The Top 10 Musical Instruments for Kids

Learning a musical instrument is beneficial for kids in many ways. Though you might look at music as a pleasing thing only, it can improve your child’s quality of life. Playing music won’t just relax them, but improve their memory functions, concentration, coordination, and much more.

I would always recommend not to go too far with your choice. Pick some of the common musical instruments, which are relatively easy to learn and also have an interesting sound that will attract your kid and keep him or her interested long enough to learn the basics.

Here are some of the best choices for kids, in my opinion. Some of them are very easy to learn to play, while others deliver a spectacular tone or great basis for further musical education:

1. Piano

Known for its amazing tonal range and beautiful tone, it is one of the most popular musical instruments in the world. Its main quality is versatility. With this instrument, you can play pretty much every musical genre you want.

After all, most composers make their songs on this instrument. Besides amazing sound, this instrument is also quite easy to learn, compared to classical string instruments, for example. Of course, it takes years to become a master, but base things can be learned in a pretty short time.

It’s no wonder that kids can start with it already at the age of 4. The benefits of playing the piano are numerous. Your kid will improve motor skills, eye/hand coordination, enhance visual and verbal memory, and much more.

2. Guitar

 Just like a piano, a guitar is also easy to learn, at least when comes to most basic things. In just a few weeks, your kid will learn some of the basic chords and rhythms and start to play some of their favorite music. There are two types of guitars, classical and western.

While a classical guitar requires a lot of practice, western guitar requires nothing more than a few chords to play it. Also, it features lower action, which makes the playing much easier. On the other side, a classic guitar features nylon strings, which are soft and more pleasant for fingers, which is important for young kids. In any way, your kid will have numerous benefits from playing this beautiful instrument.

Playing guitar improves concentration, motor skills, and much more. Moreover, stringing helps your body to release dopamine, a happiness hormone. Your kid can start with playing the guitar already at the age of 7.

3. Drums

Drums are one of those instruments that can keep kids’ interest for years. Easy to start but difficult to master, playing drums is great for many reasons.

First of all, there is a fun factor. Unlike some other instruments that require a lot of hard work to produce even the simplest notes, drums can be learned in a fun way. After all, all kids love to make a noise. Speaking of benefits, there is probably no musical instrument that has such a positive effect on motor skills, coordination, etc.

Drums are an essential instrument of pretty much every musical genre, so your child would love to play them, no matter the musical taste. Finally, once you learn to play drums decently, you can move to pretty much any other percussion instrument, almost effortlessly.

4. Violin

This is the most popular string instrument in an orchestra. Known for amazingly high pitch and beautiful tones, a violin has been considered one of the most “virtuosic” instruments around. However, it’s not so easy to learn to play the violin.

It requires a lot of effort, far more compared to piano or some other instrument. Violins are great for concentration and memory, and also suitable for various music genres.

You can also consider instruments like the viola and cello, which are great alternatives to this beautiful instrument. Just something to keep in mind.

5. Flute

Predominantly played by girls, a flute is an old woodwind instrument. First flutes appeared thousands of years ago, even before the first civilizations. The most amazing thing about this instrument is its unique tone, which cannot be produced by any digital device.

It comes in various types and all of them produce such a colorful tone which delivers a bit of ancient flavor as well.

According to many flute players, this instrument brings instant relaxation. Other benefits are lung power enhancement, concentration improvement, meditation, etc.

6. Keyboards/Synthesizer

Another amazing instrument for kids to learn to play. Although it is played in the same way as piano, it seems far more versatile, since it offers sound simulations of numerous instruments, drum machines, and much more.

One of its strongest points is that it can be used for pretty much every musical genre. Also, most of these devices feature arrangers, so your kid will learn something about production already in the early days.

Once you learn to play keyboards, you can easily move to instruments like piano, organ, or even accordion.

7. Cajon Drum

This is a great, simple instrument. The best thing about it is that it is very easy to play. It is pretty much all about feeling, so it would never be too late to start with it. It is a perfect portable instrument, which your kid can carry pretty much everywhere.

Finally, there is no bothering with things like tuning, setting up, and similar things that are usual for most instruments.

With just a few swings with their hands, they can make a groove for pretty much every musical genre. Kids can start to play it even at the age of five.

8. Ukulele

This is one of the tiniest string instruments around, which makes it perfect for little kids. It is also one of the most portable instruments you can find. With only four strings, it would be a great instrument to start with, before moving to a guitar or some other string instrument.

This instrument is hugely popular these days, mainly because of its “friendly” sound, which fits pretty much every musical genre.

Definitely, a great instrument to prepare your kid for a guitar or violin, but also works well for adults.

9. Clarinet

Definitely one of my favorite wind instruments. It offers a beautiful tone and the biggest pitch range among woodwind instruments. It is used in various musical genres, though much more in classical and jazz than in popular music.

Its great quality is that brings a lot of benefits in terms of lung capacity, hand-eye coordination, and core muscles strengths. It is also beneficial for posture improvement.

Like most scenarios, learning any instrument greatly improves your child’s physical and mental state, as well as teaches them discipline that comes with practice.

10. Trumpet

A trumpet is one of the most prominent brass instruments. Of course, it is mostly used in classical and jazz music, but could be found in popular genres as well.

This instrument isn’t too hard to learn to play and its special sound is something that every kid loves and that will keep it interested. Like all wind instruments, it is great for lung capacity and eye-finger coordination.

While you’re at it, and when on the subject of the Trumpet, you could also consider alternatives like a trombone, tuba, French horn, etc.

What to consider before choosing an instrument for your child?

Many things come to mind on this topic, however, the most important things to keep in mind are your child’s age, the instrument size, the instrument weight, and most importantly, whether or not your child is interested in that instrument.

First and foremost, consider your child’s age and try to think about what instrument would be appropriate to start your child off with musically. You can get them a harp but that is simply unreasonable if your child is around 5 years old isn’t it?

Secondly, the instrument size is something to consider as well. The more compact the instrument the more likely your child will get the hang of it and will not present with any problems along the way. While on the subject of size, weight is another thing to keep in mind. Try to be reasonable and go for more lightweight instruments like the ukulele, flute, etc.

Lastly, and most importantly, in my opinion, is your child’s interests. You might want your child to be a pianist and play beautiful melodies for your family when they grow up, however, they might not be into it. Put their preference first and they will certainly excel more than with something that does not pique their interest.

Music in general is always a good idea

It doesn’t have to be instruments, just pointing your child in the direction of music is always a good idea and beneficial as well. Even if your child wants to be a singer, or is good with songwriting, that is also very good. Basically, anything connected to music will enrich their life tenfold and they will always appreciate music on a whole new level going forward.

Conclusion

Those are some of the instruments that would be great for kids to learn. When choosing the perfect one, consider musical genres your kid likes, type of sound, and type of instrument at the end. Of course, consider your kid’s general strengths and interests.

No matter which instrument you choose, it will be highly beneficial for your child. You can count on improved concentration, memory skills, coordination, motor functions, stress relief, and much more. It also improves social skills, self-expression, create responsibility, exposes kids to culture and history, and offers many other benefits.