The standard response to this question is that all children should learn to play a musical instrument. The rehearsal process teaches discipline, performance teaches self-expression, and group studies teaches social interaction. Learning to play music at a young age can definitely benefit a child, as many professional musicians credit their early experiences with developing a life-long passion for music. Even if a child develops other interests later in life, the discipline required may come in handy in other circumstances.
The good news is that this is the case. Many parents don’t realize there’s another side to the musical instrument debate until it’s too late. Allowing a child to learn to play an instrument entails anticipating repetitive scales, loud noises, and frequently missed notes. Whether voluntarily or involuntarily, a child’s interest in an instrument, particularly one that is loud or amplified, is bound to involve the entire family. The rehearsal process is an important part of learning to play, but it’s not uncommon for one child’s rehearsal room to be a man’s den or basement.
Parents should also keep in mind that a good instrument is an investment, and a child’s interest in any project is notoriously fickle. Consider whether a child appears enthusiastic enough to learn a musical instrument for several years before allowing them to do so.
Families on a budget may want to consider taking music lessons on the family piano or purchasing a used instrument until the child’s interest can be determined. Purchasing a band instrument, such as a trumpet or clarinet, may also necessitate the purchase of band uniforms, travel expenses, and accessories.
Another factor to consider is the cost and accessibility of professional training. While contacting a local music store to find an affordable piano or guitar teacher may be simple, a child’s interest in an instrument for which local instruction is scarce may be more difficult. However, there are now a variety of self-help instructional materials available online or in larger music stores, so a child can teach himself the fundamentals of playing without needing formal lessons. Many schools offer extracurricular music programs and instruction, but parents should be aware that this may include picking up their children from practice and transporting them to out-of-town performances.
Children should be encouraged to experiment with various artistic mediums, such as music, theater, creative writing, and dance. Parents may want to consider taking a young child’s interest in a toy musical instrument to the next level if he or she shows a clear interest in it. However, pressuring a child to take up music for other reasons is rarely a good idea. Every child should be able to pursue a creative outlet based on his or her personal interests and skills, and if that creative outlet happens to be learning an instrument, parents should be aware that solid performance skills take time and practice. A parent’s role in the life of a young musician may be to encourage him or her to perform at a higher level.