Music is said to be therapy for the soul. But you don’t have to be in the soul-searching mode to appreciate or benefit from it.
Studies show that music can become part of a comprehensive treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, cardiac issues, autism, substance abuse, and depression. Music can even help boost memory, lower blood pressure, improve self-esteem, improve coping, and reduce stress.
So, it’s no surprise that when adults can benefit from music, so do kids.
Suppose you encourage your children to not just listen to music but also learn how to play a musical instrument. In that case, it does wonders for their self-esteem, reading comprehension, coordination, memory, math skills, and social intelligence.
Learning an instrument also helps boost children’s ability to exercise patience, express themselves, appreciate other cultures, and grasp the concept of responsibility.
Now that you know that playing musical instruments is an important thing to learn, you’re probably wondering what kind your child should learn first.
The short answer is: it depends on your child. The long answers will be tackled in this article. With that in mind, here are musical instruments – categorized by age – that you can introduce to your children.
Let’s begin!
Piano, Percussion, or Violin
These instruments are a good fit for toddlers and preschoolers. Given their less structured and rowdy nature, kids within this age range can simply live it up with no limits! While this doesn’t sound like much fun for mom, dad, and the neighbors, it certainly is for your child.
Children are keen to explore and have fun with sound at this age. However, you also have to consider their personalities and skillsets if you don’t want to force an instrument that they might not like.
Pianos help kids pay attention to note tone and pitch. With all the keys laid out for your kid and its easy operation, the piano is a great instrument that can grow with your child as their skillsets develop.
Percussion instruments, like tambourines, rattles, drums, and xylophones, are great for kids since they are easily manipulated with small hands. Percussions also help your child build on their coordination, timing, and ability to follow beats.
Violins, like the piano, can also grow with your child as they improve. While it may not be your first choice for toddlers and preschoolers, violins can help children with tone and pitch basics. They also help with coordination.
If you find that your child may not have the capacity to learn these instruments yet, or that they might not seem like they are enjoying them, take a pause and revisit another time.
Searching for violin repair and restoration becomes frequent when your child plays them. This guide covers the best first instrument for a child, exploring options like piano, percussion, and violin tailored to young learners’ capabilities. This guide offers insights into choosing the right instrument based on age, personality, and skill level.
Viola, Cello, or Recorder
Children within the kindergarten through 3rd grade age range, like toddlers and preschoolers, respond well to the fun. But this time, they also benefit from a bit of structure.
With violas, cellos, and recorders, they can have the fun they crave with a hint of formality thrown into the mix.
Violas are bigger versions of the violin. While the concepts are the same between these two, the viola has deeper, richer tones.
Like the violin and the viola, Cellos are also part of the string family. Cellos are more significant than the violin and viola and will require some adult assistance when children choose them as their instruments.
The recorder takes the cake as far as great introductory wind instruments are concerned. It helps kindergarteners through 3rd graders with their coordination, breath pacing, and motor skills because it requires a combination of breathing and mouth and finger placement to produce notes.
Recorders are also very beginner-friendly since they have fewer holes than other wind instruments.
Flute, Guitar, Trumpet, or Clarinet
Flutes, guitars, trumpets, and clarinets are more sophisticated instruments that require a more developed sense of grit and patience.
This is why kids in the 4th grade and beyond will enjoy the challenge of these four instruments. Take note of your child’s body size, health issues, musical aptitude, and personal musical preferences to find the right fit.
Flutes require big enough hands and long enough fingers to operate properly. Your child will also need to build on their upper arm strength to keep their hands and arms lifted for extended periods.
Guitars require strength as well since they are bigger and bulkier than flutes. They can come in both acoustic and electric forms, but the best choice is always the easiest choice for your child. Then, they can work up from there.
Trumpets, like flutes, require upper arm strength to operate. It requires your child to maintain a steady lip-jaw-mouth position. With practice and patience, your child will get the hang of it.
Clarinets are woodwind instruments with more holes than flutes and trumpets. Again, evaluate what your child can handle and work from there.
And there you have it — musical instruments for children at any age!
When it comes to teaching children how to play, parents need to consider their kids’ capabilities and preferences. Remember, learning to play musical instruments should be a fun way for your child to unwind — not become a source of stress!