How to Choose a Musical Instrument for Children

A drum set

To choose a musical instrument for children, explain the different types of musical instruments (percussion, strings, woodwinds, and brass), have them listen to the sound of the instruments, show them what the instruments look like, and then allow them to try various instruments.

Things You'll Need

• Instruments

Instructions

1. Explain the different types of musical instrument, and tell the children how percussionists use hands or sticks to produce sound from their instruments. String players use bows and their hands to play their instruments, and woodwind players blow into mouthpieces with or without using reeds. Brass players use mouthpieces that have circular shapes that completely surround the lips.

2. Have the children listen to instruments. Allow them to listen to a sample of a percussion instrument, a string instrument, a woodwind instrument, and a brass instrument. For example, let them listen to the drums, the violin, the clarinet, and the trumpet. You can either have volunteers play these instruments, use CD's, or use the computer.

3. Show the children what the instruments look like. If a musician comes in to play the different instruments, then the children will be able to see samples of the percussion, string, woodwind, and brass instruments. You can also show them pictures of musicians playing various instruments online.

4. Allow the children to choose the category of musical instruments that they prefer. If a child decides that he prefers brass instruments, for example, discuss the different types of brass instruments, such as the trumpet, French horn, tuba, saxophone and trombone.

5. Take the children to the music store, and allow them to investigate the different types of instruments in their preferred category. For example, after discussing the various brass instruments, the child may believe that he wants to play the trumpet. However, a trip to the music store will better enable him to make a final decision. There, he can see the trumpet, as well as the other brass instruments.

6. Allow each child to try to musical instrument to make sure that they feel comfortable with it. Another way to help make a final decision is to ask the sales associate at the music store which brand of musical instrument is best for the child. Some brands are tailored to beginners, while other brands are best for more experienced players.

References

• "Connexions: Orchestral Instruments"
• "Buzzle: Four Steps to Choosing Your First Musical Instrument"