How to Choose the Best Instrument for Your Child

Helping your child choose their first musical instrument is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. With so many choices, where do you even begin? Key factors to consider are your child’s unique needs, interests, and readiness, and to guide them through a process of exploration. 

We’ll cover important factors to consider when choosing an instrument to help guide you and ensure that your child enjoys the process.

The first step is understanding whether your child is ready to start lessons. Readiness isn’t only about age. It includes other factors like interest, focus, and physical ability.

• Musical curiosity: For younger children, singing along, tapping rhythms, or imitating sounds shows they’re becoming aware and curious about music.
• Interest: Some children may simply ask to learn an instrument. Maybe after hearing it on the radio, seeing a performance, or watching a friend. Many also encounter instruments in elementary school through band or orchestra.
• Focus and attention: Can your child stay engaged in an activity for 10–15 minutes? Learning an instrument requires focus, and this can be a sign they’re ready for private study.
• Age: Many experts recommend starting private lessons around ages 5–7, but younger children can absolutely benefit from early musical experiences.

If your child is under seven and not quite ready for private lessons, group music classes are the perfect first step. Programs like Musikgarten introduce young children to rhythm, singing, and instrument play in an engaging, age-appropriate way. Early childhood music classes lay a strong foundation for future private lessons.

Before your child picks up their first instrument, it’s helpful to think through a few practical considerations that can make the learning process smoother.

• Size & comfort: Choose an instrument that fits your child’s body or has different sizes available.
• Sound & space: Think about practice at home. Some instruments are louder or require more room than others.
• Cost & upkeep: Factor in rentals, accessories, maintenance, and future upgrades.
• Portability & access: Consider how easy it is to transport and carry to lessons or performances. Some instruments may be heavier or need more space. 

Keeping these basics in mind can help set your child up with an instrument that works well for their needs and keep things enjoyable.

One of the best ways to choose an instrument, is letting your child explore music first hand. Exploration helps them connect with music in a way that feels personal.

Ways to encourage music exploration:

• Expose them to music: Attend concerts, watch performances, or listen to recordings together.
• Let them try instruments: Let your child hold and play different instruments in a relaxed, no-pressure setting like an instrument shop or instrument petting zoo.
• Speak to an expert: Experienced teachers can explain how each instrument works, what the beginner journey looks like, and talk through realistic expectations. 
• Create space for choice: Let your child’s enthusiasm guide the decision. They are more likely to stick to something they enjoy and have a choice in.

When children get to explore instruments and meet teachers, they’re more likely to feel excited, motivated, and confident about their choice.

Once your child has explored different instruments and shown interest in one, the next step is easing into lessons in a way that feels supportive. The goal is to build excitement, not overwhelm.

• Encourage practice as a routine, not a chore: Find a way to make music lessons part of their daily routine. Just like brushing their teeth or having dinner, carve out a section of time for practice that is predictable and manageable.
• Celebrate progress: Recognize every milestone, even the small ones, to help build confidence.
• Stay flexible: It’s normal for children’s interests to evolve. They may explore ensembles, group music classes, music theory, or even try a second instrument as they grow.

When the beginning experience feels encouraging and enjoyable, children are much more likely to stay engaged and excited about their musical journey.

The right start can make all the difference in your child’s musical journey. Guiding your child toward an instrument they enjoy is the first step toward a lifelong love of music.

At the Music Institute of Chicago, we make choosing an instrument easy and stress-free:

• Visit one of our Open Houses: Children can try out a variety of instruments at our free instrument petting zoos, meet expert teachers, and discover what feels right for them.
• Set up a free placement meeting: Inquire today to set up a placement meeting with a campus director who will help match your child with the right instrument, teacher, and program to fit their goals.

Get Started Today!