As a parent who wants to help foster a passion for music in your child, you’re likely concerned about picking an instrument that’s right for them from the start.
While the key to mastering any instrument is plenty of practice, both you and your child will find the process much easier and more enjoyable with the right instrument. This week we’ll share a few tips to help you choose the best instrument for your child; you’ll need to consider age, physical features, personality, interest, the popularity of certain instruments, and your financial situation.
Let’s start with what is arguably the most important part of your consideration.
Physical Considerations for Picking and Instrument
Age
Each year of your child’s life brings increased physical strength, and a few inches of height to go with it. Both of these are important things to consider when picking an instrument for them. It’s true that it’s easier to learn music the younger they start; however, there are some instruments that a young child just won’t have the strength to hold up–or the height to properly reach.
Height
Some instruments might just be too big for some younger musicians. The trombone, for example, requires a certain arm length to engage the full range of motion and hit all the notes. Thankfully, this isn’t generally a huge problem because many instruments come in a variety of sizes. On the other hand, this also means that, until they reach the full-sized instrument, you’ll need to invest in a new, larger version each time they outgrow one.
Strength
Other instruments, like the tuba or cello, are bulky and heavy in addition to their size. A small child likely won’t have the strength to hold this sort of instrument, let alone transport it from point A to point B. Physical strength also comes into play when it comes to posture. Good core and back strength, to maintain good posture, is also important for many instruments; for example, if a drummer consistently plays with bad posture, they risk neck, shoulder, and even back injuries.
Mouth
Beginner musicians in the brass or woodwind section usually take a little time to develop the proper embouchure technique (mouth placement) for their particular instrument. Most children get it right with practice, but some unique mouthpieces, like the narrow French horn, or double-reeded oboe, may take more time to master. Children with thin lips and even teeth usually have an easier time adapting to, and learning these instruments. On the other hand, if your child has or needs braces, it might be better to avoid wind instruments.
Hand Size
Children with larger-than-average hands or long fingers will have a much easier time learning to play the piano. This may be especially true when they get to higher levels of mastery, where chords often span more than one octave. But even if your child has more averaged sized hands they may still become a master. In any case, learning the piano as a first instrument can help children learn to read music faster. That’s thanks to how the layout of the keyboard makes it very simple to see the relationships between the lines of melody.
Mental Considerations when Picking and Instrument
Personality
This may be a little less obvious, but it’s also important to think about your child’s personality before picking an instrument. Different instruments will give different learning and performing experiences. Kids who love being the center of attention might be more suited to things like the flute, trumpet, violin, or electric guitar. Not only are these instruments usually part of a larger group, they’re also usually heavily featured. On the other hand, a more reserved child might prefer an instrument that is learned and performed solo or in small groups, like the piano.
Interest
One of the most important factors to keep in mind is your child’s interest level. Most kids gain and lose interest in things pretty quickly and seemingly randomly, but it’s important that your child is at least a little enthusiastic about learning their instrument as a beginner. If they can appreciate the sounds they’re making, they will most likely enjoy the entire learning process a lot more.
Think about letting them “try on” different instruments at the shop before you pick one. They may be indifferent to a number of instruments, but they likely have a preference between melody, harmony, or rhythm, which can help influence your decision. For example, if they’re clearly more interested in rhythm, they’re probably much more suited to drums than the clarinet.
Other Considerations For Picking an Instrument
Instrument Popularity
Another less obvious thing to consider is the popularity of the instrument you’re thinking about choosing. Generally speaking, the piano, flute, guitar, violin, and trumpet are the most popular instruments to learn. The oboe and viola, on the other hand, are much less popular. How popular the instrument you and your child select is can have a pretty big impact on their learning experience.
Popular Instruments
For many kids, one of the motivations to learn to play one of the more popular instruments is that they might be able to make some friends who also play the same instrument, or at least gain more recognition more easily for the progress they make.
The popular instruments also usually have more teachers and resources available at any given time or place. You’ll be much more likely to find a teacher nearby, but on the other hand, it may also be harder for your child to get a position in a musical group in school or the community, because of increased competition.
Uncommon Instruments
Some kids prefer to be more unique; to be recognized for having a special skill all their own. Children like this might be better suited to a more uncommon instrument. This could lead to them being in high demand by groups and ensembles, but it also might mean that finding a teacher or other learning resources could be more difficult. You might need to travel a bit further just to get to classes.
Cost
The financial toll is an important thing to keep in mind when picking an instrument with your child. It takes years of practice and performance to develop mastery of any instrument; that’s a long term investment. Here’s a few things to keep in mind:
The Instrument
- Pianos are usually the most expensive, with a decent one priced around $2,000 USD
- Violins, flutes, and trumpets are much more affordable, with beginner models starting around $150 USD. That said, you may have to invest in larger and better quality instruments as your child grows and progresses.
- Rental instruments are a great compromise if you don’t want to commit to a large financial investment until you’re sure of your child’s interest.
- For the beginner piano student, electronic keyboards can offer a much more budget friendly option.
Instrument Maintenance
- Pianos require tuning about every 6 months, and often cost about $100 USD each time.
- Stringed instruments will need their strings replaced often.
- Woodwinds will need a lot of replacement reeds, cork replacements, and yearly professional adjustments.
Lessons
- Fees vary by instrument and location, but usually increase with skill level.
- Starting with online lessons can be beneficial. They are often a lot less expensive than hiring a private teacher.
Picking an Instrument: Closing Thoughts
Once you’re done picking an instrument with your child, the next step is lessons! And all the fun in deciding what they want to play may get you inspired as well! The Music Studio offers a wide range of programs, classes, and private lessons for all ages and all skill levels. Start any time, sign up today!