Selecting Your Child’s Very First Musical Instrument
A musical education can be surprisingly important to developing children. It provides an opportunity to build self-esteem and self-reliance, not to mention learning a skill that can be used for a lifetime. Children who play music, interestingly, tend to have a better work ethic as well as mathematical skills.
The world of music offers many selections at various prices. Choosing an instrument is making both a time and money commitment. Before you slap down your credit card for an instrument you need to consider if both of you are ready for this.
Are YOU Ready
It seems like a strange question, but you need to ask yourself if you are prepared to take on a music instrument. You are the one who will be responsible for buying the instrument. There are also additional expenses like lessons, materials and repairs. Plus, unless your son or daughter is a child prodigy, you may need to endure some rough-sounding “music” in the early days.
Additionally, someone is going to have to make sure your child gets to their lessons or is available if the lessons come to him/her. If you lead a busy life jammed with activities, now may not be a prudent time to add something else. If music is really important, some lesser priority may need to go to the back burner.
To be successful in learning an instrument, children need to practice. While kids may show enthusiasm most of the time, there will be times they simply want a break and don’t want to practice. You will have to ensure that they do.
Is My Child Ready
Even if your child is begging to bring home an instrument, you need to consider if he/she are ready for it. If you child today tends to lose interest when tasks get tough, it may be premature to commit to an instrument. Children need to be responsible enough to focus on the task.
Even if your child’s mind is ready, their body may not be. Certain instruments require certain physical attributes to play them properly. Some instruments are very heavy and your child may not be able to tote them around without injury. (For example, a 5-year-old and a French horn are NOT a couple made in heaven.)
When it’s Time
Once you have decided you and your child are ready, it’s time to select the instrument. A visit to an actual music store is a great idea to gain an in-person overview of possibilities. Your child may have an idea of a preference. Actually seeing the instrument in person can be mind-changing.
Experts in the store can guide you to options that would be a good fit for your child. They know the required qualities needed to play a specific instrument successfully. Face it, sometimes it is easier for your child to take advice from an expert than you.
Learning to play an instrument is a fabulous opportunity for your child. As a parent you need to be reasonable on how this will fit into your life. But realize that playing an instrument takes something of a commitment from the whole family.