Easiest Instruments for Students to Learn

Aug. 26

Learning an instrument should be an exciting time for your child. The challenge of developing a new skill and concurring what they once struggled with boosts confidence and encourages them to keep going. However, if a child finds their instrument too difficult, they grow discouraged.

Children may struggle with an instrument for several reasons. Perhaps it is too big for them at this point. Perhaps they need to spend more time learning about the foundations of music. If you’d like to enroll your student in music classes, consider starting simple. The easiest instruments to learn will encourage your student to keep up with music, and maybe explore other instruments later.

Piano

There is a reason that piano is one of the most common instruments children play for a reason. All the notes on a piano are laid out in a logical, clear format directly in front of the musician. It also forces students to read in both clefs, which helps for future musical endeavors. Learning piano serves as a great foundation for a student’s music education as a whole.

The piano is also a relatively inexpensive instrument to learn to play. You don’t have to go out and purchase a several-thousand-dollar grand piano for your child. Your child can start piano lessons on a $100 keyboard.

Recorder

Recorders are notorious for being the first instrument children learn to play. They’re so common in music classes due to their simplicity. There are no strings, reeds, or bows, and it’s lightweight. This makes it easy to manipulate and easy to learn for children.

Recorders are a great jumping-off point for other woodwind instruments, as they learn the basics of mouth and finger placements. It also teaches them the importance of quality breathing techniques, as they need the right type of breath to result in a pleasant sound.

Drums

While all the cymbal, snares, and bass drums might make learning to play drums intimidating, they don’t require as much music theory as many other instruments. Instead of forcing them to learn about melodies and harmonies, young drummers learn about rhythm from a young age. This sets them up for success in other instruments.

If you’re worried about the noise that comes from your student learning to play the drums, consider purchasing an electric drum kit. These allow children to plug in headphones and practice without all the noise.

Voice

Don’t forget: your body is an instrument too! Voice lessons are a great way to get your child started in music, as many children enjoy singing, and you don’t have to purchase any tools. All your child needs to start learning voice is their own voice.

In an ensemble, your child will learn more about melody, harmony, and teamwork. In individual voice lessons, your student will learn more about exercises that fit their voice and potentially more in-depth music theory.

Guitar

The guitar is so popular among children because, chances are, many of their favorite songs involve the guitar. They can be purchased at just about any store for a reasonable price. Once your child knows a few cords, they can play a wide variety of songs.

The problem with the guitar, however, is the physical dexterity involved. When your child starts to learn guitar, they have to go through the process of developing callouses on their fingers. Start with nylon strings, as they aren’t as rough on your child’s fingers. If you think the guitar might be too wieldy for your child, start with the ukulele.

Follow their lead

Before enrolling your child in music classes, find out what it is they’re interested in. Choose the instrument that is most suited to their wishes to that you can be confident they’ll be happy in class, and as a result, keep up with the instrument.

Music teaches creativity and discipline to children of all ages. At the Nebu J. Issabey Music Program, our tutors light a spark in your child that encourages them to excel. Our private tutors offer lessons in piano, violin, viola, cello, woodwinds, and brass instruments.  For more information on the program, call us at 224-935-2366.