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