| You are looking to find an instrument for yourself, | | | | arms, and a child that is younger than fifth grade |
| or perhaps your child. You want to pick the right | | | | is probably too small for it. Kids with braces will |
| one, but it is so overwhelming! Woodwinds, piano, | | | | have a difficult time beginninga brass instrument, |
| brass,strings, and percussion, and that is just the | | | | as the pressure on their teeth will be painful. Think |
| groupings. How can you decide which instrument is | | | | about the size of the arms, hand, and mouth of |
| right for you? | | | | the person you are choosing and instrument for, |
| Do some Research | | | | and try not to force them into something that is |
| Here are few suggestions that will help you to | | | | too big or small for their build. |
| narrowdown the search. First, do some research | | | | Match with personality |
| into what the different instruments sound like. | | | | Next, think about the new musicians personality. A |
| You do not want to bestuck playing, or listing to | | | | quiet, shy young person is most likely not going to |
| someone play, aninstrument you cannot stand the | | | | be comfortable with a loud brass instrument. |
| sound of. Check out some orchestra CDs from | | | | Likewise, the tough football player would be |
| your local library, or go online to find sound clips of | | | | mortified playing the flute. Piano students need to |
| different instruments. Amusic teacher may be | | | | be capable of working on their own, while band |
| able to demonstrate the sound of some | | | | students need to enjoy working in groups. Think |
| instruments for you. Sergei Prokofiev's Peter and | | | | about your home environment too. |
| the Wolf is a great piece that showcases several | | | | Is there a place where the student can practice? |
| instrumental solos. | | | | If space is at a premium, choose a smaller |
| Try Some Out | | | | instrument. If there are close neighbors, think of |
| Once you have found a few sounds that please | | | | quieter instruments. |
| you, see if you can try some out. If you know | | | | Think about your budget. |
| someone who plays an instrument, ask them if | | | | The fact is, some instruments take more financial |
| you can try it. They may not want to let you put | | | | dedication than others. For instance, strings have |
| your mouth on their mouthpiece, but you can at | | | | to be upgraded as the student grows, whereas a |
| least hold the instrument and feel how it feels in | | | | brass instrument usually comes in one size. Also, |
| your hand. Also, if you are looking for an | | | | keep in mind the repairs the instrument will need, |
| instrument for your child, their school orchestra | | | | whether it be tunings for a piano, strings for a |
| teacher will most likely have some student models | | | | violin, or reeds for a clarinet. These considerations |
| they can try. Some music stores may be willing | | | | may help you decide between one or two once |
| to let you try an instrument. Keep in mind that | | | | you have narrowed it down. |
| you will not play a symphony on the first try, but | | | | The bottom line is, choose an instrument you can |
| you do want to have an instrument that feels | | | | see yourself or your child enjoying. Practicing an |
| somewhat comfortable in your hands. | | | | instrument is hard work, and in order for it to pay |
| When looking at an instrument, there are some | | | | off, you need to enjoy it. By taking time to |
| physical capabilities you need to consider. For | | | | choose your first musical instrument, you will |
| example, if you have tiny hands, you may have | | | | ensurethat you have made a choice you can stick |
| trouble reaching some chords necessary to play | | | | with until the final curtain call. |
| the piano. The trombone requires relatively long | | | | |