The ability to play a musical instrument is a great talent that takes time and dedication. Learning to play music is a lot like learning to read—the earlier it starts, the better.
When your child shows interest in taking up an instrument, try to resist the urge to pick for them or let them pick on their own. Picking the right musical instruments for kids is a commitment that should involve both the child and the parent.
Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for the right musical instruments for kids.
Physical limitations.
A child with asthma might not have the best luck with a wind instrument, and a child with braces probably wouldn’t have much luck with a brass instrument.
Take into account your child’s physical characteristics—are their arms long enough for a trombone? Are their hands strong enough for a string instrument?
Cost.
Musical Instruments for kids can be extremely expensive, but just because your budget is tight doesn’t mean your child can’t play an instrument.
Do some research about the maintenance of each instrument and see what you can comfortably commit to.
Clarinets and oboes require reed replacements and string instruments need their strings replaced quite often. Brass instruments are costly but relatively low maintenance.
Personality.
Does your child like to be the center of attention or prefer to hang back with the crowd?
Some instruments, like trumpet and piccolo, are more prone to have solos or leads while others such as percussion and tuba create more of the backbone of the music. Which fits your child’s personality better?
Instruments like piano require personal rehearsal time while other instruments are better practiced in a group.
Does your child have the dedication to practice alone or would they prefer a group rehearsal?
Availability.
Your community may not have an oboe or accordion teacher to help your child master their skills. Perhaps your town is known for their impressive jazz band.
Your child may be better suited to take up something that provides opportunities in the area.
Look into what sorts of specialists you have locally. However, don’t discourage your child from playing an instrument because of a lack of opportunities in the area. Being the only bassoon playing in the metropolitan area might mean a greater chance of a scholarship in the future!
Introduce new instruments.
Which instruments has your child been exposed to?
Are they interested in the drums because they played them at a friend’s house?
Most kids haven’t been exposed to many instruments so their interest in a certain instrument may be ill-guided.
Take your child to a music instrument store to see and learn about all sorts of instruments. Some stores will even let kids handle and test the instruments to see which best suits them.
Musical preferences.
Does your child have a love for jazz music or rock and roll?
Kids are more prone to be interested in an instrument that fits their musical preferences. Asking your children what sort of music they like listening to and what their favorite part of that music is can help to uncover what the right musical instruments for your kids are.
Your expectations.
How important is learning an instrument for you?
Is it important to you that your child study classical music or will you allow them to choose their own path?
Think about the practice time at home—if there are instruments you can’t stand, you probably won’t be too keen on hearing it for hours in end. Choosing an instrument should be a group decision.
Written by Sarah Antrim