# Musical Play A need for sophisticated stimulation prompts more refined musical activities. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Apr 9, 2014 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/musical-play ## Key Figures - Trend score: 1.7/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Musical Play trend? **Musical Play:** While digital devices offer children a convenient method of entertainment, the addictive qualities of online technology often halt exposure to more cultural and refined activities. As a means to add more diversity, parents are turning to musical toys that encourage sophisticated acts of play, speaking to a shift toward less conventional, more diverse forms of education. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 1, 2013 to Mar 29, 2014 - Published: Apr 9, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Musical Play trend ### Sophisticated Musical Toys The increasing demand for more diverse and refined types of education is driving the popularity of musical toys that encourage sophisticated acts of play, and presents opportunities for manufacturers to create toys that offer unique musical experiences. ### DIY Musical Projects Parents are turning to DIY musical projects as an economical and fun way to entertain and educate their children. There are opportunities for manufacturers to create and market DIY musical project kits that cater to the needs of parents and kids. ### Stylish Musical Instruments Parents are seeking stylish musical instruments that are suitable for children, presenting opportunities for manufacturers to create small, stylish and easy-to-use musical instruments for kids. ## What the Musical Play trend means for industry ### For Toy Manufacturing Toy manufacturers have the potential to innovate by creating sophisticated, yet affordable musical toys and DIY musical project kits. ### For Musical Instrument Manufacturing Musical instrument manufacturers can create stylish, easy-to-use and affordable musical instruments for children. ### For Education Industry Educators can incorporate more diverse and refined types of education through the use of sophisticated musical toys that encourage acts of play. ## Trend signals for Musical Play Trend score 1.7 out of 10, from popularity 19%, activity 25%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 19% - Activity: 25% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Musical Play trend 5 featured examples from Feb 1, 2013 to Mar 29, 2014. - [Multifarious Musical Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/musicon): The Musicon is an Interactive and Engaging Instrument for Young Children (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The toy industry can leverage the trend of interactive musical toys like the Musicon to create products that offer engaging experiences for children. - [Lo-Tech Music Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/music-toy): The Naef Gloggomobil Music Toy is Inspired by the Classic Barrel Organ (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Potential for incorporating traditional and low-tech elements to create nostalgic and educational toys. - [Literal Baby Grand Pianos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/childrens-piano): This Small Children’s Piano From Hape Helps Your Baby Play Thier (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The musical instrument industry can explore the market segment for child-sized instruments and develop innovative products specifically designed for young children. - [Adorable DIY Music Makers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-drums): Create a Pitch Perfect Pair of Drums in Just a Few Simple Steps (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Craft supply businesses can cater to the demand for affordable materials for DIY projects like homemade drums. - [Music-Making Train Tracks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-sound-track): The Sound Track Pairs a Child’s Love of Music and Trains (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Toy manufacturing companies can develop innovative toys like the Sound Track that combine the features of different toys to keep children engaged. ## Recent trend clusters - [Constructible Franchises](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/constructible-franchises) (Life-Stages) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Life-Stages - [Retro Graphic Tees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nostalgic-graphic-tees) - [Screen-Free Kids Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/screen-free-kids-phones) - [Edible Oil-Based Lubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coco-lube) - [Women's Health-Focused Probiotic Supplements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/womens-health-probiotic-capsules) All articles: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages)