Music Learning

Almost any parent would love to give their child the benefit of a musical instrument education. Despite best efforts, sometimes it simply can’t happen. When a home budget is stretched tight, there is little room for extras – however, learning a musical instrument is worth it for your child if you are able to make it happen.

Toddlers and Music

Toddlers are at a great age for percussion instruments. We know all-too-well, if it is loud and noisy toddlers, will usually love it. Given this developmental opportunity, parent can offer small, inexpensive drums, tambourines, triangles or maracas.

At this age, such instruments don’t have to be the real McCoy, nor are formal lessons necessary. A number of toddler brands offer these as toys – certainly an upgrade for mere pots and pans. Since they are built both durable and washable, the toy instruments serve as enjoyable options.

Beyond the Drums

When your child has grown some and is ready for something more serious, recorders are a great choice. These instruments are relatively inexpensive, most coming with an instruction CD or booklet.

The booklet will show your child proper fingering technique and normally contain simple arrangements of common songs as well as scales. Going this route will ease your child into music without breaking your bank account.

Recorders serve as a good first step instrument, helping your child master rhythm and timing before moving on to bigger instruments. Additionally, they are priced quite affordably for the constrained budgets.

Facing the Music

Before investing in an instrument, you and your child need to have an honest conversation. Let himher know if you have concerns about them simply quitting if the learning experience becomes too difficult – and be up front if money invested in an instrument is your sticking point.

This may not be an easy conversation – even with a child – but heshe needs to hear the truth to help you assess longer-term motivation to play. Together you can work out a plan. If that plan includes waiting for some stretch of time, this may serve as an opportunity for your child to save up money for their own instrument – at least to pay for part of it so there is a financial investment on both sides.

In the meantime, when your child’s musical desire is genuine, try to build a savings account for an instrument that truly grabs their interest. Hopefully, when a sufficient amount is saved, your child can select an instrument that makes all involved happy.

Musical instruments can be expensive – any stop at a musical store or website will make obvious the financial investment involved. Consequently, this makes it tough for struggling families to accommodate their child’s dream. But patience, planning and a little, uh, pluck can have your child playing in due time. (Ok, that was bad…)