Discover the Lagerphone

The Lagerphone is a brilliant early childhood music resource that introduces children aged 0–6 to one of Australia’s most unique and quirky folk instruments. Also known as the Murrumbidgee River Rattler, the Lagerphone is a homemade percussion instrument with a wonderful story behind it — and children absolutely love it every time they see and hear it played!

Where Did the Lagerphone Come From?

The Lagerphone has its roots in the British Army, where soldiers played a similar instrument called the Jingling Johnny. Australian bushmen adapted this idea, nailing beer bottle tops to a broomstick to create a simple but surprisingly versatile percussion instrument. It is a wonderful conversation starter about Australian history, bush culture and creative problem solving.

How is the Lagerphone Played?

Players use three main techniques to play the Lagerphone. They strike the handle with a serrated stick to create a rattling sound. They bounce the handle on the floor to produce a rhythmic beat. They also drag the serrated stick along the handle to make a unique scraping sound. The combination of these techniques gives the Lagerphone a rich and lively character that children find irresistible!

Can Children Make One?

The Lagerphone is one of the few world instruments that educators and children can actually make together! A broom handle or sturdy branch works perfectly as the base. Bottle tops nailed loosely to the handle create the rattle. Adding a rubber stopper to the bottom protects the floor when bouncing. This makes it a fantastic hands-on craft and music activity for early childhood settings.

The Lagerphone in A Swag Full of Instruments

The Lagerphone features in The Lagerphone Song and Kookaburra Sits on the Old Gum Tree — two tracks that celebrate uniquely Australian sounds and stories. It is always one of the most talked-about instruments in the program!

Hear the Lagerphone Click here