practice. Everyday, play a sustained note for as long as you can and try to break it. You can also do cardio workouts to improve lung capacity, and there are online breathing tutorials for wind players.
Question

If I were to get the piece of paper wet, how can I make it sound normal?

You can just replace the paper.
Question

What should I do if I removed the paper in the hole?

Put it back in! Just remember to line it up straight and not wrinkle it. I took the top thing off before, you just have to pop it back on.

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You can get a cool "wah-wah" effect by holding the fingers of one hand over the top of the kazoo and gently lifting them up as you blow into the kazoo. As you get the hang of it, put some feeling into it, and let the music swing and sway. With a little practice, you will be playing jazz and blues riffs that will amaze your friends and neighbors.
Do not worry if your plastic kazoo gets wet. In a few days, it will become normal.
When playing the kazoo, it generally helps to make a sound that is higher pitched than you normally would while humming
Remember that the kazoo should not be hard to play. If you are blowing hard and getting no sound, then try softening your breath.

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Be aware of people around you when you are practicing, as it can be annoying to some people.

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Article SummaryX

To play the kazoo, hold the instrument horizontally with one hand and put your lips around the wider, flattened end. Since the kazoo requires humming instead of blowing, practice humming different syllables like "do," "who," "brr," and "rrr" into the instrument. You should also experiment with different pitches and sounds to figure out what works for you. Next, practice humming songs you like without the kazoo to train your ear to recognize and match the proper pitch. Then, recreate the melody with the kazoo! For tips on creating a practice schedule, read on!

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