Musical Beginnings: Best Musical Instruments for Children

child playing musical instrument

Musical instruments for children are often very attractive to young people. They are fun, easy to learn, and are often seen as a marker of an individual’s success and advancement through life. However, as with all forms of learning, musical instruments require some real-life training and commitment from students.

Learning to play an instrument requires time and effort, but is likely to help young people realize that when they desire to become good at something, they need to put in the extra hours and arrange their time efficiently. Recent research has shown that learning to play a musical instrument will improve spatial reasoning, verbal memory, and reading skills.

Before choosing musical instruments for children

It’s important to take the time to consider how they will fit in with their child’s other skills and interests. Playing a musical instrument has many benefits, but your child has to enjoy it. Some instruments may be better suited to certain age groups. It’s also helpful to think carefully about whether the musical instruments will develop particular aspects of the child’s personality. For example, instruments that encourage children to use their imaginations may not be the best choice for a precocious, excitable youngster. Other instruments may be better suited to more stable and mature students.

child playing musical instrument

Most musical instruments fall into one of four basic categories, which are: acoustic guitars, electric guitars, classical guitars, and bassophones. An acoustic guitar is a stringed instrument that is played by plucking strings in order to create sound. Electric guitars are powered by an electric current, while classical guitars are traditionally played using a bow. Bassophones are an intermediate musical instrument, which allows the player to use different notes and tones.

Spend some time comparing musical instruments

There are a number of good-quality musical instruments for kids on the market, but finding the best one for your child is easier said than done. In general, it’s a good idea to spend some time comparing the various instruments on sale. Many online stores offer reviews from experts and other customers, as well as tips on how to narrow down your choices. For instance, if you’re looking for a toy piano, it’s wise to look up information about both the toy piano and the instruments in which it plays.

Think about the cost

It’s also important to think about the cost and whether you can afford to buy the best musical instruments for your child. Although some instruments are extremely expensive, there are a number of budget-friendly options available. Generally speaking, it’s usually better to spend a bit more money on a high-quality musical instrument than it is on a cheaper one since you’ll get longer service from it. Also, you may want to consider a second instrument, like a keyboard, for the time being.

child playing musical instrument

Another great instrument for kids is the drum set. As the name suggests, the drum set includes drums, cymbals, and most acoustic drums. This is a great option for younger children because it makes learning how to play drums much easier, though it’s not a good choice for those who are advanced in playing the drums or for those with gross motor skills that aren’t quite up to par. Those with gross motor skills may actually find learning to master the drums a bit challenging. On the other hand, younger children can use the drum set as a fun and creative musical outlet.

Musical instruments for younger children

If you’re looking for something a little different and for a younger child, there are still options available. For example, there is a growing niche market of educational toys and games related to the guitar. While some are geared towards older children and teens, many feature lessons and activities specifically designed for younger audiences. A great example is guitar lesson packages that are available online. A great guitar lesson package would feature an acoustic guitar, fingerpicking guitar, rhythm guitar, and even a voice box.

child playing musical instrument

Ultimately, it depends on the preference

It comes down to personal preference and what the individual players will enjoy more. Acoustic guitars and cellos are certainly easier for beginning students to master, and the violin may be a good choice for those with perfect pitch. However, no matter which one you choose, learning music is always a good thing and will help you in all aspects of your life. It’s nice to know that there is a wide variety of musical instruments for children to learn from. And hopefully, when all is said and done you can say you’ve found the best musical instrument for your child. Happy hunting!