Things You'll Need:
- Music Stands
- Jazz CDs
- Symphony Tickets
- Sheet Music
- Classical Music CDs
- Concert Tickets
-
Step 1
Expose yourself or your child to the different instruments in the families of strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion.
-
Step 2
Attend local band or orchestra concerts with a knowledgeable friend. Bring your child. Talk afterwards about what was seen and heard.
-
Step 3
Listen to the timbres of different musical instruments and the different musical pieces and styles in which they are featured.
-
Step 4
Consider your physical restrictions when choosing an instrument. Some instruments, such as the sousaphone, may be too heavy or too large for a petite person, and some instruments may require longer fingers or certain facial dexterity.
-
Step 5
Have a professional music instructor help you analyze your potential. A professional will be able to assess facial, physical and even personal characteristics that may affect your choice of instrument.
-
Step 6
Set a budget for your musical instrument. Some instruments, such as French horn, tuba, bassoon and oboe, may be a bit on the pricey side, but school instrumental music departments usually have a small number of these instruments in their inventories.
-
Step 7
Try playing a few instruments by borrowing one from a friend, relative or acquaintance. Aptitude can be discovered this way.
-
Step 8
Keep your lifestyle in mind. If you intend to move around quite a bit or have very little space in your apartment, a grand piano or harp is not the best choice, whereas a guitar, clarinet or trombone is portable.
-
Step 9
Consider the social aspect. Band and orchestral instruments allow a person to participate in small and large performing groups. Piano can be rather isolating. Make a choice that gives you pleasure.








Comments
rockmanfl said
on 9/28/2009 I have been playing guitar for years now, and I really think some people just know what they want to play. If you're not sure, then I think this article gives some great advice about finding what works for you. I gave you 5*, nice job
http://music-movies-games-more.blogspot.com/
dreergeekhr said
on 10/9/2008 sorry about this comment it was to long
Anonymous said
on 8/29/2007 Someone said not to play a wind instrument if you have braces - this doesn't matter. I learned to play oboe with braces for 2 years, and once they were taken off, I found I had an advantage over the other player as it was so much easier! Now after 5 years I really enjoy playing, although it was a challenge for a while. The point is, don't be discouraged from certain instruments because of something temporary. Try the instrument out, stick with it if you like it, and you might find it's worth it.
Anonymous said
on 8/8/2006 Something to consider when picking an instrument to play is what musical genres you enjoy. Most of us would do this subconsciously, anyway, but there are certain instruments that are associated with certain musical styles.
Due to the popularity of rock music, many teenagers start out playing guitar, or bass or drums.
If you enjoy blues, consider the above instruments plus harmonica, piano, etc.
Like jazz? Saxophone, stand-up bass, piano, and many others are typical of jazz.
Classical obviously provides many different traditional instruments from a wide range of groups - strings, woodwinds.
Anonymous said
on 8/8/2006 If you are in school when you are picking your instrument, like I was, don't choose one that all of your friends are playing. Pick one that you really want to learn how to play.