Being called as a Primary Music Leader is super overwhelming at first. I know for me, I felt completely weighed down by where to start, what do do, sorting through resources and ideas. It was easy to get lost in it all and feel overwhelmed.

Affiliate links are used in this post.
After getting a few Singing Time’s under your belt, you start to settle into the calling, some, and realize how much potential for fun this calling offers! I absolutely love having this calling and making Singing Time engaging for the kids.
Here’s a list of Primary Music Leader supplies, and a dream wishlist too!
Must-Have Instruments & Manipulatives
Egg Shakers
Egg shakers are my #1 favorite instrument to use. They’re easy and fun for all ages and there are a TON of ways to use them in Singing Time.
Ribbon Wands
Everyone loves using ribbon wands! You can pick this style with a stick which is better for a larger Primary or the long ribbon wands below.
Rhythm Sticks
Rhythm sticks can be a wonderful way to add music and movement in one. They’re versatile and great for partner patterns, too.
Dance Scarves
Dance Scarves add a ton of movement and can help the kids remember the lyrics when the action is tied to the meaning of the words.
Jingle Bells
Jingle Bell bracelets are fun and simple to use, and one of my favorites for the holidays! Just shake on each word or note!
Finger Lights
Your Primary children will be captivated when you bring in Finger Lights! Use them to teach about contrasts or draw the song.
Merry Bells Handbells
If you’re looking for high quality handbells, you’ll love Merry Bells! They come in a protective case and with bell covers so they stay in wonderful condition.
Plus, they include a free starter DVD with Christmas Song Bell Charts for a super fun way to use the handbells.
Get 10% off with the promo code PrimarySinging
Lummi Sticks
Lummi Sticks are a fun and unique instrument to have some fun with in Primary! They’re thicker so have some different ways you can use them.
Plastic Cups
Use colorful disposable cups to try a cup pattern activity in Singing Time! They are wonderful for challenging patterns and people interaction.
Play-Doh
Playdoh can be a fun way to get hands on and sensory with a song. I’ve shared several fun playdoh creation lesson plans to get started!
Homemade Manipulatives Tutorials:
- How to make Egg Shakers
- How to make Jingle Bell Bracelets
- How to make Sand Blocks
- How to make Maori Sticks
- How to make Ribbon Wands
- How to make a Shadow Puppet Theater
Instrument & Manipulatives Music Cards
Make easy patterns ahead of time or on the fly with these sets of cards that match each of the manipulatives!
You can alternatively pick up the bundle set that includes the first 5 cards in the series to save!
Music & Movement Card Bundle
My Go-To Printer:
You won’t get far without a printer that can handling all the printing that comes along with being a Primary Music Leader. Trust me, you’ll want to invest in a good printer that will save you TONS of money on ink!

I recommend the Epson EcoTank 3850 which is easy to use for printing, scanning, and copying. Plus, it comes with up to 2 years of ink in the box!
Essential Primary Music Leader Supplies
Basic Essentials for Primary Music Leaders:
- Laminator Machine
- Laminating Pouches
- Paper Cutter
- Printable resources
- File Organizer or Organizer with Lid
- File Folders and Hanging Folders
- Printer Paper
- Printer Ink — more details below!
- White Cardstock
- Colored Cardstock
- Binder — See how I use a Singing Time Binder
- Sticker Divider Tabs — I stick these onto sheet protectors for custom tabs! They are amazing!
- Sheet Protectors
- Scissors
- Tape
- Thumbtacks
- Plasti-Tak – Reusable tack for holding up your printables!
- Pocket Dividers
- Poster Board
- Magnets (push pin magnets)
- Magnets (clip magnets for the whiteboard)
- and MORE magnets (hook magnets)!!
- Dry erase markers
- Chalk and Eraser
- 24-ct box of crayons per class
- Sheet music
Manipulatives and Creative Supplies:
- Big box of Markers for art projects
- Yoga Cards
- Game Show Buzzers
- Desk Bells – For competition games
- Cash Register Tape – Use it to create long word strips!
- Tracing Paper
- Colorful Circle Stickers – Perfect for Singing Goosebumps
- Happy Face Stickers – Great for filling in a progress chart or rewarding kiddos!
- Fun conducting wands like: Glitter Tube, Hand Pointers, and Princess Wand
- Paper Plates – You’ll need 2 plates per person
- Grab a set of Canvas Tote bags to make passing out instruments easier!
To help you stay organized see what’s in my singing time music bag for tons of ideas to help you decide on purchasing your own supplies or stocking the Primary closet!
–> Pin or Bookmark This Post! <–

What tips or supplies would you add to this list? Do you have a favorite music leader supply that I forgot to mention on this list above?