About Wellbeing Instruments
Wellbeing Instruments was created to help schools build spaces that genuinely support student wellbeing, inclusion, and engagement.
Not all students thrive in traditional play environments. While many are drawn to active, fast-paced play, others benefit from spaces that offer calm, sensory-rich experiences and the opportunity to engage in their own way.
We focus on creating simple, accessible experiences that support regulation, connection, and positive interaction throughout the school day.
Why This Exists
Wellbeing Instruments was founded by Tomas Fitzgerald, whose background spans music, education, and supporting students with additional needs.
Through both personal and professional experience, it became clear that music has a unique ability to engage students who may not connect with traditional forms of play. Sound provides a non-verbal, inclusive way for students to explore, express, and regulate, often without needing instruction or encouragement.
This understanding became the foundation for designing outdoor instruments that are not just played, but used as part of everyday school life.
An Evidence-Informed Approach
he relationship between sound, emotion, and regulation is well established.
Listening to or playing calming music can reduce stress and anxiety, supporting emotional regulation in both children and adults. In one study, cortisol levels were found to reduce significantly faster when calming music was introduced as an intervention (Thoma et al., 2013).
Our instruments are designed with these principles in mind, creating sound that is harmonious, gentle, and accessible, even during energetic play.
We work in collaboration with occupational therapists, music therapists, and speech pathologists to ensure our designs align with the real needs of students and school environments.
Designed for Real School Environments
Every element of our instruments is considered with practical use in mind.
They are:
- intuitive and accessible for all students
- suitable for both structured and unstructured play
- designed to support regulation rather than add unnecessary noise
- durable for everyday outdoor use
Rather than requiring supervision or instruction, these instruments are designed to become part of the natural rhythm of a school day.
Crafted with Care
All instruments are designed with a focus on sound quality, durability, and long-term performance in outdoor environments.
Working alongside experienced audio engineers, each tone is carefully tuned to ensure a consistent, harmonious sound. Every design decision is made with the end experience in mind, how the instrument feels to play, how it sounds in a shared space, and how it supports everyday use in schools.
Our manufacturing process combines precision fabrication with high-quality materials to ensure each instrument performs reliably over time, even in demanding outdoor conditions.
Designed in Australia for school environments.
A Practical Approach for Schools
We understand that schools need solutions that are not only effective, but achievable.
Our instruments are designed to integrate into existing spaces and align with common funding pathways, including wellbeing and inclusion initiatives. We aim to make the process as simple as possible, from initial enquiry through to implementation.
Looking Ahead
Our focus remains the same.
We continue to refine and expand our range, with a focus on supporting a wider variety of school environments and student needs.
To support schools in creating environments where more students can engage, regulate, and feel a sense of belonging, every day.
