How to Match a Child Up with the Right Instrument

Articles on Musical Instruments | Topics: instruments, instrument

by Elias J. McCarty

Music lessons for kids are a great idea and you can never start too early. Although for parents, the thought of having their child begin music lessons can be a bit overwhelming when it comes to choosing the instrument that is the most suitable for them. Some questions for parents to consider:

What is the most appropriate age for the child to begin music lessons?

What type of instrument should they start with?

What type of instructor is appropriate (if the child is younger than school age)?

The best time to sign up your child in a music program is when they are interested. If you compel a child to take music, much less play an instrument they have no desire to then your efforts will probably end in disaster.

If you as a parent choose an instrument for your child that you have always wanted them to play, you will soon discover that it is a huge mistake often made by many parents. It is very frustrating to play an instrument that you are not attracted to. For a child who is serious about their study, this could cause bitterness that could remain for a long time. As an alternative, ask you child what they would like to play. Usually the child will be fascinated with an instrument that reflects the type of music that they listen to.

Parents who support their children's musical accomplishments are providing the occasion for creativity, self-expression, and accomplishment. For many students the study of music is an experience that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. This is why it is so vital to recognize your child's feelings when choosing an instrument.

One of the major mistakes for parents is to threaten to put an end to their child's lessons because their child is not producing the results that meet the parent's criteria. Do not forget this is your child's experience. Like adults, children need a vent too. A parent's support is always the key aspect in the child's experience and achievement with their music study. Parental outlook, support, and participation are important factors in a child's ability effectively to learn to play and enjoy music.

What are the benefits of learning music?

Increases the brains ability to process information

Increase the child's ability to problem solve

Teaches the child the importance of teamwork

Instills goal setting in the child

Bit of History

Whilst Marx turned the Hegelian dialectic outwards, making it an instrument with which he could interpret the facts of history and so arrive at an objective science which insists on the translation of theory into action, Kierkegaard, on the other hand, turned the same instruments inwards, for the examination of his own soul or psychology, arriving at a subjective philosophy which involved him in the deepest pessimism and despair of action.

—Sir Herbert Read (1893–1968)

Allows for self-expression

Enhances fine motor skills and coordination

Builds up self-esteem

Most importantly, it is fun

Another thing to think about is that if your child has expressed a desire to play an instrument, it is likely that they and probably you as the parent already have some ideas of what type of instrument to start with. If your child has, a strong feeling of what they want to play then that choice should certainly be considered. If, however, it is has always been your dream for your child to play the piano, then you might want to rethink that idea and the reality of such expectations.

Ask your child why they want to play a certain instrument. This can help you assess if they really want to play the instrument or are they only want to learn because someone else is and they will be bored of it quickly. Remember that the child's interest level will be the most significant factor in their success and their desire to carry on with any instrument of their choosing.

If you are not already familiar with the instruments that are available, go to a music store and begin looking around at the choices that your child will be considering. Familiarize yourself with what is required in maintenance and what you have to buy extra for the instrument.

You can contact the school's music teacher and ask for their input. This will give you information that you can talk to your child about. Tell them about the expectations that will be placed on them when they enter a music program at school. Your goal is not to discourage them but to tell them all the facts so that they will also make an informed decision.

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Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "How to Match a Child Up with the Right Instrument" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by MusicInstrumentsCds.com.

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