Which instrument is right for my child?
Choosing the right instrument for your child needn't be a nightmare. Most children will begin on one of a handful of instruments: piano, recorder, violin or cello.
You'll want to make sure they are comfortable with it. Some instruments are better for younger players. The recorder, for instance, is easy to handle. Some stringed instruments are available in smaller versions for beginners. Whereas anything involving breathing, like brass and woodwind, should wait until they have the strength to blow and their second set of teeth have appeared.
TIPS:
- Take your children to hear live music to find out about different instruments. Encourage them to think about the genres that interest them.
- Try before you buy - if possble.
- Think about where your child will fit in. For example, there are often more clarinet and flute pupils than there are groups for them to play in, while bassoonists and oboists are more scarce, and so might enjoy more opportunities. Bass players are also rarely short of a gig, unlike their guitar-playing counterparts.
- If your child finds it difficult at first, encourage them to persevere, the rewards are worth it
- Some instruments, like recorder or piano, are best for beginners and some string instruments may be available in special small sizes
- Some, especially brass or woodwind, are more suited for older children
- Think about practical considerations: will the noise disturb the neighbours, have you got room for your child to practise, how do you get the instrument from the lesson to your house?