No matter the story, the importance is the same: these beginnings helped them reach their professional and life goals. Whether only playing in youth, playing as a hobby, becoming a teacher, or a professional; the influence of that first instrument led each musician where they are today.
That leads us to the question: how do we choose the best instrument for each child?
This is a complicated question that spans in involvement from parents to teachers. I want to look at the question from the viewpoint:
What can parents do at an early age to help foster their children's interest in a musical instrument? Particularly an instrument that is a good fit for them.
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I have compiled a list of points that can help broaden parents minds, and help their children find the instrument that's right for them.
- Expose children to multiple types of music, so they hear different instruments and sounds
- It's easy to only listen to what we like, but exposing our children to different types of music broadens their perspective.
- Take them to see live music
- Any experience to see live music will broaden a child's view.
- Some music stores, schools, symphonies, etc. offer "instrument petting zoos," which allow children to get up close and personal with instruments.
- Let them choose, but make sure they learn the basics
- A child may have a different idea of what they want to play than their parent. Instead of worrying what instrument they chose, focus on finding them a good teacher and making sure they learn the basics. Once they know music theory, they can move between instruments with much more ease.
- Pricing
- Instruments are expensive. Researching ahead of time can help you know your (realistic) options before you start the discussion with your child.
- Consider their age
- Piano and violin are physically good for younger children (under 6), and good for helping them understand sounds and learn the basic foundations to grow into other instruments, should they want to.
- Giving them the foundations will allow them to grow into instruments that are a better physical fit when they are older (for example the physical difficulty of getting sound from a trumpet).
- Listen to your child
- As with anything, ask your child why they like or dislike an instrument, and listen to their answer. It may help you guide them, and what they say may surprise you.
- Try, try, try!
- Encourage them to try! No amount of musical exposure is going to hurt.
Most of you have been there yourselves. Many of you have children who have been there. And many of you have children who will be there. The bottom line is, choosing a first instrument instrument can be an important part of a child's life. I hope these tips help make the process a little easier, or at least give you something to think about.
Need something to lighten the decision? If in doubt, you could always try this silly, if not fun, Matcher Quiz: What Instrument Is Right For My Child? But remember, the most important part is to listen to your child!
Resources:
http://lancasteronline.com/lifestyle/how-to-help-your-child-choose-a-musical-instrument/article_1085d2b6-c31f-11e3-8952-0017a43b2370.html
http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/music-arts/helping-your-child-choose-the-right-instrument/
http://www.fulltimenanny.com/blog/helping-your-child-choose-a-musical-instrument/
Check back next week to see our blog post, which is about one leader who is bringing the opportunity to play music to hundreds of children in his area.
Heather (iCA President)
www.InstrumentCareApparel.com
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