Suppose you are looking for the right musical instrument for your child. In that case, the chances are high that you already know the role of music in developing a child’s cognitive and reasoning abilities. Whether your child has shown interest in music or you have enrolled them for music lessons, selecting the right kind of musical instrument can significantly impact their success. This article will discuss the essential factors that influence the type of musical instrument your child can play. You will also learn more about narrowing down the instrument options to arrive at a suitable choice for your child.
What To Consider When Selecting the Right Musical Instrument
Age
Whether you agree or not, age is an essential factor in music and musical instruments. Children of certain ages cannot operate some musical instruments. With age also comes the strength to handle some musical instruments and play them well. Your child needs adequate power to hold and play a musical instrument. When choosing the right one, consider your child and their ability to maintain proper posture under the instrument’s weight. For example, a trumpet is not a good instrument choice for a child between 2 and 4.
Height
Some musical instruments require a certain height before the player can properly handle them. For these instruments, you need to ensure that your child is well above the required height before you begin to consider its purchase. If your child isn’t tall enough to operate the musical instrument, their entire experience may become frustrating and discouraging. For example, your child needs to be of a certain height to properly operate and explore the range of a trombone’s slide mechanism. When the child is shorter than the required height, it becomes more difficult to hit specific notes, making them feel like they are not good enough. Instead of imposing musical instruments with a rigid height requirement, you may wish to explore other instruments that come in smaller sizes.
Oral Features
If your child is more interested in woodwind and brass instruments, they will need some time to learn the proper mouth placement and how to use the instrument properly. Many children record success getting the embouchure or mouth placement right; however, it is challenging for some others. In most cases, children with thin lips and even teeth have a greater chance of better mastering mouth placement on wind instruments. Some children may need to undergo an orthodontic procedure like braces to improve their chances of getting it right. Please note that braces may also complicate the learning process, especially as they may become painful over time.
Size Of Hand
Children whose hands appear larger than their peers or those with longer fingers may have a better chance of learning the piano and guitar. However, children with small hands can also explore these musical instruments so long they have shown interest. In some cases, children with smaller hands may do better with drums.
Learning piano at a young age, whether with small or large hands, offers several advantages, including an increased ability to read music sheets. Being able to read music sheets can come in handy as the child learns other instruments.
Personality
It would help if you considered your child’s personality when choosing a musical instrument. Children are bound to have different learning experiences as they go through music lessons. You should invest in the musical instruments your child fancies instead of imposing your choice. Extroverted children who love to be in the public’s face and on the center stage are more likely to do well with violins, trumpets, flute, electric guitar, and others. Introverted children may do better handling drums, piano, and other types of instrument that provides a bit of protection.
Musical Instrument Popularity
Certain musical instruments like piano, trumpet, flute, drums, violin, and others are more popular and thus easier to learn. The chances of getting an instructor for these musical instruments are high and may cost you a lot less compared to instruments like cello, bassoon, viola, and others.
When choosing a popular instrument, you should understand that there is an existing fierce competition among younger and older children. This means that your child may sometimes struggle to get a position in a band or music group if they haven’t displayed exceptional talents. On the other hand, uncommon musical instruments offer your child a higher chance of being drafted into musicals.
Interest
Your child’s ability to learn a musical instrument and become excellent at it depends on whether they have an interest. Children who have developed an interest in a specific musical instrument have a better chance of learning and learning fast than those who do not have a primary interest in the instrument. When selecting a musical instrument for your child, you may want to consider their strengths and interests. This can help to tailor the final decision to be made.
Other Considerations
Congratulations if you have narrowed down your child’s next musical instrument based on the factors discussed above. However, there are other considerations to keep in mind, including the cost of the musical instrument, the maintenance requirement, the cost of the child’s music education, choice of a music academy, and others.
Cost Of Instrument
Musical instruments can be expensive depending on your choice. An average piano costs about $2,000. Violins, trumpets, flutes, and other common instruments cost a lot less at an average of $150. However, you may end up spending more money to purchase large instruments over the years. If you are unable to buy, you may consider renting instruments.
Maintenance
Instrument maintenance is also a cost to consider when choosing your child’s next instrument. For example, piano maintenance can cost anywhere around $100. If you have chosen a string instrument like a guitar, violin, or harp, you may need to buy replacement strings periodically. You’ll need a budget for cork replacement, changing reeds, and adjustments for woodwind instruments.
Music Lessons And Examinations
It would be best to consider the cost of changing musical instruments as your child grows, the cost of enrolling the child in a music lesson with experienced instructors, and others. You may begin with online lessons, but you may need a private teacher over time, which costs more. Music lessons can be affordable when you choose the right music schools. Enroll your child in Pasadena Music Academy by visiting their website at https://pasadenamusic.com/
Pasadena Music Academy
2982 East Colorado Blvd #111
Pasadena CA 91107
626-578-9242
Find us on Social Media
https://www.facebook.com/MMSPasadena/
https://www.instagram.com/modernmusicschoolpasadena/
