It’s never too early to introduce your child to music. If you’re unsure of where to start, here is a guide to the best beginner musical instruments for kids.

Finding the right musical instruments for kids can seem as difficult as learning how to play them. But take note: learning to play music offers huge educational and social benefits for kids.

It can help improve academics, coordination, and movement. It can raise their self-esteem. Plus, it teaches them patience and discipline.

It’s worth the effort to get your child interested in music, and the earlier the better.

This mini guide will show you the best musical instruments for kids so you and your child can make the right decision:

The 4 Best Musical Instruments for Kids

Piano

As one of the most popular musical instruments for kids under six, the piano is often a first favorite. Piano helps to build a musical foundation, teaching, pitch, tempo, rhythm, and other necessary skills.

Violin

Violins come in all shapes and sizes, making it a good choice for kids of all ages. With no frets or keys, kids can focus completely on the sounds they are making rather than technical skills.

Using the bow can help them understand “musical phrasing,” which can set the foundation for learning more difficult instruments in the future.

Recorder

The recorder is often a part of the elementary school curriculum, but that doesn’t your child has to wait until it’s mandatory.

Most children can master the basics in just a couple lessons, which makes it one of the best instruments for kids. In seemingly no time, your child may be able to play popular kid songs like “Three Blind Mice.”

It’s a simple accomplishment, but it’s one that delivers quick results to motivate them to learn more.

Auxiliary Percussion

Auxiliary percussion refers to any percussion instrument that does not contain pitch. The “music” made by these instruments is comprised of beats and rhythms.

Instruments like the triangle, bells, whistles, shakers, and drums fall into this category.

Your child can tap out patterns and experiment with tempos. As a result, young children can learn counting skills, fractions, and other mathematical components related to frequencies, harmonics, and intervals.

Things to Consider When Choosing an Instrument

It’s not enough to pick an instrument your child is interested in. You must also consider the purchase price, along with lessons and maintenance.

These expenses can add up quickly. If you can’t afford them in the long run, you should probably opt for a different instrument.

Also, consider your child’s physical abilities when considering instruments. Small hands may not be able to handle large instruments, like the bass or cello. Choosing one that’s complicated to learn could discourage them from pursuing any musical instrument.

Talk to your child to discover what they’re interested in. If they prefer a certain music genre, like jazz, you might choose an instrument commonly found in jazz music.

In Closing

It’s true that sports and other extracurriculars provide some of the same benefits as music. However, it’s the academic improvements that set music apart from other activities that make it vital to your child’s education.

Finding the best musical instruments for kids isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Explore our blog to discover more ways to help your child succeed through musical development.