Comments on: Musical Instruments For Children

By: Music Teacher

Music Teacher — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:12:27 +0000

Terrific post. Sometimes a band teacher’s choice of instrument for a child does not mesh exactly with the parent’s idea of what’s best, but I think it’s important for families to put their trust in the teacher’s expertise. Important but often difficult tightrope to walk.

By: music teacher

music teacher — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 11:09:31 +0000

Great advice!

Most band directors have the ability to know what instrument is best for an individual. Yet, parents must also assure that they understand why does a music director have chosen a particular instrument for their child.

Thanks for sharing.

By: Musical Surgeons

Musical Surgeons — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 06:53:44 +0000

If the child is happy to play the selected instrument, you should have no complain. But if your child doesnot like playing it, then you must consult with the director.

By: anonymous

anonymous — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 14:53:49 +0000

i think that if the child enjoys the instrument then you shoul let her play it, even if its not the instrument that you wanted the child to play. If you really wanted the child to play it, why not teach them yourself?

By: Rod

Rod — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 03:04:37 +0000

Hi just a quick response to your question,
I believe it would be logical for the person who knows the students abilities, family finances and importantly the likelyhood that the students on going commitment warrants an expensive instrument or simply a student model, should be the one helps select it. Probably the students tutor would most likely suffice.
Im sure not many band directors have time to run all over town helping student select instruments.
Bye for now
Rod murray

By: Kenleta

Kenleta — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 02:59:27 +0000

Excellent letter. My husband has been a band director for 35 years. And he considers all those factors plus works with parents who may not be able to rent an instrument and sometimes suggest a student play a large instrument like the tuba or french horn. Their school have those instruments available to borrow from the school district

By: Karen

Karen — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 02:58:53 +0000

Dear Janice,
I would just like to make a comment on the question posted.
I taught piano for 25 years and also taught class music in primary schools for 10 years.
In my experience a band director needs to ensure they have all the instruments they need to create the overall effect they want and each instrumental part fulfilled.
Unfortunately sometimes the need to fill an instrumental ‘void’ may lead to a little persuasion to be able to require that instrument in the band.
My suggestion would be to make sure that her child is completely happy with the choice presented. – This is the most important factor! If they are not, then discussions with the band director are required to resolve the problem so that her child can feel happy about the decision and ultimately enjoy being in the band.
I good band director can re-write parts for other instruments to fill any ‘gaps’ in the compositions. If they are committed to the children enjoying the whole band experience then they should happilly do that.
Karen Van Elk

By: Claudia

Claudia — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 02:58:14 +0000

I think your response to the question was excellent. You have no way of knowing why the band director didn’t let the child play the instrument he/she wanted to. It could have been a physical problem such as a tear drop lip and flute, too small fingers and clarinet, no sense of rhythm and percussion, etc. I hope it wasn’t because the band director had too many of that instrument. If a child desperately wants to play a certain instrument, the balance in the band can be worked out in other ways. I appreciate your emails and information.
Thanks,
Claudia

By: Jenny

Jenny — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 02:55:36 +0000

Dear Janice,

First suss out what is available in the area and what the teachers are like(if possible). When you have a list of possibilities, let your child hear and see the possible instruments, and guage the interest shown. Thirdly know your child’s mental and physical capabilities, and help them to choose. e.g. piano is a tough call if a child is not well co-ordinated, but it is manageable if a teacher can keep them interested and working, and is not impatient for them do do music exams before they are ready. Remind parents that a keyboard and a piano are totally different and a child who starts piano lessons on a keyboard needs to change to a piano (or digital piano) as soon as they are showing real enthusiasm. If possible ask local teachers if a lesson or to can be observed before a choice is made. This will obviuosly depend on the individual teachers. Remind parents that this choice is so important, and that they should be prepared to be involved, encouraging practice in a warm friendly environment, with regular encouragement and help with HOW to practise, and playing games (like yours) in the early couple of years.

By: Margaret

Margaret — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 02:49:23 +0000

Hi Janice. I read your article and I agree with what you have written. It’s important for the child to be happy with what they are playing but they can’t all have the instrument they first want, otherwise we could have 22 guitars and 1 violin! It’s important to work with the children in explaining why they have been allocated a certain instrument. They might find they like
it. I started 12 new children on Flute in a school allocation. 5 of them turned out to be very good and love playing it. 10 of the 12 decided to continue lessons. None of them would have thought of playing a flute if they hadn’t been allocated it. You never know!

Regards, Margaret