How to Choose an Instrument for Your Child

Many parents already know the value of introducing their children to music at a young age. Many studies suggest that children who are involved with music do better in school and are more independent and creative thinkers. Music also helps teach children confidence and social skills as they work as part of an ensemble. However, many parents struggle when it comes to picking out an instrument for their child to play. Should you lean towards the guitar or piano lessons in St Paul? Strings or brass? Here's how you can make a smart selection from the wide range of choices available.

Consider Your Child's Interests

If your child is old enough to have musical interests of his own, it's important to consider this first when choosing an instrument. Maybe he or she already likes the sound of the trumpet, or has a particular interest in classical music. On the other hand, if he or she doesn't like the sound of a certain instrument, it isn't likely to grow on them and they'll quickly grow tired of practicing every day.

Consider Your Child's Personality

Certain instruments are better suited to certain personalities. For example, trumpets, saxophones, or other "flashy" instruments are good choices for extroverted children who like to be noticed. Quieter children may lean toward the softer sounds of strings and woodwinds so they won't have to spend as much time in the spotlight.

Find an Age-Appropriate Instrument

Most young children start out with the piano or violin. These instruments are relatively easy for even very small children to handle, and they help build a foundation for music theory and for introducing other instruments.

Instruments such as an oboe or tuba are heavy and can be difficult for children to handle. Wait until they've developed their coordination and have the strength to hold a heavy instrument for long stretches at a time.

Calculate the Cost

No high-quality instrument is going to be cheap, but there are some that are more expensive than others. Instruments such as the piano, for example, can cost several thousand dollars. Think about how much you want to spend on an instrument and its care over time. Many instruments have reeds or strings that need to be replaced occasionally. Pianos, on the other hand, need regular tuning to stay in shape. Don't forget to factor in the cost of lessons into your budget.

Consider Your Own Interests

Although your child's musical education should mostly focus on their interests, it's important to consider your own as well. It's common for children to spend hours every week playing their instrument. If you can't stand the sound of a particular instrument, you may not give your child the support they need to play freely, which can stifle their ability to learn.

It's also a good idea to take your living situation into consideration. If you live in an apartment, you may want to avoid loud instruments like the drums or trumpet, which can start conflicts with your neighbors.

Introduce Your Child to Different Instruments

One of the best ways to choose an instrument for your child is to introduce them to as many as possible. Let them get a feel for different instruments before signing them up for piano lessons in St Paul. Find sample recordings of different instruments and musical styles to see which ones catch their attention. Then let them get hands-on with a wide variety of instruments. Most schools have a large selection of instruments and may offer the chance to try them out before signing up for lessons. The more interested a child is in their instrument, the more likely they'll be able to stick with it over time.

Source : articlesbase.com