When a child shows interest in playing a musical instrument your attitude and support will lead to your child’s enjoyment and success. Of course, if you’re a parent who’s not musically knowledgeable, it’s very normal to feel overwhelmed after walking into a music store. But there’s no need to panic – Music & Arts has over 65 years of experience helping parents just like you through this process!
On top of being a lot of fun, countless studies have shown that playing an instrument helps a child’s development on many levels. Some of these benefits include:
Learning self-discipline
Improved motor skills and auditory awareness
Increased self-confidence
Understanding the value of teamwork
Better hand-eye coordination
Enhanced math skills
Of course, it can also show a child that taking on challenges one-step at a time can naturally lead to a successful accomplishment – musical or otherwise.
What to Look for – Quality is Important!
Remember, you’re searching for an instrument that your child can enjoy playing for at least three or four years, so it needs to be of a certain level of quality. By “quality”, we mean that you should look for these four “abilities”:
- Playability. It needs to be easy to play, and it should also stay in tune well. While any instrument will be a challenge to play at first, the instrument should never hold them back, and only help them improve with time.
- Durability. From rehearsals and concert stages to even outdoor parades, you never know where your child might end up performing. Wherever they go, their instrument needs to be built strong enough to handle any playing application.
- Reparability. It’s very normal for a musical instrument to need repairs every now and then. But if it can be repaired locally with commonly-found techniques and parts, you’ll save yourself a lot of time (and headaches).
- Warranty-“ability”. Before buying any instrument, make sure it has a warranty, and get all the details before you make the purchase.Renting vs. Buying and instrument
Renting vs. Buying and instrument
Children have a tendency to change their minds, and for that reason, most music educators and music stores will direct a beginning player towards instrument rental. At Music & Arts, the rental program offers flexible return and exchange options, as well as a 100% accrual of rental credit towards the eventual purchase of an instrument as well as an early purchase discount, if the student decides to stick with it. Learn more about the instrument rental program at www.MusicArts.com/Rentals
If decide to purchase a used instrument, you should be careful on used sites; a seller might not be providing all the info you need on the current condition of the instrument. The good news is that most music retailers – in store and online – have their instruments checked over by a certified repair tech. Plus, while most kids will probably ask for a new instrument, used entry-level models can offer excellent value and are often a third or even half the price of a new one.
If you choose to buy a new instrument, remember that not all instruments are suitable for student players. There are hundreds of brands and models to choose from, and some are too advanced for a beginner, or worse, are not good enough to set your student up for success. Your best bet is to ask an experienced player, a school music teacher, or a music-store employee for guidance– and Music & Arts has plenty to choose from, right here.
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