How to Help a Child Decide on a Musical Instrument

Your child has decided to enroll in an instrumental music class. Congratulations! Kids in band generally make more friends and get better grades. Now one big question remains for the future band member: "What instrument should I play?"

Instructions

How to Help a Child Decide on a Musical Instrument

1. Pay attention to the input you will receive from the instrumental music teacher who has experience in helping children make good decisions about instrument choice as well as how to purchase or rent a musical instrument.

2. Pay attention as well, to the child’s preference. Most children will be considerably more enthusiastic and successful when learning an instrument which they want to play rather than one which is selected for them.

3. Consider the child’s size. A smaller child, for example, would have difficulty reaching the lower positions on the trombone. (That is not to say that eventually the child could not transfer to that instrument.) The same can be said for full-size string bass, tuba, and saxophone (other than an alto sax). Children learning string instruments might start with ½ or ¾ sizes.

4. Keep in mind that children who will need braces may want to steer clear of trumpet and French horn which are difficult instruments to play if you are wearing braces.

5. Keep in mind, as well, that students with a large overbite should probably not choose the clarinet or saxophone as those instruments put pressure on the upper teeth.

6. Consider steering children who have perfect pitch towards string instruments, oboe, or French horn because they will naturally find more success playing these instruments than other children will.

7. Consider the ongoing costs involved in playing a particular instrument. For example, clarinets use reeds which will have to be replaced often, especially by beginning students.

8. Discuss a child’s interest in playing the drums with the band teacher. Some instructors only allow students to begin on percussion instruments who have already learned another instrument. Also, the choice of percussion instruments is a particularly good choice for those with a piano background.

9. Select an instrument from the brands recommended by the instrumental music teacher. Stay away from instruments sold by mass marketers who do not specialize in producing musical instruments.

10. Refrain from assuming Uncle George’s trumpet from high school unless it is evaluated by the instrumental music teacher and a competent technician. Most music stores will offer this service for a fee.