How to Choose Your First Instrument
Preference
Sometimes
when you begin to study music, the choice of your first
instrument is obvious It is something that is handed down,
members of your family already play one, or you have just
always been attracted to it. It may be a guitar or the piano.
But sometimes, especially when there are children involved you
may want to get them some musical education, but you have no
idea what would be the best instrument for them and they have
not shown a preference.
Does it
Fit?
One of the
best places to start is with the physical side of the
instrument and whether or not it "fits" the student. If you
or your child is 4 feet tall, perhaps a tuba would not be a
good choice unless you are extremely motivated. If you have
very small hands perhaps the piano is not the absolute best
as some of the chord reaches are difficult. I should say
however that piano should be learned by every aspiring
musician to at least a basic level of understanding;
everything is so much easier if you know the piano. It is
very visual, very easy to instruct from and to relate to.
That being said let us move on.
Other
instruments have similar restrictions; the trombone requires
long arms, a brass instrument would be difficult for someone
with braces on their teeth and so on. Go to your local music
store or the local school or college. Teachers are always
happy to share their love of music and their knowledge to
anyone wishing to learn. I know I do!
Can You Try It
Out?
Schools
and music stores may have instruments to loan or rent at a
very reasonable rate. They are
very familiar with the process of selecting an instrument,
so don't worry about it; ask them if you can try one out.
Perhaps you have a family member or a friend who will let
you use theirs for a while. You may be surprised how many
people are musicians when you start asking
around.
What about the
Neighbors?
It is also
wise to consider your environment. Do you live in an
apartment for example and would the neighbors be upset to
listen to your aspiring drummer rather than an electric
piano plugged into headphones? These are also factors to
consider. There are budgets and other factors as well. How
much will upkeep cost? How about upgrades when the student
has progressed?
With these
basic facts in hand, you should be able to make an informed
decision as to how to choose the right first instrument for
you or your child.
Next:learn to
read music
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