A Parent’s Guide to Choosing Your Child’s First Instrument

If you read through countless music-related blogs they will argue that piano is the best option for a child taking an interest in music for the first time. And there are many solid reasons for this. Unlike the violin or guitar, all the notes you need to play are arranged in visually obvious and consistent ways–most of the sharps and flats are to be found on the black keys and so on. After several lessons, it’s hardly even necessary to look at your hands while playing.

Moreover, if your acoustic piano has been regularly serviced and maintained or if you own an electric piano, there’s no need to tune before you play. No extra steps are needed on this front. Middle C is always going to sound like Middle C.

But there are arguments against the piano, of course. In order to play with proficiency, a significant amount of manual dexterity is required and having longer digits is a benefit in this regard. Especially for the youngest learners, even the most basic chords can create a struggle in reaching the necessary keys. And lastly, there’s really no such thing as a beginner piano. You can, of course, purchase a 61 key, non-weighted action keyboard to start, but this is hardly an equivalent. If you want your child to have a 1-to-1 experience, you’ll be spending upwards of $1,000 on even a basic electric piano. Perhaps a few hundred on a used one. There are many acoustic upright pianos available for cheap or even free. However, you will spend hundreds on moving it, and it’ll need to be tuned after delivery.

For small hands, many recommend the ukulele as a great place to begin. Not only is the instrument generally less cumbersome than even a half-size guitar, but the nylon strings are both easier to press down than those made from steel or other metal alloys as well as less tough on uncalloused fingers. The four strings are less unwieldy than the guitar’s six, and the neck’s shorter length means less of a stretch to form chords. And the barrier to entry is one the lowest in terms of cost. Starting around $40 for a brand new, decent enough instrument, with even well-respected manufacturers offering starter options that won’t break the bank.

Clearly, taking lessons on your chosen instrument is one way to advance your skills, but can you get as far on your own? The Cross-Eyed Pianist shared an excellent blog by Jessica Yeartie which breaks down all the external factors and internal reasons why someone might choose to teach themselves versus why they might decide on taking lessons from a professional instructor. Much of the discussion centers around the individual abilities and learning style of the student.

Of course, finances are a major factor for some folks (and indeed the author of the aforementioned blog herself). However, there is a feeling of obligation which develops when one is paying for lessons which may act as an additional motivation to excel. But outside of that, because teaching oneself requires the ability to self-motivate and self-evaluate, one must be of a very particular disposition for this to even be an option. On top of that, you have no foundation upon which you’re able to build: that of the years of education received by the instructor.

It is easy to pick up bad habits in the form of poor finger placement or improper vocal technique which may cause literal physical damage to yourself, let alone lessen your ability to perform at a peak level. You’re unable to receive any feedback on your play-style and progress, which can hamstring your progress, heavily.

If you scan through old music forums, you will find countless different examples of individuals advocating for professional lessons, wishing they hadn’t quit taking lessons, or bemoaning the fact that they didn’t take lessons at all. Of course some advocate for self-teaching, but the counterarguments are too strong against this method for far too many reasons (if you want to get good, that is).

So, if you’re ready to begin your musical journey for any of these reasons or so many more, head to Silversound’s website to check out your options!

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