How to Choose the Right Musical Instrument for Your Child

As I have written in numerous posts, learning an instrument can have a host of benefits for a child. Social, emotional, and academic growth are common results of studying music. Once you have decided that your student will be learning music, though, how do you choose which instrument they should play? Many factors including personality, physical ability, and interest play a part in this selection. Read on!

 1. Consider Your Child’s Interests and Personality.

Does your child prefer soft or loud sounds? Are they drawn to rhythm, melody, or harmony?  Their favorite music styles may indicate a preference for certain instruments.  When listening to music, what songs spark joy in your student? Does she have a preference for instruments that fit in a band or an orchestra? Is he always imitating the drums? Selecting an instrument that fits your student’s desires can really help motivate them to practice and continue to work on improvement. Just because you have Aunt Debbie’s old clarinet in the closet or because the Smith family always plays brass instruments doesn’t necessarily mean those are the correct choices for your budding musician. Take your student’s interests into account when choosing their instrumental path!

2. Assess Physical Factors

  • Size & Age: Pretty much all instruments can be played by anyone regardless of size, age, physical ability, etc. However, some may be more difficult than others if your student is particularly young or small. Some instruments (such as the tuba or bassoon) require larger hands or strong breath support. What instrument will be the most comfortable for your student’s physical makeup? Is there any pain when trying the instrument out?  

  • Dexterity & Coordination: Does your student have especially nimble fingers that could be well suited to the piano? How about an innate sense of rhythmic coordination that could be excellent in a drummer? These things once again can pretty much always be taught regardless of existing skills. However, some students might be innately more successful with different instruments. I was much more successful trying out the clarinet than I was the trombone due to my body composition and lip shape. Instrument try-outs are a must!

  • Braces & Dental Considerations: Brass and woodwind instruments may be affected by orthodontics.  If your student is due to have severe dental work done, a string instrument or percussion might be a better choice. Many students do have braces at some points during their high school career—I did, and was able to play my clarinet just fine. However, this is something to think about as it can be a bit of an issue for some players.

3. Think About Practicality

  • Cost of the Instrument & Lessons: Some instruments are more expensive to purchase or rent, while others are pricey to maintain. What fits in your family budget? If you do have a quality instrument that just needs some repair, how much will that cost? Does the school provide instruments, or is there a local business that can allow for leasing/rentals? Many music stores offer very reasonable rates on instruments that either include repairs or offer substantial discounts. Connect with local music educators and see what you can find!

  • Portability: Consider how easy it is to transport. If your student is taking an instrument on a school bus, the harp might not be the best choice. Where will the instrument be kept at home? Pianos are wonderful, but a keyboard might be more practical if it will need to be moved regularly. If your student does choose a large instrument, consider seeking out a teacher who travels to students so that the instrument doesn’t have to be moved as often and risk damage.  

  • Noise Level: Is it suitable for home practice? Throughout my time as a music educator, I have had multiple students come to me with the excuse that they couldn’t practice at home because they were “too loud.” Are you prepared to listen to a beginning trumpet player? Of course, your student will sound better as time goes on and no one needs to play at the loudest possible level all the time. However, it seriously inhibits a young musician’s growth should she not be able to practice due to “noise.” Think about a practice mute/pad, a designated practice space, and your own sanity before choosing an instrument that could be detrimental to this.

4. Try Before You Commit 

  • Rent or borrow an instrument before purchasing.  It is absolutely essential to try out an instrument before purchasing one! I have had many students who think they want to play one instrument only to discover that they are far more excited about a different on once they try it out. Instruments can sound and feel completely different when actually being played, and some students have more success with different instruments than others. Never purchase an instrument online without trying it out or having a trusted advisor vet it for you—local music stores will often be able to secure instruments that are affordable and quality. Amazon and ebay are not the way to go!

  • Attend instrument demonstrations or beginner classes. When I was directing a beginning band, I always hosted an instrument try-out day so that my students could experiment and see what they were best suited to. As an early college student, I decided to upgrade my clarinet and went to a local music store with my teacher to try out instruments. This is so important for a student who will be pursing music—there is no way to know if the instrument is the right choice until it has been played. Below are some Indianapolis music stores to consult you are searching for somewhere to try out instruments.

Choosing the right instrument makes learning music more enjoyable. Encouraging exploration and having patience are extremely important as part of this decision-making process. The best instrument is the one that keeps your student engaged and excited to play! Best of luck and happy hunting!

—Charissa Garrigus, Instructor at Vibe Music Academy

(317) 395-3001