How to Choose the Best Musical Instrument for Your Child

Although you can help your children choose their first musical instrument, the final decision should be up to them. In any case, it's important to ensure that studying music satisfies them instead of stressing them out.

Musical contact at an early age is very beneficial. If you’re thinking of buying your children a musical instrument, way to go! The wonderful world of music will enrich their skills and personal development.

Your child should be the one to decide what his or her first musical instrument will be. However, you can provide a previous context, a musical environment that will stimulate his passion for music.

Of course, your child can always change the instrument he first chose if another interests him more. The important thing is for children to choose their musical instrument according to their age, their previous knowledge and, above all, their passion.

Benefits of playing a musical instrument for children

The recommended age for children to start learning music is five years old. Learning music should make children happy; otherwise, it could prove counterproductive.

If children enjoy learning music, they’ll be able to choose their own instrument accurately. Their instrument will be their friend for many years.

However, the first instrument they choose won’t mean they’ll be a pianist or a flute player forever. Simply put, the idea is for your child to approach music in the best possible way.

Development benefits of music

You should try to make sure your child reaps all the benefits that music provides instead of trying to make them a virtuoso.

In this regard, you shouldn’t base the musical instrument choice only on your child’s age. The key for your child to enjoy music to the fullest is to find the right school or teacher for him.

A music teacher who doesn’t take the magic and spontaneity of childhood into account and doesn’t consider the social value that this discipline provides children will hardly be able to transmit the love of music to a child. You have to remember that children learn by playing.

Most common musical instrument options for children

Until the age of five, children’s contact with musical instruments must be completely free. Therefore, they should have drums, xylophones, or small pianos on hand.

From age six onwards, things change. Children understand musical notes and scales, meaning they’re able to learn simple melodies and play them on an instrument. This satisfies them in many different ways.

Most popular musical instruments

Some of the most popular instruments for children from the age of six are:

• Piano: This is undoubtedly the best musical instrument for children to begin with. For children, it’s easier to visualize notes and create harmonies, since all they need to do is get used to the keys. However, a downside to this instrument is its cost and size. It’s so big that many people have a hard time finding a place for it.
• Flute: Unlike the piano, the flute is inexpensive and transportable. But it has another advantage: it helps children learn to control their breathing.
• Guitar: This affordable instrument can be a lifetime companion. However, the guitar can be hard to learn at the beginning. The child has to learn how to tune it. Also, this instrument requires coordination that not all children have at a young age.
• Violin: Some children have a hard time holding a violin, while it comes really easy to others. Besides its beautiful sound, the violin tests children’s patience and discipline.
• Percussion instruments: Drums help stimulate children’s hand and feet coordination in a fun and energetic way.

Simple questions about your child’s first musical instrument

You can also guide your children in choosing a musical instrument. You can ask them if they like how it sounds, if it’s appropriate for the music they usually hear, if they get excited when they have it in their hands, and why they like this instrument more than others.

Your children’s responses may surprise you. After asking them these questions, you’ll surely have enough information to lead them on the beautiful path of music education.