When the time comes for your child to choose a musical instrument, you might be tempted to say, “Anything but drums, glockenspiel, violin, tuba, piano, French horn…” Unfortunately that doesn’t help your kid narrow it down — but here is what will.
- Mini Instruments: The strings — violin, viola, cello, and bass — translate well into miniature versions for kids. These are regular violins, just smaller. And they’re sold at music stores, not toy stores.
- Braces, Underbite, Overbite: These things can have a big effect on a kid’s ability to play woodwinds. I remember casually picking up a clarinet and expecting to make a sound with it, only to be disappointed. It’s not easy, and it’s not surprising these factors would be an issue.
- “Petting Zoos”: A musical instrument petting zoo is just as it sounds. Instruments are set up for kids to try out. Maybe bring your own sanitizing gel to one of these.
- Height: Instruments like tuba and bass are pretty much off limits to kids until they’re in fifth or sixth grade. Piano is a great instrument for smaller kids, and it primes them for other instruments later.
- Ability: I think to some degree we all hope that our kids will be the next Gershwin. If there is any chance for that to happen, you’ll need to let them play the instrument they want to play (not the one you want them to play).
- Changing Instruments: What your kid chooses today does not have to be forever. The ever-cool Prince started on piano, and expanded into guitar and vocals.
Our Lifestyle Division can help you find the right instrument for your child, and help keep the musical tradition in your family alive. For more information, contact us.
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