Playing instruments is great fun and beneficial for children of all ages. Music is a way of expression and enables children to be creative through sound. It can also be challenging for children and help them to develop new skills that will aid them in later life. Finally, it's a great way for children to let off steam and emotions that build up. Some instruments are more suited to young children than others; we take a look at the best instruments for children.
Harmonica
A harmonica is an easy instrument to pick up and use; children only need to be able to blow to make sounds with a harmonica. You can buy harmonicas that are specifically designed for children; they may have bright colours, prints or characters that children enjoy. A harmonica is also very hard-wearing, so they don’t need to be handled carefully and aren’t at risk of breaking if they’re dropped.
Drums
Rhythm is fundamental to all types of music, and the drums are a great way for children to learn this valuable skill. Drums are the perfect instrument for even the youngest children. They can pick up a handheld drum and begin making music immediately by banging on the drum. This act can help small children with coordination, especially if you introduce drumsticks for them to use with the drums. As children get a bit older, they can begin to learn to keep a rhythm with the drum.
Xylophone
Much like the drums, children can quickly learn how to play the xylophone; many are made specifically for young children to discover and experience making different sounds. A xylophone can also help children improve their coordination skills and dexterity. Xylophones are suitable for very young children, but they should be supervised to ensure they don’t hit themselves with the stick.
Piano
Learning to play the piano can become a wonderful, stress-relieving hobby for many children. It will help them focus and work towards an achievement, especially if they pass different musical grades. Playing the piano requires a little more patience, skill and concentration; therefore, it’s better suited for slightly older children that have this discipline.
Slide whistle
Children can work on their motor skills and coordination by learning to use a slide whistle. Slide whistles, also known as swanee whistles, are great for young children. They are easy to play with and create a range of fun sounds that children enjoy. To create certain noises, they will need to pull and push the slider slowly and move it in different directions.
Guitar
The guitar is a cool instrument that many children want to play, especially if they enjoy rock music. Learning to play the guitar takes time and patience, which makes it more suitable for older children. Guitars can also be used to teach children the fundamentals of music, a great skill that will help them throughout their lives if they want to pursue a career or hobby that requires an understanding of music. It is also something that children will need to practise themselves at home in order to get better. This is a great way to show them how important it is to persevere in order to achieve your goals.
Maracas
Maracas are a great instrument to keep busy children happy; they can be given to children of all ages, even babies. All children will enjoy the maracas' noise when they shake them with their hands. For smaller children, they can also help the development of coordination skills.
Playing an instrument is a great way to help a child develop. It requires thinking, perseverance and motor skills to get good at an instrument. If you have a young child, start them off with something easy such as a slide whistle or xylophone, this way, they won’t become frustrated as they’ll be able to make music immediately without needing to practise their skills. As the child gets older, you can introduce them to more complicated instruments, such as the piano and guitar, as these will need more practice and patience to master. If your child shows an interest in music, try to encourage them to pursue this interest, as it could turn into a lifelong hobby or even a career in the future.