Hands-on equipment to support the classroom
Welcome to the Music Tech Hub equipment page – a selection of trusted, good value tools to support practical music-making in your classroom. Some items are directly linked to schemes of work, while others are simply great additions to enhance hands-on learning.
Please note that some links on this page are affiliate links. Any purchases made through them are gratefully received and help support the ongoing upkeep of the website and the free resources available here.
If you’re a Music Service, school, or educational organisation looking to purchase a classroom pack or bulk selection, feel free to get in touch – I may be able to liaise with suppliers to help secure an educational discount on your behalf.
KANZ Robust Wired Headphones for Kidz (Supplied by Turntable Training Wax)
Designed with durability and comfort in mind, the KANZ Robust Wired Headphones are tailored for young listeners.
The adjustable headband and soft ear pads provide a comfortable fit for children and can even accommodate adults. With a 1.2m cord and a standard 3.5mm input jack, these headphones are compatible with various devices, including portable turntables and other audio equipment. Additionally, their eco-friendly packaging minimizes environmental impact.
5-Way Headphone Splitter (Supplied by Amazon)
A useful classroom tool that lets up to five headphones connect to one device. Great for group work, allowing pupils to listen to each other’s music and collaborate easily.
Teachers can also plug in to monitor progress or connect a speaker for sharing or performing pupil work. Simple, effective, and ideal for practical lessons.
Anker Soundcore 2 (Supplied by Amazon)
A speaker such as the Anker Soundcore 2 is a solid entry-level speaker for a primary classroom. Its 12W output is ideal for quiet environments, providing amplified playback of music, audio examples, or pupil work without being overpowering.
With an AUX input option to plug tablets, laptops, or music tech equipment in directly via a standard 3.5mm audio cable, it’s suitable for small performances and listening tasks. Compact, easy to use, and reliable—perfect for everyday classroom use.
Go To Anker Speaker Product Page
Minirig Mini 2 (Supplied by Turntable Training Wax)
The Minirig Mini 2 is a premium, British-made speaker that delivers excellent clarity and volume—ideal for classroom music playback and pupil work. It’s a more costly option, but offers superb build quality, sound performance, and long-term reliability.
Simple to use: plug into the lower input for standard volume or the higher one for louder playback—this also powers the speaker on. Volume is controlled from your connected device, such as an iPad or computer. Clear, portable, and classroom-ready.
Go To Minirig Mini 2 Product Page
FIFINE K669B USB Condenser Microphone (Supplied by Amazon)
The FIFINE K669B is a great entry-level USB microphone for schools. It plugs straight into a computer—no audio interface needed—making it ideal for quick, easy recording in primary or secondary settings.
Use it with free software like BandLab to record song vocals, podcasts, poetry, or instruments. A simple, great-value option for music tech clubs, classroom projects, or schools looking for a plug-and-play recording solution.
Go To Fifine USB Mic Product Page
AKAI Professional LPK25 USB MIDI Keyboard (Supplied by Amazon)
The AKAI LPK25 is a compact, plug-and-play USB MIDI keyboard—ideal for schools introducing pupils to digital music-making. With 25 velocity-sensitive keys (2 octaves), it’s great for inputting melodies, chords, and basslines into software like BandLab, Soundtrap, or other browser based MIDI compatible applications.
No audio interface required—just connect via USB and start playing. Lightweight and portable, it’s a great value addition for primary or secondary classrooms, especially where space or budget is limited but hands-on music tech access is a priority.
Go To Akai USB Keyboard Product Page
Lightning to USB Adaptor (Supplied by Amazon)
This Lightning to USB adapter is a handy tool for connecting USB devices like MIDI keyboards, audio interfaces, or USB microphones directly to an iPad or iPhone.
It’s Apple MFi Certified, meaning it meets Apple’s standards for quality and compatibility—helping ensure reliable performance and safe use with your iOS devices.
Perfect for classrooms using iPads, this is a simple addition for unlocking more from your device with confidence.
Go To Lightning To USB Cable Product Page
CMPSR MIDI Controller (Supplied by Digit Music)
The CMPSR is a British-made, joystick-based MIDI controller designed to simplify music creation for learners of all abilities. Paired with the Swipe app, it enables users to play notes, chords, and control effects through intuitive gestures, ensuring all inputs remain in key. This approach fosters creativity and reduces barriers associated with traditional instruments.
As the CMPSR is a MIDI controller, it is compatible with all other MIDI enabled software, browser and iOS applications.
If you’re intending to make a purchase of these devices, reach out to me directly and I’ll support you in getting the right package to suit your needs.
Go To CMPSR Controller Product Page
M-VAVE SMC-PAD MIDI Controller (Supplied by Amazon)
A compact, affordable, and wireless MIDI pad controller perfect for beatmaking and performance. Featuring 16 RGB velocity-sensitive pads, the SMC-PAD connects via Bluetooth or USB. Customise pad functions, MIDI messages, and backlight colours using the companion software. Ideal for mobile setups, beginners, or anyone needing a portable MIDI solution.
Go To M-Vave SMC-PAD Product Page
Stylophone Gen X-1 (Supplied by Dubreq)
A fun and affordable analog synthesizer that’s ideal for accessing broad areas of the curriculum. With its stylus-controlled keyboard, built-in speaker, and hands-on controls (LFO, filter, envelope, and delay), it offers a tactile way to explore electronic music. Portable, intuitive, and classroom-friendly — perfect for creative, accessible music tech learning.
Go To Stylophone Gen X-1 Product Page
Stylophone BEAT (Supplied by Dubreq)
The Stylophone BEAT is a compact, battery-powered drum machine that enables users to create engaging beats and basslines effortlessly. Featuring four unique sound banks—ROK, TECHNO, HIPHOP, and BEATBOX—it offers a diverse range of sounds suitable for various musical styles. The intuitive interface allows for easy layering and muting of sounds, while the built-in speaker and headphone connectivity ensure versatility in any setting. Its portability and user-friendly design make it an excellent tool for exploring rhythm and live performance.