Introduction
Introducing a child to music is a wonderful experience that will stay with them for a lifetime. When the decision is made to purchase an instrument for a child, from kindergarten to twelfth grade, the most important thing is to have the child be involved in the process. The second most important thing is to research the many instruments available for the child to learn to play. Not only should a parent and child learn about the different instruments prior to making the decision, but the child should handle and play several instruments. Playing an instrument requires a lot of time and practice and for anyone to be successful they will have to work hard at it. Having an instrument that the child enjoys playing will start them off on the right foot.
- Musical Instrument Choices: This is an interactive website that shows pictures of many instruments, which when clicked, provides a video a full page of information and a video for the specific instrument.
- A Parent’s Guide To Music Lessons: This website not only provides useful information on choosing an instrument for a child, but also provides tips on when to start music lessons, how to choose a music teacher, and information for parents on how to be active and supportive.
- Learn-Theory-Music: A page with information for parents to choose an instrument for children, with links at the bottom to additional resources for choosing specific instruments.
Main Considerations
When choosing a musical instrument for a child, there are several considerations to keep in mind other than the sound, including the cost of the instrument, the size of the instrument, and the physical abilities of the child. Instrument prices can vary and will play a role in making the choice. A child with asthma may want to choose an instrument that is not in the wind family. Larger instruments, like a trombone, would be best for a child that is in fifth grade or older because long arms are needed to properly play it. A child with braces will not do well with a brass instrument because the pressure on their teeth can be painful. Always keep in mind the size of the child’s arms, hands, and fingers and purchase an instrument that feels comfortable. It is important not to force a child into an instrument that is too big or too small for their build.
- Creative Child: An article that discusses topics relevant to choosing an instrument for a child, including considerations to keep in mind.
- A Guide To Buying Quality Musical Instruments: This 24 page guide provides an overview of many different musical instruments that are popular among children, and lists of considerations for parents.
- Federation of Music Services: This is an article that provides an in-depth look at everything a parent should consider when looking to purchase an instrument for their child.
Band Instruments
Saxophone
- Saxophone Buyer’s Guide: This is a large guide of ten chapters worth of information and pictures to help a person choose the best saxophone.
- 8Notes: This page provides multiple free resources, from free online lessons for beginner sax players, to free sheet music.
- International Saxophone: This is an entire website geared to the saxophone, with articles, buyer’s guide, interviews, and more.
Clarinet
- Sweet Keys: Information not only about clarinets and what they are made, this article discusses how to choose and purchase a clarinet. Also on this page is information on upgrading a clarinet’s mouth piece.
- Clarinet Now: This page provides 7 free beginner clarinet player lessons.
- The Clarinet Pages: This is the ultimate resource for clarinet players, and is updated frequently.
Flute
- Musician’s Friend: Providing detailed information on purchasing a flute, this article guides parents through various flute options and considerations in order to choose the right flute that fits the budget and the needs of the music student.
- Virtual Flute Lesson: This is an easy to read and easy to follow beginner tutorial that not only provides information on how to properly hold a flute, but will get the student playing a basic tune in minutes.
- Flute and Piccolo: A page that provides a history and description of the flute and it’s little sister, the piccolo. There are sound files at the end to hear the instruments.
Trumpet
- Getzen Buyer’s Guide: Visual guides of beginner trumpets to help parents make an educated decision on which trumpet to buy their child.
- Trumpet Practice: This is an easy to read guide with pictures to get beginner trumpet players familiar with their new instrument. Also included is lip exercises and warm up and warm down techniques.
- The Trumpet & The Cornet: A website that provides a description of the trumpet and how it compares to its sister, the cornet, as well as information on different types of trumpets.
Trombone
Oboe
- Buying And Maintaining An Oboe or English Horn: This is an in-depth article that covers everything a person needs to know before buying an oboe or French horn, from pricing, materials, and where to buy the instrument. The article also provides tips on cleaning and maintaining the oboe so it will last a long time.
- Oboe Finger Trainer: This is a great way to practice and test basic fingering knowledge of keys from low Bb to high D.
- Oboe And Reed Information: A page of links to various oboe and reed related topics, from a daily warm-up routine and breathing exercises to practicing and making reeds.
Percussion
- Drum Set Buying Guide: A 2 page PDF document that talks about buying new and used drums, suggestions for first drum sets, and pricing.
- The Drum Machine: This site provides free basic online drum lessons, broken down into categories.
- Rhythmic Percussion: A list of over 10 percussion instruments and descriptions.
Orchestra
Violin
- Violin Student: This page provides parents with a thorough look at buying a child’s first violin.
- Violin Basics: This is a comprehensive list of links to information about violins for beginner players that includes changing strings, how to hold the instrument, reading music, holding the bow, and fingering charts.
- The Violin Site: From the different parts of a violin to the materials that violins are made of, this page offers an overview of the musical instrument that has been around since before the American Revolution and which was played by both the rich and the poor.
Cello
