First Musical Instrument for Children

Although learning to play a musical instrument can begin at any age, childhood is a wonderful place to start, because kids have a marvelous capacity for mastering new skills.

Many kids have no interest in learning music. Should parents encourage their children to take up an instrument regardless of their protestations? And, if a child is keen on learning an instrument, which instrument should be his, or her, first?

Should Kids Learn Music

Obviously, no parent wants to drag his, or her, child kicking and screaming to a music lesson. However, there is strong evidence to suggest that learning a musical instrument is good for a child. Principally, this is because music aids general concentration, but there are numerous other advantages. These advantages include, increased hand-eye coordination, an understanding of the value of hard work and persistence, an artistic outlet for personal expression and a source of fun.

While it is unproductive to force a child to take up a musical instrument, it is important to encourage any musical inclination that a child may have. Fortunately, there is a vast range of instruments to choose from.

Selecting a Kid’s First Musical Instrument

There are many musical instruments to choose from, but certain considerations should be born in mind. For example, parents should consider the age, arm length, hand size and finger dexterity of their children before choosing an instrument. Some musical instruments are simply not practicable for a child. Although child versions of instruments, such as the harp and cello, are available, the weight of an instrument and physical strength required to play it should be considered.

Blipblox Synthesizer for Toddlers all the Way to Adulthood

Your child may not be capable of playing an instrument such as a violin or a flute at the age of three. Starting your child out young with a simple curiosity of musical sounds is important. The Blipblox synthesizer can be used for younger ages to just explore sounds while being amazed at the flashing lights. Meanwhile, even adults can be used to create beats to new songs. 

The Blipblox is known for its toy like features with adult-like options. It includes MIDI support, multiple modulation filters, and an integrated drum machine. My 6 years old may just turn it on and start pushing buttons and turning knobs. Meanwhile, my 16-year-old will fine tune it to the exact beat and sound he has in mind. 

Blipblox Synthesizer Specs

• twelve unique oscillator modulation schemes
• one low pass filter
• two envelope generators plus two LFOs
• multi-color LED light
• uses a proprietary algorithm that synthesizes completely unique waveforms instead of generic keyboard sounds.
• Teaches melody and tempo

More on the Blipblox at the bottom of this article. 

Learning Woodwind Instruments

Woodwind instruments, sometimes known as band instruments, are wonderful as a means of socializing because they are often played as part of a group. Generally, woodwind instruments, such as the flute and clarinet, are only suitable for children of approximately 10 year’s of age or above, because they require a considerable amount of finger dexterity. In addition, a child will need to be able to cover the finger holes fully and, in the case of the flute, have arms long enough to hold the instrument correctly.

Learning Brass Instruments

Again, brass instruments are predominantly played as a part of a band, so they are an excellent way for kids to mix with their peers. However, instruments that belong in the brass section require a large lung capacity. Therefore, it is almost impossible for a child of under 9 to play a brass instrument. A trumpet is possibly the most child-friendly of the brass instruments, as a trombone requires a long arm’s length and the tuba is incredibly heavy. However, even the trumpet can be difficult. To play it effectively a child will need to have his, or her, permanent front teeth and it is easiest to play with thin lips.

Learning Basic Piano

Often a child’s first instrument is the piano because it is easy to get a note from and, without much practice, a simple melody can be played. However, there are downsides to a piano in that it is rather large and requires regular maintenance. It also requires reasonably good coordination on the part of the player, but a child of any age can begin to play the piano.

Stringed Instruments

String instruments are another popular first choice for children, partly because they come in a range of sizes, so a child as young as 3 can begin learning. Of course, the guitar also comes under the category of stringed instrument and maybe a more popular choice with some children. It is possible to purchase ¾ size guitars for young children and they are available in left and right-handed models.

Of course, it is always possible for a child to change from one instrument to another as his, or her, talent and taste dictates. Playing an instrument is not only fabulous for intellectual stimulation, but it can also be a great deal of fun. Remember, it’s called ’playing’ for a reason. 

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