Music Instruments for Children
Music is a universally loved form of creative expression that can enrich your child's life. Instruction in a musical instrument can be obtained privately, through recreation centers and music schools, making it an accessible extracurricular activity for your child. The best instrument for her is one she is interested in, so offer her some choices to start her journey into music.
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Piano
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There are pianos everywhere: in schools, churches and community centers as well as in many homes. Piano is used in all genres of music. Lessons on a keyboard teach students to read music on bass and treble clef, unlike many other instruments. Basic piano can be learned by children with small hands, and piano instruction is widely available because of the popularity of the instrument. If you cannot afford your own piano, you can still purchase an inexpensive electronic keyboard for your child to practice.
Guitar
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The ability to play this widely popular instrument is coveted by older children who idolize pop music stars. Child-size guitars are available, as are nylon strings as a gentler alternative to steel. Your child will need some strength in his hands to play the guitar, so starting before the age of eight may not be advisable. Your child can learn to strum cords to self-accompany while singing, or play solos and riffs as his ability increases. Some tenderness in the fingertips is normal at first, so keep practice sessions short in the beginning.
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Flute
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Once your child is old enough to have good posture and breath control, the flute is another popular option. Most flutes are tuned to the key of C, starting with middle C (or C4) on the piano, and are therefore a treble clef instrument. The fingering on a flute is fairly easy to learn, as is the breath support required for a nice tone. The instrument is lightweight enough to be comfortable for a child to play, and is stored in a small case that is easily transportable to and from music classes.
Violin
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Because of its small size, the violin is a good instrument choice for young children. If your child is too young to read music, she can learn to play by ear using the Suzuki method, which teaches children music by ear much the way they learn to speak before they learn to read words. Learning music by ear at a young age is an excellent way to improve your child's sense of pitch. Violins come in eight different sizes, six of which are designed to accommodate children, so you can surely find one the right size for your child.
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