1/24/2014

Finding The Perfect Musical Instrument

By Madeleine Bridgeman


Many studies have demonstrated that playing a musical instrument is beneficial for children. It has been shown that students who participate in some type of music instruction have higher grades and score higher on college entrance exams. In addition, music is an excellent tool for self-expression and a fun, creative outlet. If your child wishes to learn how to play an instrument, here are some options to consider.

Prior to purchasing or renting an instrument, you need to think about what type of instrument best suits the personality of your child. For example, if your child is very shy, then you might want to steer away from the trumpet, the saxophone or the flute. The flute players generally sit right up in front of the band, which might make your child uncomfortable. Trumpet and saxophone solos often are common and this will place your child at center stage, which they might not want.

Age and size also are a factor, as smaller hands and tinier bodies place a limit on which instruments are best. After all, imagine a five-year-old attempting to handle a tuba or a bassoon. When the age ranges from 3 to about 8 years, stringed instruments often are a great option because there is a range of sizes available that other instruments simply don't have. You can choose from a violin, viola, cello or perhaps a guitar or ukulele. The piano also is always a good idea, as students learn a lot about music playing the piano which can help them play other instruments in the future. Not only will your child learn about scales and chords, they will learn how to read the treble and bass clefs, which can make learning a new instrument much easier.

One way to help your child decide which instrument to learn how to play is to simply give them some exposure. There are several websites that provide kid-friendly information about the instruments of the orchestra and what each one looks like and sounds like. Play music in the car or at home that features a specific instrument, such as a song with acoustic guitar or perhaps a song with a flute solo or a French horn solo. At school, most children play violin, flute, clarinet, trumpet and saxophone, but there are tons of other great options to consider if your child knows about them.

If your child wants to learn about an instrument that is less typical at their elementary or middle school, consider opting for private lessons. This might mean taking bass guitar lessons or learning how to play the drums as if you were part of a rock band. You can find a good music teacher for just about any instrument you can imagine or even take vocal lessons if that is where your child's interest lies.

There are many choices for a music school in Laguna Niguel or music lessons in San Clemente or music classes in Dana Point, but if you find a fun way for your child to learn, he or she is more likely to stick with their instrument. One option would be to find a school such as the Los Rios Rock School, which is centrally located in San Juan Capistrano. Not only will children enjoy a weekly private instrument lesson, they also can participate in a true rock band. These bands are made up of students only, and they actually play at well-known locations such as The House of Blues.




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