Learning Instruments

Learning Instruments

​

Learning an instrument allows kids to practice, listen to feedback, adjust, and see positive changes. As they improve, they will build confidence and boost self-esteem. The piano is a great example, as it’s often used for performing. Learning to play an instrument stimulates the brain cells, improving functions like memory and abstract reasoning skills, which are essential for math and science. Music, in general, helps bring balance and harmony to one's life. Children who learn to play an instrument have an outlet for creativity and their emotions.

The benefits of music education extend well beyond childhood, lasting a lifetime. Music education is shown to have a multitude of benefits, including abstract reasoning and creativity. Children who are musically trained have stronger everyday listening skills. Music engages both sides of the brain and challenges children to simultaneously concentrate on multiple tasks.

Instruments Children can easily learn:

The Xylophone

Children often recognize the melodies of songs before they understand the words. The xylophone is an instrument any child can pick up and play. Most xylophones these days are designed with bright colors and/or animation that your child will be automatically drawn to.

Hand Percussion

Think shakers, hand drums, bells, rattles, etc. These instruments are ideal; young ones can easily pick up these with their hands and start making music instantly. Benefits to children include coordination and learning how to keep rhythm.

Piano

Playing the piano offers advantages to players of all ages, including developing concentration, lowering stress, improving self-esteem, and enhancing fine motor skills.

Ukulele

You can’t play the ukulele without a smile on your face! Try it with your child- it’s a given that it will lead to smiles and liven up the atmosphere of any room. The ukulele is a perfect instrument to learn to play. Nylon strings make it easy to play and the instrument itself can be purchased at a low cost. Children will benefit from hand-eye coordination and be playing songs for weeks, or even days!

Drums

Parents may be wary of buying a drum set for their child because of the noise factor. It might not be the quietest of instruments, but children love this instrument because they can play with all of their limbs.

Recorder

Playing the recorder requires breathing techniques and coordination. The recorder is easier than other wind instruments and is the ideal introductory instrument.

Violin

The violin can be challenging. If your child is disciplined to push through the difficulties of mastering the violin, they can play anything they put their mind to! Benefits include tone, pitch, coordination, and perseverance.

Guitar

Learning to play the guitar is easy! Kids also gravitate toward the cool factor that the guitar brings. This fundamental instrument teaches children the basics of music.

Flute

The flute requires patience! Kids should know that it takes hard work to make sure their hands and arms should be in a lifted position for extended periods. This is a great instrument to play to crossover into playing the clarinet.

Trumpet

The trumpet is truly the ideal beginning brass instrument. Like the flute, students need to have the strength to hold their instrument in position for a long period.

How to develop a child’s interest in instrument learning

A good teacher will be able to keep your child’s attention during the lesson and instill in them confidence and the enthusiasm to practice and improve. Recommendation from friends is common or you could also speak to the music teacher at school and find out whom they suggest.

When you find a teacher, you’re interested in taking your child to meet them and have a chat about their teaching methods. Ask about the length and structure of the lessons and how much practice your child will be expected to do at home. Most importantly get a feel for how the teacher interacts with your child and how they respond to each other. You could also ask for a trial lesson.

Benefits

It’s widely thought that learning to play an instrument can help children in other areas of their development. Music lessons can develop coordination and motor skills, improve concentration and help them tap into their emotions.

"There’s a body of evidence which suggests playing an instrument helps children’s learning," said Cam, "Parents tell me that they become quicker to learn other things too, for example, counting to keep time when playing the piano can help with math."

When your child reaches a certain level of ability, they will find that playing an instrument can help them wind down and relax, too.