Toolbox
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Toolbox *
Free Beat Makers and Music Tools for the Classroom
Make beats online for free. The Building Beats Toolbox collects 100+ beat makers and music tools that run right in a web browser, so they work on school Chromebooks with nothing to download. Use the filter to find tools for music production, DJing, podcasting and music coding, sorted by age group and device. Our teaching artists use these tools every day in New York City classrooms!
Roland50 Studio
Roland50 Studio is a free, browser-based music platform offering virtual versions of iconic Roland instruments like the TR-808 drum machine, TB-303 bass synth, and SH-101 synthesizer. It enables users—beginners and pros alike—to create, record, and share music easily without downloads or installations, fostering accessible, hands-on music making
Chrome Music Lab
Chrome Music Lab offers a colorful set of interactive experiments that help users of all ages discover musical concepts through play. Designed with education in mind, it connects sound to subjects like physics, patterns, and drawing. No account or software is needed—just open a browser and start exploring creative possibilities.
Drumbit
Drumbit is a user-friendly, browser-based drum machine built in HTML5, that runs on any modern device. It offers diverse drum kits, tempo, swing, pitch, filters and panning options. You can craft up to four looped patterns, export WAV files, save projects, and share or remix beats in a snap
Virtual Drumming
Virtual Drumming is an online platform offering interactive drum machines, educational games, video lessons, and customizable virtual drum kits. It’s designed to help users improve their drumming technique, rhythm, and coordination. Suitable for all skill levels, it encourages exploration across musical genres and lets you play along with your favorite songs.
Beadz
Beadz is an experimental polymetric drum machine that runs in-browser or offline via desktop build. It supports up to 12 tracks, each with independent beat cycles and probability-based triggering. Features include multisampled loading, pitch/amplitude variance, round-robin playback, recording/export, and accessibility support—ideal for rhythmic experimentation and web‑audio developers.
808 cube
808 Cube is an interactive online instrument that merges the classic Roland TR-808 drum machine with the mechanics of a Rubik’s Cube. Rotate the cube to activate different drum sounds and patterns. This creative fusion offers a fun, engaging way to explore rhythm, sequencing, and beatmaking through playful, hands-on innovation.
TypeDrummer
Typedrummer turns your text into rhythm: as you type, each character triggers a drum sound, building beats live on-screen. Adjustable tempo and percussion styles give creative control. It’s lightning-fast, browser-based, and requires no sign-up—perfect for sketching rhythmic ideas, exploring beats, or adding spontaneous groove to written words.
Acid Machine 2
Acid Machine 2 recreates the raw energy of acid house directly in your browser. With twin synth lines and a built-in drum machine, it invites users to build pulsing patterns and squelchy basslines. Its vintage-inspired design offers a hands-on, no-frills experience perfect for live jamming and spontaneous track creation.
Figure8 - Make music and beats
Figure8 is a fun, beginner-friendly music app that lets you quickly create beats, melodies, and bass lines with simple finger gestures. Its touch-based interface makes music-making feel effortless and playful, perfect for capturing ideas on the go. No complex setup—just tap, slide, and shape your sound in seconds.
tinysynth
TinySynth is a compact web-based drum machine built with React and the Web Audio API. It allows users to craft tight rhythmic loops with adjustable timing, pitch, and randomness. Geared toward developers and creative coders, it's ideal for testing percussion algorithms or embedding simple drum sequences into browser-based music tools.
Try PatternSketch
PatternSketch is a browser-based HTML5 drum machine and step sequencer. It lets users craft beats with multiple kits, tweak tempo, volume, and sound kits, then save or export loops. Built on Web Audio and JavaScript, it's aimed at musicians, web-audio developers, and hobbyists exploring rhythmic ideas.
OneMotion - Drum Machine
One Motion Drum Machine is a dynamic beat-making tool with a built-in virtual drummer that lets you play rhythms using your keyboard. Create custom drum patterns, tweak sounds, and explore beats from other users. It’s both a creative playground and a rhythm trainer—ideal for producers and aspiring drummers alike.
Infinite Drum Machine
The Infinite Drum Machine lets you create beats using everyday sounds, offering a unique way to explore rhythm and texture. Its simple interface encourages experimentation and creative discovery, helping users better understand and control sound design. It’s an inspiring tool for producers seeking fresh, unconventional sonic ideas.
Beat maker FAQ
What is the best free beat maker online?
It depends on the student. For beginners, Chrome Music Lab (no account needed) and Incredibox's free browser version let you make a beat in minutes. For more control, BandLab and Splice's beat maker work in the browser for free. Soundtrap adds recording and collaboration for students 13 and older.
Can students make beats on a Chromebook?
Yes. Every tool tagged "web browser" runs in Chrome with nothing to install, which makes it a good fit for school Chromebooks.
Do these tools cost money or need an account?
Most tools in the Toolbox are free. Some, like Chrome Music Lab, need no account at all. Others ask for a free sign-up and have their own age rules, so check each tool's page before using it with students.
How can I teach beatmaking in my classroom?
Start with a browser tool and a short challenge, like making an 8-bar drum pattern. For lessons and professional development, see bbForTeachers. To bring a Building Beats teaching artist to your school, see bbWorkshops.