How to choose a suitable musical instrument for my child?

By:Le Hai Dang

Before deciding on a musical instrument for your child, do not hesitate to let them be in contact with and experience different types. The attraction of a musical instrument lies in its sound that will take your child to the mysterious world of music.

The problem is that when children are too small, about 3, 4 years old, the limitations of their physical strength and body prevent them from learning how to play some big-size musical instruments, so the choices for them are also narrowed down. For example, it’s difficult for a 3-year-old to learn how to play saxophone, harp, cello, etc. Meanwhile, piano, mandolin, ukulele, violin, and small-sized guitar are the most suitable for the children of this age. As these instruments are highly stable in terms of structure, child learners should start with them first. It’s like the “transition” period before they change to the musical instrument suiting their interests. By the age of 6-8 years, they have more choices with the list extended from keyboards to string instruments, pneumatic instruments, percussion instruments and traditional instruments. As mentioned earlier, parents should give their children freedom to experience different types of musical instruments so that they can figure out the types they are really interested in.

Children should pursue the types of musical instruments with long history and cultural richness. It does not mean to disregard the others. However, in choosing a musical instrument for long-term pursuit, symbolic meaning and cultural value of the instrument are important factors to put into consideration. It’s because a musical instrument not only serves as a melody making tool but also carries symbolic meaning that has been consolidated over time with the invaluable contributions of well-known artists attached to it. For example, the number of pieces of music for piano is so huge and diverse that it’s hard for a professional artist to know and play them all. The learners of such age-old musical instruments are exposed to rich, priceless musical treasure.

In short, there are three directions to choose musical instruments to pursue:

+ First: based on age appropriateness

Second: based on interests

Third: based on the meaning and symbolic value of musical instruments such as piano, violin, guitar, plucked seven-string Chinese musical instrument, and flute.

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