31.12.13

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.

Before you select an instrument for your child, it is wise to consider the personality of this little person. Some instruments are better suited to children who love to be the center of attention while others are better choices for the quieter, shyer child who prefers to blend in with the group. For example, people who play the flute typically sit right up front in the orchestra. Flutists, saxophone players and trumpet players often are asked to perform a solo, and this can be good or bad, depending on your child's personality.

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.

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.

While most schools typically only provide basic instruments such as violin, viola, cello, clarinet, flute, saxophone, tuba and trumpet, taking private lessons can open up many other options for your child. For instance, the electric guitar might really be what your child wants to learn or perhaps they would like to take vocal lessons or learn how to play the drums like someone in a rock band.

If you are searching for music classes in Dana Point, music lessons in Laguna Niguel or music lessons in San Clemente, there are many options available. For example, Los Rios Rock School offers lessons for children and teens of all ages for virtually any instrument. Students can learn how to play any type of guitar as well as drums, piano, violin, cello, clarinet and even take voice or songwriting lessons. In addition, student bands are formed and the children actually perform concerts at popular local venues.




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