Musical instruments for children: The perfect choice for young musicians

Children love music. From a young age, drums, rattles and everyday objects are a perfect way to create interesting sounds. Children are extremely interested in music from the very beginning when it comes to new sounds. It is of course all the better when the enthusiasm can quickly be followed by the first instruments. Musical instruments for children: The perfect choice for young musicians - that is our topic today and we hope that you as a parent, friend or family member can help the kids to become even more enthusiastic about music.

Handpan, tongue drums , maracas or xylophones. What would you like to bring into the house and inspire your little one? However, not all musical instruments are suitable for children when it comes to the complexity and the associated requirements.

Now is the time for your child to learn an instrument! The younger they are, the better, but no matter how old your child is, it's a good time to learn an instrument. Which musical instruments are suitable for children? Find out here - it will be interesting!

Why musical instruments are important for children

There are countless studies that prove how important it is to get to know and play an instrument. Of course, you can't give your kids a handpan to play right away, but there are many other instruments that should be part of the basic equipment in a child's room from a very young age.

According to research, these are some of the benefits of learning music in childhood.

• Better notes
• Improved exam results
• Increased cognitive development
• Better memory
• Improved social skills
• Increased self-confidence
• Optimized mood

We'll look at some of these benefits in more detail in a moment. There are many more, but these few show how important learning instruments can be for children. Playing an instrument can be a lifelong joy. Many musicians are still as passionate about it as when they first started playing music. It's something that never goes away.

Being able to play an instrument is a creative outlet and a skill that can be developed throughout one's life. And the instrument becomes a friend in times of need and a method by which we can express and even feel our emotions.

The earlier children start learning an instrument, the easier it is to master, just like a language. Don't forget that Sonodrum also has music books tailored to each instrument in the range. You can use these to support your child even more.

Benefits of musical instruments for children

As promised, we will now look at some of the most important benefits of learning musical instruments for children. First, the question of all questions: How does playing a musical instrument affect the brains of young musicians?

Playing an instrument is like a workout for the brain. It engages almost all parts of the brain and improves different areas of the brain's overall function. Here are some examples of how playing a musical instrument affects the brain.

Cognitive and creative development

It increases blood flow to the brain: Increased blood flow leads to more oxygen to a specific area, which increases strength and function in that area. Just thirty minutes of music lessons or playing an instrument can improve blood flow to the brain, which in turn increases cognitive abilities. It also improves memory and reading skills - Both verbal memory and reading skills are improved when children learn to play an instrument.

Promoting fine motor skills

It improves multisensory skills: Playing an instrument requires motor, visual and auditory skills. This means they can multitask more effectively and handle sensory overload more easily than non-musicians. Playing instruments such as the violin, clarinet and French horn requires strong fine motor skills. It can help children improve their motor skills. The Kalimba bswl is similar to the piano, which in turn requires finger strength and dexterity.

Improved social skills

• It promotes brain development at a young age: babies who participate in music lessons or make music at home show improved communication skills and engage more frequently with other people.
• It strengthens executive functions: You rely on executive functions such as self-control, problem-solving, processing, retaining information, and more. Executive functions are directly related to academic performance and overall productivity in life, and music directly impacts these important executive skills.

Stress relief and relaxation

The brain recovers better from injuries: Music therapy has long been used to help people cope with stress, anxiety, depression and trauma. Studies have also shown that people who have suffered a stroke or traumatic brain injury can also benefit greatly from music lessons. Even patients with no previous musical experience have seen a significant improvement in motor control. The effects of music on stressed children are simply impressive!

What should you pay attention to when buying musical instruments for children?

There is a lot to consider before your child decides which instrument they want to learn. Here are some important aspects to consider, as the "right" instrument is different for every child.

Age and size of the child

• Size: It's important to consider your child's size in relation to the instrument they want to learn. For example, a smaller child may not have the arm length to play a trombone or cello. Children who want to play these instruments can start with a smaller, similar instrument, such as the tongue drum, instead .
• Age: Younger children simply don't have the motor skills to hold an instrument and play it at the same time. Consider their physical strength and dexterity before choosing an instrument. Additionally, some instruments are much more complex to play and care for, which can be overwhelming for a young child.

Instrument type

Some instruments, such as the flute and trumpet, require a specific mouth shape and position to play well. Most children can be taught these formations, but some instruments, such as the oboe and clarinet, have more complex mouth positions and techniques that younger children may find difficult to master. In addition, children with fuller lips or those with braces and other orthodontic treatments may have a harder time playing instruments with thinner mouthpieces or double reeds. Consider drums or the piano.

Quality and durability

It should be easy and responsive to play and produce a tone that you like. Make sure you play the notes at the extreme ends of the instrument (the very top and the very bottom) so you get a good idea of ​​the overall quality of the tone. Also consider durability. For young kids, choose musical instruments that are sturdy and won't break the first time you drop them. They should also be easy to wipe clean.

budget

Learning a new instrument doesn't have to be difficult or expensive! There are plenty of instruments that are affordable and don't require years of practice to master the basics. And the huge range of free online resources, training and tutorials means you and the kids can learn the knowledge completely on your own!

Popular musical instruments for children

True beginners can be of any age, from the youngest preschoolers to seniors. But regardless of the musician's age, some musical instruments are simply easier to learn than others. Here are the five best groups of musical instruments for beginners.

• Piano and keyboard - The piano, kalimba or keyboard are great places to start because they provide a foundation of musical knowledge. The piano and keyboard don't need to be held in your hand, meaning you just have to focus on playing the instrument. If you don't own a piano, you can practice on a keyboard, which is a fraction of the cost and takes up much less space in your home. The kalimba is even cheaper and you put it on the table. Plus, you'll learn a good understanding of music theory and the piano is one of the most versatile instruments you can learn.

• Guitar and ukulele

Guitar: It's no coincidence that the guitar is one of the most common instruments that beginners learn. It's relatively easy to teach yourself a few basic chords, so it's easy to get started and progress quickly. Another option that young musicians might like is the ukulele.

Advantages of the ukulele:

• It is a good size for children and their smaller hands

• Children can quickly learn songs with a few simple chords

• The ukulele has four strings rather than six like a guitar, so it is easier to learn and keep in tune.

• Some chords can be played by pressing only one string

• They are portable

• Ukuleles are not too expensive

• The strings are easier to press than on other string instruments

• Drums and percussion

Understanding rhythm is an important factor in a musician's success, and drumming or a kit provides that foundation from the start. While younger students may not be able to play a full kit, it doesn't have to be held and can be versatile. Start with a tongue drum with kids, then move on to the handpan, and then decide if your child likes the kit.

• Wind instruments such as recorder, flute and saxophone

With a simple mouthpiece and only three valves, the trumpet is a great choice for beginners. It's fun to play, stylistically versatile, and relatively easy to get started with. While you'll need the guidance of a professional music teacher to master the trumpet, it's a small and enjoyable instrument that many beginners of all ages love, as does the recorder. It's important to note that trumpets and other brass and woodwind instruments are ideal for slightly older beginners, as they require breath control (flute and saxophone) that younger children may not yet have.

• String instruments such as violin and cello

If you love the sound of classical music, the violin is a great choice for beginners. It is a little more complicated than other instruments, but the best violin teachers will get you started and help you succeed. Especially if a child wants to play another string instrument, like a cello, but is too young or small, the violin is a great instrument to start with.

Music lessons for children

If you want your child to play an instrument, you should introduce them to musical instruments and musical games from an early age. Although your child may not be ready for proper music lessons until ages 4 to 7, there is a lot you can do in these early years to encourage their love of music and their desire to learn more. Here we explain how and when to teach your children an instrument.

• Benefits of music lessons

A new study from Northwestern University has found that to reap the full cognitive benefits of music instruction, children cannot simply sit and listen to the music. They must actively engage with the music and participate in the lesson. "Even in a group of highly motivated students, small differences in musical engagement - attendance and participation in class - predicted the strength of neural processing after music training."

• Where to find music lessons for children

You can ask at nurseries, preschools and elementary schools what lessons are offered nearby. Good music stores also have a schedule of music groups or offer individual lessons.

• Online music lessons

The internet is an immense resource of addresses for music lessons that could benefit your kids. There are also online lessons that can be followed via Zoom, in real time and with a personal coach.

How to teach children to play a musical instrument

• Patience and motivation

Try to expose your children to music from different eras and cultures. Play music on the radio, on your phone, on TV and anywhere else you can. Clap along, dance to the tunes and sing as you go about your day. Make musical instruments at home out of a spoon and a pot, a tissue box and rubber bands, etc. You can also buy toddler-friendly musical toys that little ones can play with and make their own music.

• Practice strategies and time management

Even if you have strong opinions about the best instrument for your child, you should let go of the reins when it comes time to choose an instrument. If they've decided on a flute or trumpet, let them try the instrument, even if you know it will be difficult. You don't have to commit to one instrument for life, so give them the chance to try different instruments and see what they like.

• Regular practice

Forcing your child to play an instrument before they are ready will likely backfire. You can encourage them and try to motivate them, but they will only refuse if they are not ready to take the lessons. Deciding which instrument your child likes best is important for later practice. It will help ensure that your kids will always be interested in practicing the instrument, even if it becomes a daily "compulsion." It is better to practice for half an hour every day than for 2 hours once a week.

Musical instruments and technology

• Apps and online tools to improve the music experience

Whether for virtual learning or just for kids to gain experience with new instruments, virtual instruments are very useful. The internet is full of free instruments for kids to play. Some popular music apps also have free virtual instruments built in for students to use. They are all free and most of them are web-based and cross-platform.

• Electronic musical instruments

An electronic musical instrument uses one or more frequency generators to generate controllable, defined low-frequency alternating currents that can be amplified and made audible via loudspeakers. In contrast to electromechanical musical instruments with pickups (e.g. electric guitar), electronic musical instruments (e.g. keyboard) do not have any mechanically moving or vibrating elements to generate sound. (Source: Wikipedia)

Safety when playing musical instruments for children

• Protecting your hearing

If your kids are experimenting with drums and electric guitars, you should protect their delicate hearing. There are earplugs or special headphones that let the sound through but protect your hearing.

• Avoiding injuries

Even very small children can sing, hum, drum and ring bells.

If a baby can hold a rattle, they will enjoy shaking it back and forth. But... please remember, the little one still puts everything in their mouth, so bells etc. should definitely be sturdy and the paints used should be non-toxic and waterproof. Ideally, a rhythm toy is made of wood.

• Safety precautions for each instrument

If the children are very small and the instruments contain tiny parts such as screws or decorative elements that can come loose, you should never leave the children unsupervised with these types of instruments. After playing, it is advisable to store the instruments away to avoid accidents.

How to keep children interested in musical instruments

• Performances and concerts

You are not the music teacher, but the encourager. Get them to practice and remind them of their commitment when they are frustrated, but also encourage them. Take the kids to concerts. They will feel like adults and immerse themselves in the world of professional musicians.

• Music games and activities

Ask them to play what they are learning, invite family members to perform, and encourage them and show them that you are proud of them.

• Combining music with other interests

Music is directly connected to dance and singing. Does your daughter not want to continue playing the violin? Then maybe she would be interested in ballet lessons. Or if your son likes to sing as well as the guitar, then maybe the choir at school is the right thing for him?

The benefits of making music as a family

One of the most important benefits of music is its ability to create a sense of togetherness between people. Music is associated with both social closeness and family bonds. Making music together as a family has many benefits:

• Making music together as a family activity - think of cold winter days or warm evenings on the beach.
• Strengthening family ties - each family member has a specific role when it comes to making music. This bonds the family and teaches respect and responsibility.
• Encouragement of creative thinking and artistic self-development - because the child feels safe within the family and is less afraid of making mistakes, he or she is more likely to develop and even suggest a creative modification of the music.

Musical instruments for children with special needs

If your child has a special need, be sure to take this into account when choosing a musical instrument. You can find a lot of information on the Internet, as long as you

• Instruments for blind and visually impaired children,
• Instruments for children with limited fine motor skills or
• Instruments for children with sensory processing disorders

you want to search for.

The future of musical instruments for children

• New technologies and trends

The future of music will be linked to technological advances such as artificial intelligence (AI) and immersive 360° sound systems. It will favor user experiences and multimedia projects over conventions such as the studio album. And finally, it will pave the way for the emergence of new genres.

• Integration of music into educational programs

School can be particularly challenging for creative and artistically inclined children. They experience the world in ways that don't always conform to conventional educational models. But with a music-integrated education, children often thrive.

The best musical instruments for children at a glance

In summary, we have seen that the best first musical instruments to use are those that the child can easily hold in his or her hand, such as kalimbas, tongue drums, maracas or a ukulele. Later, keyboards, pianos and flutes are appropriate. Violins, trumpets and drums can also be used from 5-8 years of age.

frequently asked Questions

• Can you rent musical instruments for children?

Yes, you can rent musical instruments for children. Ask at a music store or start your search online.

• Which instrument is best for a child?

There is no general answer to this question. There are a number of aspects to consider, such as the child's size, age and preferences.

• How much should you spend on a musical instrument for a child?

Parents with young children can introduce their children to the tambourine, tongue drum or xylophone to help develop their coordination and agility. School-age children can learn the basic fingering of the recorder and how to use their breath to create sounds. Consider the kalimba, too. All of these instruments are inexpensive and available for every budget.

• How long does it take to learn a musical instrument?

This is actually quick in childhood, as long as it involves a few chords and simple melodies. Mastering a musical instrument properly is a process that takes years and never really ends.

• How to teach children to read music?

To teach your child to read music, you can use apps for music reading with flashcards, rhythm and composing.

Conclusion

Give your child freedom and the opportunity to try out different instruments before you decide on the instrument you buy.

You should encourage your child to discover melodies and rhythms from a very young age.

Don't overwhelm him, he has to find his own pace, but daily practice is the key to becoming a master.

The best instruments to start with are (musical instruments by age):

• Xylophones and glockenspiels (1-3 years old)
• Guitar/ Ukulele (3 years and older)
• Handbells (from 2 years)
• Piano (from 3 years)
• Kalimba (from 4 years)

Children of all ages can have successful learning experiences when their parents instill a love of music and learning through a lifelong commitment. Let your child explore the music they enjoy, introducing them to new styles and genres along the way. Avoid punishing your child for not practicing or forcing them to perform when they're not ready. Instead, remember that parents can support their children's musical development by creating an environment that emphasizes the joy of music.