1/06/2014

How To Decide Which Instrument Is Best For Your Child

By Madeleine Bridgeman


There are many reasons why it is a good idea to sign your child up for music lessons. For one thing, it's a great way for them to truly express themselves creatively and develop a lifelong love of music. Learning an instrument also improves discipline and has been shown to improve the function of our brain, not to mention that those who study music tend to score better on tests and have higher grades. If you are ready to sign up your child for music lessons, here are a few helpful tips.

The big first step is to select the right instrument for your child. Sometimes it is the personality of this person that dictates what instrument is best. If your child loves the idea of showing off their musical skills or enjoys being in the center of all the action, then an instrument such as flute or trumpet might be a good idea. The flute players generally sit in the front of the band or orchestra so they are always in plain view, which might intimidate a particularly shy child. A trumpet or saxophone player might sit behind others, but they have many opportunities to shine as a soloist or in a jazz band.

The age in which you begin taking lessons also can be a factor. Children younger than eight often have fewer options simply because of their more diminutive size. After all, a bassoon or an oboe can be too big and too complex for someone who is not only small, but also with less developed fine motor skills and small hands. Stringed instruments, which are available in a wide variety of sizes, are a good option for very young children. This includes traditional instruments such as the violin but also fun instruments such as the guitar. The piano also should be considered, and although smaller hands do have a more difficult time navigating the keys, learning both the bass and treble clefs will be beneficial if they choose another instrument in the future.

If your child isn't sure which instrument to choose but wants to play something, give them some opportunities to see or hear musical instruments in action. For instance, take them to a concert and let them watch an orchestra perform. Play various examples of songs that feature a specific instrument solo. Go online and search for websites that show pictures of the different instruments in the full, modern orchestra and what each instrument sounds like. While they probably seen a variety of instruments, they might not know much about each one, and a little bit of knowledge can make the decision easier.

Often by taking private lessons, you open up your child's options beyond what might be offered at your local school. This includes taking drum lessons, guitar lessons, keyboard lessons or voice lessons. While most schools have a choir, the emphasis is on the group effort rather than improving one's individual vocal ability and this is where private lessons can really make a difference.

When searching for a music school in San Clemente or perhaps music lessons in Laguna Niguel or music classes in Dana Point, it is a good idea to find a school that teaches the basics in a more exciting way than a traditional music school. Los Rios Rock School, for instance, offers private music lessons as well as a rock band experience for its students. Students team up in actual rock bands and perform at local concert venues such as Coach House and the House of Blues.




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