A while back we mentioned the LittleBits Electronic Synth Kit in our article about "How To Get Your Kids Into Synths". It is a great gadget for kits who have outgrown their Lego, but who would still enjoy assembling pieces in order to create their very own synthesizer. The Synth Kit is aimed at kids aged 14 and up, but if your children are a little younger, then don't despair as Littlebits have reached out to us with news of their brand new Electronic Music Inventor Kit.

Similar to the Synth Kit, the Electronic Music Inventor Kit provides children with LittleBits electronic building blocks that they can then assemble on their own, or with your assistance. The difference is that although the new kit also assembles into a rocking electronic Keytar, this one is designed for children aged eight and up. This means it is a little easier to assemble for tiny fingers and the design of the keytar is also slightly different. While the new kit can't be assembled into a synth spin table like the synth kit, kids are able to turn it into an air drum, which can be played with a wave of their hand. In addition, the keytar can be transformed into a "magic guitar" that can also be played without touching it and a "dance guitar" that is powered by motions. 

The versatility and ingenuity of this kit is sure to be a hit with children as they won't just have to stick to a single design each time. The components that are included with this kit range from an accelerometer and micro sequencer to a synth speaker, keyboard, oscillator, proximity sensor, mounting boards and more. LittleBits also includes paper templates and sticker sheets with the kits to aid in the construction and creativity. While it doesn't have as many sound-altering bits as the Synth Kit, the accelerometer bit, mounting boards and proximity sensor bit will make things a little easier and more fun for younger kids. The fact that the bits all connect together with ease magnetically removes a lot of the frustration that can come from assembling this type of device. This also means that kids are free to experiment with their own configurations to see how it influences the sound. According to LittleBits, their aim is to reinvent the way that kids learn and their electronic building blocks are the ideal way to turn ideas into inventions. It is the ideal way to introduce kids to science, technology, engineering and mathematics through the medium of music.

The LittleBits Electronic Music Inventor Kit comes with complete step-by-step instructions that covers everything from building their electronic instruments to using them. Since everything is included in the kit you also don't have to purchase any extra components before they can have fun. In-app instruction videos mean that they should be able to handle everything themselves, without your intervention. The inventor app is compatible with both iOS or Android devices and provides kids with plenty of in-app activities to keep them engaged. In total there are more than 12 in-app musical activities, so you can be sure that they will be able to get the most out of their LittleBits Electronic Music Inventor Kit. 

If your children have shown interest in your synth collection and love to tinker, then the LittleBits Electronic Music Inventor Kit could be a great introduction to the hobby for them.

Let us know in the comments below or on the forum about your own experiences with your kids and synths. At what age did they start to show interest in your hobby and what have you done to nurture this interest?