Musical Instruments for Kids Under 10
It is quite common to start young children on advanced instruments such as the piano, violin, or guitar. If a child sticks with lessons and practice, the end results of learning these instruments can reverberate into adulthood.
However, many children are easily frustrated by the mechanics involved in learning these instruments. Their small hands are unable to hold chord shapes, and their fingers aren’t long enough to stretch for the needed note. Additionally, the pressure of learning to read music is often too much for little wiggle worms who would rather be playing than sitting still on a piano bench or standing up holding a violin in little aching arms.
Consider starting your young child on musical instruments for kids that are smaller and more pressure-free to help introduce them into the world of music.
The quick success they are likely to receive from these instruments will keep them focused and excited to play, paving the way to more advanced instruments as they grow older.
Stringed Instruments for Kids: Ukulele
The ukulele is small, many chord shapes are simple, and its strings are made of plastic, making them easy on little fingers. Many simple tunes can be learned in very little time, enabling your little one to learn the basics of chord changes and rhythm while also building their confidence.
Bluesy Instruments for Kids: Blues Box Guitar
Not nearly as well known as the ukulele is the blues box guitar, (also known as the cigar box guitar). Its origins reach back to a time when instruments were not mass-produced, but handmade, making them very expensive.
Common folk, not wanting to be left out of the joy of making music, put their skills to use and developed ways to make music by utilizing what they had on hand. Thus, the cigar box guitar was born.
Many models only have 3 strings that are tuned to the open “G” chord, making even an open strum sound pleasant and in tune. This guitar is played with a slide, adding an extra layer of fun to learning!
Oral Instruments for Kids: Harmonica
While this may sound like a parent’s worst nightmare at first glance, the harmonica can turn your child’s mindless, blaring blowing into pleasant melodies with some simple instruction.
Once your child is taught how using their tongue to block off certain holes isolates certain notes and inhaling versus exhaling produces different pitches, a whole new world of musical development will open up.
Of course, if your child is not able to catch on, the harmonica can be quietly replaced by a less grating alternative.
Easy Instruments for Kids: Xylophone
The xylophone is a fairly common child’s toy, but take a little time to teach your little one some simple tunes and it can become much more than an addition to the playroom. If you are a musician yourself, have your child play along with you and watch them blossom into tiny musicians.
Rythym Instruments for Kids: Maracas
Maracas can increase motor skills in very young children and can easily be made from household goods such as sand or beans in an empty bottle. Maracas are very useful to teach a child to keep time and feel included in the joy of making music.
Harmonic Instruments for Kids: Hand Bells
Hand bells are sold in sets of diatonic tones that can easily teach your little one how to play in harmony with others. These hand bells are color-coded, so your musical child will know when to play their bell when they see the color displayed on the card of notation that can be included in some sets.
Play along with your child as they grow in their musical understanding of harmony and making music.
The benefits of creating music can be enjoyed by your child at any age. Try a few different instruments to see which your child responds to the most and let their creativity soar!
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