Video: 10 Instruments to Choose From
Developmental Factors to Consider for Success
Students tend to build confidence more quickly when they are matched to an instrument they aspire to play that also fits their physical uniquenesses. All instruments can be played with braces, however, it usually takes a few weeks to get used to. Sometimes, the ability to play higher notes takes longer to regain.
BEST TIP: If you let your child pick their instrument, they will practice more because they're passionate about it. Letting your child lead their own creativity instead of pressuring them with phrases like, "You really want to play THAT?" or "That's a boy's instrument," will save you a lot of grief and they'll thank you instead of resent you 15 years from now. Trust me! –Skye
BEST TIP: If you let your child pick their instrument, they will practice more because they're passionate about it. Letting your child lead their own creativity instead of pressuring them with phrases like, "You really want to play THAT?" or "That's a boy's instrument," will save you a lot of grief and they'll thank you instead of resent you 15 years from now. Trust me! –Skye
FLUTE
Personality: Meticulous + thoroughStraight, even teeth make playing flute easier and medium/long fingers are a plus. Flute seems to come more naturally to people with great fine motor skills and fast fingers. Extreme overbite or underbite, a thin upper lip, or pointy top lip will make playing flute more difficult. Flute requires a good amount of air, so it can sometimes be difficult with asthma. Swimmers make good flute players because they can take in a lot of air! |
CLARINET
Personality: FocusedThe pads of your fingers need to be big enough to completely cover the holes on the instrument. Clarinet seems to come more naturally to people with great fine motor skills. If you have a rather large lower lip, you will probably struggle a lot with clarinet because of the way the mouthpiece sits on the lower lip to make a sound. |
TROMBONE
Personality: Analytical + Good Ear for MusicLong arms are a plus when playing trombone. Know that it will be a challenge to reach some notes in the beginning, but it gets easier + more fun with every day that you grow + stretch! Overbites/underbites are not a problem on trombone. Slightly fuller lips than average work well on trombone. |
PERCUSSION (Drums + Keyboards)
Personality: Self-Motivated Team PlayerStrong muscle endurance needs to be developed for more advanced playing. Percussion seems to come more naturally to people with great gross motor skills + coordination. As long as they can maintain discipline, students who struggle to sit still tend to excel in percussion because they get to stand to play. |