How To Help Your Child Choose The Right Musical Instrument

byAlma Abell

The benefits of music lessons to a child’s developmental growth are undeniable. Enrolling your child for piano lessons in Austin is a noble idea, but only if the child can see it through. There is a big discrepancy between what you want for your child and what the child wants. Allowing the child to choose his instrument is the most effective way to instill a love of music in the child. There are a few tips you can use to help your child find his instrument.

Consider the Child’s Age

One of the best pieces of advice from Lone Star School of Music is to choose an age appropriate instrument for your child. The best instruments for a child younger than six years include the violin and piano, as these take into account the child’s physical limitations. These instruments are also perfect for creating a firm musical foundation should the child want to switch to a different instrument later on.

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Maximum Musical Benefits

Another great way to help your child develop their overall musical skills is to choose an instrument that offers the most benefits. Piano lessons in Austin, for example, help the child to develop musical and perceptual skills. That is because the piano involves playing the harmony and melody simultaneously. Also, the layout of the piano is perfect for developing musical, visual representation, helping the child to grasp musical theory and concepts quickly.

Physical limitations

As the age progresses, so does the child’s physical capabilities. Older children have more options including larger string instruments, woodwinds, and brass instruments. It is essential to choose the instrument based on the child’s physical size. A child with large hands, for example, may have difficulty with the oboe or mandolin while a child with smaller hands may have trouble with the piano or string bass. There are always exceptions to the rule. So there is no problem trying out different instruments. Guitar lessons, however, are great for older children largely because it is relatively simple to master and comes in a variety of sizes to cater to different physiques.

The Sound of the Instrument

Many parents fail to take into account the sounds that appeal most to their child. Sounds should be a major guiding factor when choosing music lessons to ensure that the child enjoys learning. Some children are drawn to the sound of the trumpet while others find the piano more appealing. Pairing the child with the right sound motivates them to practice and get better at producing those sounds.

Social Image

Lastly, children have pre-conceived notions of what a cool instrument bases on the world around them. A child who enjoys rock and roll, for example, will likely be drawn to drum lessons. It is important to take into account the child’s image while keeping the factors above in mind.