How do you choose your child's first musical instrument?
There's no longer any need to prove that music contributes to the healthy development of children, stimulating their creativity, cognitive abilities and language skills. As a parent, you want to encourage your child's passion for music (sometimes at great personal risk) and give them the opportunity to immerse themselves in the wonderful world of music. But how do you choose your child's first musical instrument? Piano, guitar, percussion, recorder - which instrument should you choose? At what age can a child start learning the violin? How can you encourage your child's learning and help him or her flourish in music? Whether you're the parent of a very young child or a teenager, discover all our advice to help you choose the first instrument that will thrill your child's musical soul.
Take into account the child's age and development
The choice of a musical instrument depends first and foremost on the child's age. You wouldn't put a cello in the hands of a 4-year-old! Above all, the instrument must be adapted to the child's motor skills, size and understanding. Here's a quick overview of musical instruments to be used by young children of different ages!
0-3 years: instruments for small hands and early development
Like early-learning toys, toddlers need simple instruments that stimulate their senses and coordination. Among these, percussion instruments such as maracas, tambourines and musical bells are ideal for young children. They're easy to hold, produce interesting sounds and help children develop their hand-eye coordination and sense of rythm .
Another friend of toddlers (but a little less of parents): wind instruments. Wooden recorders specially designed for young children can be an excellent introduction to music-making.
👶 It's possible to introduce your baby to music from the very first months! Sing nursery rhymes, listen to soothing classical music, make little maracas and play musical games - in short, give your baby a taste for music from an early age.
3-5 years: fun instruments to develop coordination and discover the first notes of music
As children get older, their coordination improves and their interest in more complex instruments increases. Musical instruments that are particularly popular with children include the guitar or ukulele. Children's guitars are lightweight and adapted to their size. They offer an introduction to the basics of learning stringed instruments, and enable children to play simple songs.
And to develop fine motor skills while having fun, give your child a xylophone or electronic keyboard. These instruments enable children to discover notes, recognize sounds and play simple melodies.
Ages 6 and up: discovering music theory and more technical instruments
From the age of 6, children start to develop better coordination and can become more committed to learning an instrument. If your child feels like a Chopin, offer them their first piano lessons. Learning to play the piano will introduce your child to music theory and the reading of notes on a score and how to coordinate both hands on a keyboard. But piano is also full of virtues: it reduces stress, improves concentration and memory, and teaches perseverance.
If you prefer a more affordable, less bulky option, the electronic keyboard is a good alternative.
Does your child prefer stringed instruments? The violin or cello may be just the thing. These instruments require patience and practice, but offer a rich musical experience and a solid foundation for learning other string instruments. Other string instruments often favored by teenagers are the guitar and bass.
🥁 Obviously, these recommendations are general and each child is unique. Take the time toobserve your child's interest and motivation when experimenting with a new musical instrument. Listen to his preferences and encourage him to try out different instruments to find the one that suits him best.
📱 Check out our top 5 music learning apps suitable for kids!
Prioritizing the child's interests and preferences
In addition to age, consider the child's interests and preferences. A child who feels forced to play a musical instrument will quickly lose the desire and motivation to play. You've been dreaming of a Beethoven, but he's more into Jimi Hendrix? No problem! Piano, guitar, violin or drums, what counts above all is your child's passion.
How can we encourage musical exploration in children?
Give your child the opportunity toexplore different musical genres. Expose him to a variety of music by listening to different artists at home and attending child-friendly concerts. Carefully observe his reactions and see which musical styles arouse his interest and enthusiasm. This will give you valuable pointers for choosing an instrument that suits his musical tastes.
Knowing your child's favorite musical genres to choose an instrument
Every child has different musical preferences. Some may be drawn to pop, rock, classical or jazz. If your child has a strong preference for a particular genre, choose an instrument associated with that musical style. For example, if your child loves jazz, piano or saxophone might be good options to consider.
Observing children's reactions to musical instruments
Look carefully to see if your child shows any particular interest in a musical instrument. Perhaps he was captivated by the sound of a guitar at a concert, or showed enthusiasm when he saw a violinist playing on TV? Your child's spontaneous signs of interest are valuable indicators when it comes to choosing his or her first musical instrument. Encourage your child's curiosity and invite him or her to discover more about the instrument that has captured his or her heart and ears.
Budget, logistics and music lessons: taking into account the constraints of learning an instrument
It's true that your child has a cult following for the electric guitar, and already sees himself touring concert halls with his rock band. But is it really a good idea to stay on good terms with the neighbors? If passion sometimes wins out over reason, certain constraints can also influence your choice.
Find out about instrument prices and rental options
Prices vary considerably from one instrument to another, and can blow your budget depending on the discipline. Some instruments, like the piano or drums, can be expensive and also require space in your home to set them up. If you have a small budget to devote to learning music, consider renting musical instruments, or look into second-hand instruments, which are often more affordable. Be sure to factor in additional costs, such as accessories, lessons and instrument maintenance.
Anticipate the search for specialized courses and teachers
Before choosing a musical instrument, find out about the availability of lessons and specialist teachers in your area. Some musical instruments are more popular than others, making it easier to find a teacher. Learning an instrument can take place in individual or group lessons, depending on your child's preferences and needs.
Our advice to help your child learn his or her first musical instrument
Find out more about the characteristics and requirements of each musical instrument.
Ask for advice from experts, music teachers or musicians.
Take part in demonstrations or trial workshops to let your child try out different musical instruments.
Choose a good-quality instrument that won't break the first time you try it.
Encourage commitment, perseverance and regular practice. If necessary, set up a schedule dedicated to music practice, and reward efforts and progress.
Give your child a space dedicated to musical practice (a specific room, a corner in his or her bedroom, the garage or basement).
Take care of your child's musical instrument. Depending on the child's age, you can carry out this step with him/her and show him/her how to maintain and care for his/her instrument.
Has your apprentice musician acquired the basics and would like to start reading a score? Discover the Newzik interactive score reader ! Whether with a teacher or at home, your child can easily find guitar, piano or violin sheet music on his or her tablet. The application also lets children annotate, scan and share their scores. Let's play!