Which Instrument Is Right For My Child?

The most frequent question that I've heard over my years of teaching is 'What instrument do you think I should start my child on?'. The answer is surprisingly simple. The best instrument to start with is whatever instrument the student really wants to learn. If a student is learning one instrument while they really want to play another they will not do well and will eventually quit music all together. There are parameters to what instruments work well for different ages but it's best to let the student choose what instrument they want to learn.

Piano is the universal instrument. Students as early as 4-5 can start learning piano. The keys are not difficult to press down and they are lined up in a fashion that makes chords and scales very easy to learn and comprehend. Piano is also a great first start for reading music.

Violin and other traditionally stringed instruments are another great instrument for the younger beginner. Violins come in many different sizes from a full-sized 4/4 to as small as a 1/16 (perfect size for ages 3-5 generally). Since the instrument can be crafted for smaller children, students can start learning at an early age and the instrument can “grow” with them until they reach the full-sized models. It is also popular on violin to start younger students with the Suzuki Method. The Suzuki Method is based on ear training or playing by sound. Reading music can still be a part of this method but it allows the earlier beginners to train their ears.

Another instrument that can be taught to the younger students is drums/percussion. There are many percussion instruments and the requirements from a student to learn them varies. For a majority of drum/percussion instruments reading music is a lot easier because there are no scaled notes (a, b flat, etc...). Younger students can start by learning the snare drum to teach their hands coordination and get the basics of reading music. There are also hand percussion instruments, congas, bongos, etc..., that students of all ages can learn.

It was once thought that guitar was just for students in fourth grade or later but this is no longer the case. While it is true that traditional guitars are difficult for younger students to hold the strings down, there are alternatives. Classical guitars are guitars that have nylon strings instead of metal strings. This makes it much easier to play for younger beginners. It is also becoming increasingly popular for even younger beginners that are interested in learning guitar to start their learning on an ukelele. The ukelele's are very easy to play and the techniques and knowledge that they learn can be applied to guitar as they mature.

Woodwinds and brass instruments require wind strength. Because of the wind strength required to achieve sound from these instruments it is not recommended to begin learning these until the student is in the third grade. If a younger student is interested, there are recorders that they can learn the basics on and transfer that knowledge as they develop.

There are also other alternatives for younger students. Programs exist in many areas that cater to group classes for infants as young as 18 months. These classes can progress from a “Mommy and Me” to a preparation for learning an instrument. These classes are a good way to introduce music, dance, and ear training to infants and to help grow a love of music from a very early age. As the child grows these classes tend to progress to having the children use smaller instruments and learn to play rhythms in a group setting.

Every instrument offers many great attributes and skills that students can apply not only in music but also in other aspects of life. If you have questions about instrument selection or about music in general, email me at Gpeek@hotmail.com and I'll gladly answer to the best of my ability.