Music from Things
The concept behind Music from Things is the creation of music from every day items and interesting objects.
There is no need to buy or rent expensive conventional instruments when we can build our own simple playable instruments at a low cost.
Welcome to the new site, it is under construction just now as I move MfT from the original project to a new way of life.
Les Cook
Eccentric engineer/musician/sound recordist
My Story
I have a life long love of sound and music. From about the age of 10 I started to play around with an old reel to reel tape recorder at home. I noticed that objects made a noise if hit, scraped or shaken this curiosity took me on a journey.
The Music from Things original project was conceived in 2021, inspired by the work of Nicolas Bras, and concluded in November 2024 when the last of the funding was used.
To find out more about the history click the button.
Some of my older Instruments
Over tone Flute.
This instrument is made from 32mm OD PVC waste pipe as used in plumbing.
A simple end blown flute fipple is created and the instrument is tuned to a note at full length. It will play lovely overtones with varying air pressure.
Tubular bells.
This instrument is an experiment in creating hanging tubes like in a wind chime but using 15mm copper plumbing pipe.
I limited myself to one 3m length of tube to create the instrument.
Six Tubes were cut and hung to create a simple set of tubular bells for people to try.
The copper pipes tuning came out at about A#3 C4 C#4 D4 E4 and A4
The Squease Organ.
This fun instrument was created by building a chromatic set of end blown flutes. Each flute was connected to a hand pump using 16mm electrical flexible conduit. The pump is the head of a fluid transfer pump. When the pump is squeased a note is played.
The Cymbalum.
This instrument was made from some old bed slats, Heinz baked bean tins, a set of electric guitar strings and guitar tuners. It is my reimaging of a 16th century instrument.
It is played by hammering the strings with a wooden beater.
The Bottle-O -Phone.
This instrument was created to show how plastic rubbish can be turned in to music using recycled materials. 8 2L coke bottles. A hole is drilled in the cap and a tyre air valve fitted. The bottle can be inflated to change its pitch and thus tuned . The Coke bottle has a unique tone and sustain unlike regular 2L drinks bottles.
The following instruments now live at Five Acre Wood School in Maidstone. the Tubular bells. the squease-O-phone, the Bottle-O-phone and the Water cooler base drum.
Thanks to Maidstone Borough Council (creative communities grant) for making this possible.
Upcoming Workshops & Performances
March 2026
Location to be confirmed
Live Demonstration
Join LES Cook for an exclusive live demo of his latest new instrument, Lap slide Jim This intimate event is a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of his music and connect with other fans.
April 2026
Location to be confirmed
Tee Shirt Signing
Don't miss the chance to meet Les Cook in person at his upcoming tee shirt signing event. Bring your favorite tee shirts for a personalized autograph and a brief chat with the creator himself. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to his work, this event promises to be a memorable experience for all.
Aug 2026
International West Kent Run Aylesford Kent
Instrument building Workshop: Crafting Your Sound
Discover the art of instrument building in a hands-on building workshop led by Les Cook. In this interactive session, participants will learn techniques for developing simple but very playable wind instruments. crafting a unique instrument and finding their unique voice. Whether you're an aspiring builder or looking to hone your skills, this workshop offers valuable insights and practical tips to help you bring your music to life.