Choosing a musical instrument to play

The ability to play a musical instrument is very fulfilling. There are no regrets. Choose an instrument and start learning.

Things You'll Need:

• Music Stands
• Jazz CDs
• Symphony Tickets
• Sheet Music
• Classical Music CDs
• Concert Tickets

Instructions

Step 1

Expose yourself or your child to the different instruments in the families of strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion.

Step 2

Attend local band or orchestra concerts with a knowledgeable friend. Bring your child. Talk afterwards about what was seen and heard.

Step 3

Listen to the timbres of different musical instruments and the different musical pieces and styles in which they are featured.

Step 4

Consider your physical restrictions when choosing an instrument. Some instruments, such as the sousaphone, may be too heavy or too large for a petite person, and some instruments may require longer fingers or certain facial dexterity.

Step 5

Have a professional music instructor help you analyze your potential. A professional will be able to assess facial, physical and even personal characteristics that may affect your choice of instrument.

Step 6

Set a budget for your musical instrument. Some instruments, such as French horn, tuba, bassoon and oboe, may be a bit on the pricey side, but school instrumental music departments usually have a small number of these instruments in their inventories.

Step 7

Try playing a few instruments by borrowing one from a friend, relative or acquaintance. Aptitude can be discovered this way.

Step 8

Keep your lifestyle in mind. If you intend to move around quite a bit or have very little space in your apartment, a grand piano or harp is not the best choice, whereas a guitar, clarinet or trombone is portable.

Step 9

Consider the social aspect. Band and orchestral instruments allow a person to participate in small and large performing groups. Piano can be rather isolating. Make a choice that gives you pleasure.

Tips & Warnings

• Music instructors may allow promising students the free use of school instruments.
• Music departments from your public school district and at local colleges and universities are an excellent resource for getting answers from qualified professionals.
• Private instruction is perhaps the best way to learn to play a musical instrument, but joining a band or ensemble will also speed your learning.
• Begin instrumental music study at the earliest age possible. A student who has had exposure to good music instruction - in a church or community choir or even at home - will most likely be able to pick up an instrument quite rapidly.
• Piano provides the basic musical preparation for a secondary and portable instrument.
• Switching to a different instrument within the same "family," such as brass, is easy and very common.
• When you're ready to purchase a musical instrument, the Internet is a great place to find discounts.