Children are curious by their nature and love learning new skills. For those who have shown an interest in music, choosing an instrument would be the most important next step. Here are a few important things to consider when choosing a music instrument for your child.
Size
Children’s choice of musical instruments is limited by their small size and often still immature motor skills. Children at an early age also lack the physical strength necessary to play certain instruments such as for instance brass or large string instruments. Apart from that not all instruments are available in small sizes. Using an instrument intended for adults can easily lead to frustration and even to physical injuries. A child should be able to feel comfortable while holding an instrument and shouldn’t be overpowered by its size. Because of this often the most popular and compatible instruments for kids are violin, guitar and piano.
Foundation
It’s important to consider what set of skills playing a certain music instrument will give your child. Growing up kids often change their preferences and start favouring other instrument over the ones they have started with. Switching an instrument with age is actually not an uncommon thing at all and this process can be made a lot easier when a child already has general skills in place. This is why piano and violin are two most popular instrument for children under 7. They provide a good foundation for a transition to other instruments in the respective group.
Sound
Sound and how it is produced are also two big factors to consider when choosing an instrument. Your child should like the sound her instrument makes and feel comfortable with the way it’s produced – pushing, pulling, blowing. This will make sure the kid has a proper motivation to practice .
Cost
Many parents make a mistake of buying an expensive instrument right away. This should be very much avoided for number of reasons: Children tend to be careless with their belongings and expensive music equipment is no exception. Besides one never knows if playing an instrument will be a 2 week long fascination or a life long passion.
Motivation
Children’s inner affection and motivation should be the most important factor when choosing a music instrument. An instrument might be well matched size wise and even seem to flatter your kid but she might lack the will to play it. Carefully inquire if there’s any particular instrument your child adores to listen to or dreams to play, that’s what really matters and that would give you the best hint for your choice.