For many parents, introducing their children to music can feel like a big decision—especially when it comes to picking the right instrument. With so many choices, you might wonder, Where should we even start? Music education offers so many benefits for young minds, including improved concentration and enhanced creativity.
If your child is under 12, they are at the PERFECT age to explore music! There are certain instruments that are ideal for young learners. Although, we do encourage parents to listen to their kids and let them try out the instruments that they want to try. That is how you get your kids to really enjoy practicing! Below, we’ll walk through the top five instruments for children under 12, keeping in mind their developmental needs and interests.
Best Instruments for Children
1. Piano: The All-Rounder
When it comes to musical instruments, the piano is a fantastic choice for young beginners and one of the best instruments for children to start out with. Not only is it visually straightforward, but it’s also a great way for kids to learn the basics of music theory—like scales, chords, and melodies. Everything is literally laid out in black and white! Plus, pressing a key and hearing a beautiful sound instantly makes the piano quickly rewarding for kids.
Why It’s Great for Kids:
Easy to Learn: The layout of the keys is logical and makes understanding music theory easier.
Coordination: Playing the piano develops hand-eye coordination, especially when both hands are playing different parts.
Room to Grow: The piano offers a lot of potential for growth. Your child can start with simple tunes and progress to more complex pieces as they develop.
Cons:
Space & Cost: Pianos can be expensive and take up a lot of space, although digital pianos are more affordable and compact.
Limited Portability: Unlike a guitar or ukulele, a piano stays put. This makes it harder to take to place to place.
Ideal Starting Age: Children can start piano lessons as early as 4 or 5, though many experts recommend starting at 6 or 7 for better hand strength.
2. Vocal Lessons: A Natural Instrument
It’s easy to forget that our voice is an instrument too, and for young children, it might be the most natural one to start with. Singing helps kids develop their pitch, rhythm, and breath control, all while building their confidence. Plus, vocal lessons don’t require buying or maintaining an instrument, making it an accessible option. Students should learn how to also take care of their voice-this includes drinking plenty of water, and not straining your voice. For younger children starting out, we typically see parents using vocal lessons as a fun way to help kids with enunciation.
Why It’s Great for Kids:
Accessible: Every child has a voice, making it an easy instrument to start with.
Confidence Booster: Singing helps children feel more comfortable performing in front of others.
Breath Control and Posture: Proper vocal technique improves breath control and posture, as well as help young children with enunciation.
Cons:
Vocal Strain: Young voices can be delicate. It’s important to have a teacher who focuses on healthy singing techniques to avoid vocal strain. Do your research and ask questions about how the vocal teacher teaches!
Personal Preference: Some children may be shy or uncomfortable singing in front of others, making it less appealing for very introverted children.
Ideal Starting Age: Vocal lessons can start as early as 5 or 6, but it’s important to find an instructor who uses age-appropriate techniques to protect young voices. We don't recommend starting formal vocal lessons until 7, but starting before 7 with the right teacher can still be beneficial if the lessons are geared more toward learning enunciation, learning rhythms, and matching pitch. (Also memorization for lyrics!)
3. Guitar (Nylon-String or Ukulele): Perfect for Tiny Hands
For many kids, the idea of strumming a guitar like their favorite pop star is incredibly exciting. Both the guitar and its smaller cousin, the ukulele, are excellent beginner instruments for young learners. Nylon-string guitars are softer on small fingers, and the ukulele is even more manageable for tiny hands. As kids grow, they can transition from a smaller instrument to a full-sized guitar.
Why It’s Great for Kids:
Finger Strength and Dexterity: Playing guitar or ukulele strengthens fingers and improves dexterity.
Portable and Fun: The ukulele is lightweight and easy to carry around, encouraging frequent practice.
Versatile: From classical music to pop songs, both instruments are incredibly versatile.
Cons:
Initial Finger Discomfort: When learning guitar, children may experience sore fingers until they develop calluses.
Tuning Challenges: Especially with the ukulele, keeping the instrument in tune can be tricky for younger children.
Ideal Starting Age: Children can start with the ukulele as early as 5, while the guitar is often more suitable around age 7 or 8.
4. Drums: Let the Rhythm Take Over
If your child seems to march to the beat of their own drum—literally—then drums or percussion instruments might be the perfect fit. Many kids are naturally drawn to rhythm, and learning the drums can help channel that energy productively. Drums teach coordination, timing, and rhythm while being a great creative outlet.
Why It’s Great for Kids:
Coordination and Motor Skills:
Drumming requires the use of both hands and feet, which helps develop coordination.
Rhythm Mastery: Drumming teaches kids the basics of rhythm, an essential foundation for all types of music.
Creative Expression: Percussion instruments are a great way for kids to express themselves and have fun.
Cons:
Noise Level: Drums can be loud, so practicing at home might disturb the household or neighbors. Electronic drum kits with headphones are a quieter option.
Expensive Equipment: A full drum set can be costly, though many families start with a basic kit or smaller percussion instruments. We would recommend at least buying drumsticks and setting up your pots and pans!
Ideal Starting Age: Early drum lessons can be introduced to children as young as 4 or 5yr old.
5. Violin: Building Discipline and Ear Training
The violin is an instrument that, while challenging, offers enormous rewards for children with the patience and dedication to master it. One great feature of the violin is that it comes in smaller sizes, so even kids as young as 4 can get started on a violin suited to their size. Learning the violin also sharpens a child’s ear for pitch, which will benefit them if they decide to pursue other instruments later.
Why It’s Great for Kids:
Ear Training: The violin requires precise finger placement, which helps children develop a sharp ear for pitch.
Sizes for All Ages: Violins come in different sizes, so you can find one that fits your child perfectly.
Discipline and Patience: Learning the violin encourages dedication, as it takes time to produce clear and accurate notes.
Cons:
Steep Learning Curve: The violin can be frustrating for beginners, especially when it comes to producing clean, consistent notes. Expect a lot of squeaking for the first year (maybe two).
Cost of Upkeep: Violin strings and bows need regular maintenance, and renting or buying an appropriately sized violin can add up $$$
Ideal Starting Age: Children can begin violin lessons as early as age 4 or 5, depending on their interest and attention span.
Choosing the Right Instrument for Your Child
When deciding which instrument is best for your child, remember that the right choice should be based on their interest and enthusiasm. Some kids might gravitate towards the piano or violin, while others may love singing or beating the drums. Whichever instrument you choose, the key is to nurture their passion and make learning fun.
At Keen School of Music, we offer lessons in a variety of instruments, from piano to guitar to voice and more. Our instructors specialize in working with young learners, helping them build confidence and discover the joys of music at their own pace.
Encourage your child to explore the world of music—it might just become their lifelong passion!
Looking for music lessons for your kiddo? Consider taking music lessons with us at Keen School of Music!
CONTACT INFO
Phone number: 615 682 4939
Email: keenschoolofmusic@gmail.com
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References:
Coffey, E. B., Mogilever, N. B., & Zatorre, R. J. (2011). Pitch perception and the role of auditory-motor interaction in musical training. Music Perception, 29(2), 149-163.
Habibi, A., Ilari, B., Crimi, K., Metke, M., Kaplan, J., & Damasio, H. (2016). Early childhood music education and brain development: results of a study from Los Angeles. Developmental Psychology, 52(12), 1984.
Hyde, K. L., Lerch, J., Norton, A., Forgeard, M., Winner, E., Evans, A. C., & Schlaug, G. (2009). Musical training shapes structural brain development. Psychomusicology: Music, Mind, and Brain, 42(3), 309.
Kirschner, S., & Tomasello, M. (2010). Joint music making promotes prosocial behavior in 4-year-old children. Psychology of Music, 38(4), 364-375.
LeBorgne, W.
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