3 Key Tips For Choosing The Best Musical Instrument For Kids To Learn
Music is a great family activity that will keep kids occupied and make the home pleasant but what is the best musical instrument? In this post we explore the concept of introducing children to musical instruments within a Christian and discuss the best musical instrument for your family.
Why Is Music Important?
Music serves as a universal language, and when intertwined with faith, it becomes a powerful tool for worship, education, and personal expression.
Music has been a part of the Christian faith from the beginning, from the Psalms of David to contemporary worship songs. For children, engaging with music in a faith-based environment can help to:
- Deepen Spiritual Connection: Singing hymns and playing instruments during worship allows children to express their faith tangibly.
- Enhance Cognitive Development: Learning music helps to develop language skills, memory, and concentration.
- Foster Community and Collaboration: Participating in group music activities, such as choirs or bands, teaches teamwork and builds a sense of belonging.
What Is The Best Musical Instrument Of All Time?
So how do you know which instrument is best? How do you select the best musical instrument for your child? Selecting an appropriate instrument is important for maintaining a child’s interest and ensuring a rewarding experience. When choosing a musical instrument the following should be considered:
CHOOSE THE BEST MUSICAL INSTRUMENT BY CONSIDERING AGE AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
The first thing to consider is Age and Physical Development: Ensure the instrument suits your child’s size and motor skills. The Best Musical Instrument For ages 1 to 3 as they are just starting to develop their fine motor skills. Simple percussion instruments are great as they help with coordination, rhythm, and sensory development. Some great instruments for this age include: Shakers & Maracas – Great for developing grip strength, Tambourine – Helps with hand-eye coordination, Xylophone – Encourages early musical exploration, Bongo Drums – Strengthens motor skills and introduces rhythm.
Preschoolers and kindergarteners can start learning simple melody-based instruments. Their motor skills are improving, but they still need something easy to hold and play.
Best Musical Instruments for Ages 4-6:
- Ukulele – Small size and soft nylon strings make it easy for small hands.
- Recorder – Simple finger placements help develop breath control.
- Keyboard – Large keys are great for hand-eye coordination.
Best Musical Instruments For Ages 7-9: Learning Notes & Developing Finger Dexterity 🎻
At this age, kids have better finger strength and coordination, allowing them to start learning more complex instruments with multiple notes.
Best Instruments for Ages 7-9:
- Piano/Keyboard – Builds music reading skills and hand coordination.
- Violin – Introduces melody and bowing techniques.
- Trumpet – Strengthens lung capacity and lip control.
- Guitar – Great for finger strength and basic chords.
Ages 10-12: Mastering More Complex Instruments 🎷
Preteens have better control over their fingers and breath, making them ready for more advanced instruments.
Best Instruments for Ages 10-12:
- Flute – Requires good breath control and finger agility.
- Saxophone – A fun, jazzy instrument that challenges coordination.
- Drum Set – Builds rhythm, timing, and multi-limb coordination.
- Electric Guitar – Encourages creativity and advanced finger movement.
CHOOSE THE BEST MUSICAL INSTRUMENT BY CONSIDERING MUSICAL INTEREST OF CHILD
The second factor to consider when choosing the best musical instrument is the child’s Musical Interests: Align the choice with the child’s musical preferences and the styles prevalent in your worship community.
Children who love singing along to worship songs may enjoy instruments that complement their voice. These instruments allow them to accompany themselves or participate in church music. Instruments that best suit these children include a piano, ukulele and violin.
Some kids naturally have a great sense of rhythm and love tapping on tables, clapping, or dancing to music. These children may thrive with percussion instruments such as a drum set or cajon.
Some children are naturally curious, analytical, and love problem-solving. Instruments that require detailed finger placement and coordination may be best for them. Examples of such instrument include a saxophone or a violin.
For kids who love teamwork, socializing, and working in a group, choosing an instrument that fits well in a band or orchestra is a great idea. An example of such an instrument is this one.
CHOOSE THE BEST MUSICAL INSTRUMENT BY CONSIDERING PRACTICALITY
The third factor to consider when choosing the best musical instrument is Practicality and Accessibility: Consider the instrument’s portability, volume, and the availability of instruction.
Additional factors when considering this is the child’s age and size, cost of instruments and lessons, the noise level of the instrument and your living space as well as the ease for learning the instrument.
What Is The Best Musical Instrument To Play?
Some of the most highly recommended and best musical instrument for kids include the following:
- Piano/Keyboard
- Overview: The piano is foundational, offering a clear visual representation of musical concepts.
- Benefits: Enhances hand-eye coordination and serves as a gateway to understanding music theory.
- Product Highlight: Keyboard Piano beginner-friendly 61-key electronic keyboard piano
- Ukulele
- Overview: A small, four-stringed instrument that’s easy for children to handle.
- Benefits: Simpler chord structures make it accessible, and it’s excellent for accompanying singing.
- Product Highlight: Ukulele Instrument Kit For Beginners– Aquila strings, well padded gig bag, digital tuner, microfiber polishing cloth, an extra Set of D G B E Aquila metallic and nylon strings, strap
- Percussion Instruments
- Overview: Instruments like tambourines, bongos, and shakers add rhythm and are fundamental in many worship settings.
- Benefits: Develops a sense of timing and rhythm; ideal for group participation.
- Product Highlight: This electronic kids drum set is a great start.
- Recorder
- Overview: A simple wind instrument that’s often a child’s first introduction to melody.
- Benefits: Teaches breath control and basic fingering techniques; very easy to use
- Product Highlight: Y Recorder – A high-quality, affordable recorder suitable for beginners.
- Handbells
- Overview: Colorful bells tuned to specific notes, often used in children’s choirs.
- Benefits: Encourages teamwork and listening skills as children play in ensembles.
- Product Highlight: Colorful Handbells – A set of 8 colorful hand bells – notes from middle C, D, E, F, G, A, B to high C
Incorporating Music into Christian Education
Integrating music into religious education can make learning more engaging and memorable. You can read our blog post on some great preschool songs to teach kids here. Here are some strategies for including music in your child’s education:
- Scripture Songs: Set Bible verses to simple melodies to aid memorization. You will find some great Bible memorization vidoes here.
- Musical Storytelling: Use songs to narrate biblical stories, making them more relatable. Here is a great musical story about David and Goliath.
- Instrumental Worship: Encourage children to play instruments during worship services or family devotional time.
Resources for Musical Development
To support your child’s musical journey within a Christian framework, consider the following resources:
- Instructional Books: “Teaching Kids Authentic Worship” by Kathleen Chapman offers practical advice on guiding children in worship through music.
- Music Apps: Apps like Simply Piano offer interactive lessons suitable for children.
The Best Musical Instrument
Fostering a love for music in children requires a nurturing environment:
- Encouragement: Celebrate progress, no matter how small, to build confidence.
- Consistency: Establish regular practice times to develop discipline.
- Community: Involve children in church music groups to provide a sense of purpose and belonging.
Choosing the best musical instruments involve several factors. We hope that this post was a blessing to you and helped you in this selection.
