Instrument Choices

Choosing the right instrument for your child can often feel like a daunting task for both parents and learners. Questions such as "Can my 8 year-old play the saxophone?", "Is it too late for my 13 year-old to start learning the piano?", or "Is the trombone too large for my Year 2 daughter?" 

These questions are completely normal and common. With so many instruments available, it is natural to feel unsure. On this page, we aim to break things down into a few helpful points to consider, in the hope that it will support you and your child in making a confident, informed decision.

1. Level of Interest

One of the most important factors in choosing the right instrument is your child’s personal interest. Children are far more likely to practise regularly and make steady progress if they genuinely enjoy the sound of the instrument they are learning. If they’re not drawn to how an instrument sounds or feels, it can quickly become a chore rather than a joy.

Before committing, it’s essential to have an open conversation with your child about what excites them musically. Rather than choosing based on what’s available or what seems "practical", consider what they’re naturally curious about. Giving your child a say in the decision often leads to higher motivation and a greater chance of long-term success.

To help spark interest, you might attend live performances, watch online videos together, or even talk to their music teacher about the different instruments available. Listening to different styles and observing how instruments are played can give your child a better sense of what resonates with them — literally and emotionally!

2. Age and Physical Considerations

While many musical instruments are available in different sizes to suit younger learners, it’s still important to consider your child’s physical development when choosing what to play. Some instruments may be too heavy or large for a child to handle comfortably on their own, especially if they need to carry it to and from school. Instruments like the saxophone or cello, for example, may require adult assistance for transport and setup in the early stages.

Beyond size and weight, physical features such as hand size, finger span, arm length, or even dental structure (like an underbite or overbite) can influence how suitable an instrument is. For instance, a clarinet is relatively lightweight, but young children with small hands may struggle to cover all the tone holes properly, which can hinder sound production and technique. Similarly, the trombone requires a longer arm reach to move the slide effectively, which may not be ideal for every young learners. Therefore, a trial lesson can be a good idea to try out an instrument, or speak to the instrument teacher for advice. 

As a general guide, most students by Year 4 (around age 9) have developed the coordination and strength to begin learning most wind and brass instruments, including the saxophone. For younger children in Key Stage 1 or early Key Stage 2, starting with lighter and more accessible instruments such as the recorder, ukulele, violin, keyboard, or even singing can be a great way to build foundational skills before progressing to larger or more physically demanding instruments.

Ultimately, choosing an instrument that your child can manage physically will help prevent frustration and promote healthy playing technique from the start.

3. Popularity

If your child is interested in joining the band or orchestra, the popularity of instruments is an important factor to take into consideration. Music students who begin playing the most common instruments and pursue academic and professional careers in the future will be competing for the same few seats in orchestras, bands, and solo opportunities.

Examples of less popular instruments include viola, bass, French horn, and oboe. These instruments are consistently in high demand even at collegiate levels and often offer potential advantages in securing scholarship awards regardless of whether your child is a music major or not. 

4. Personality and Learning Style

Some instruments suit particular temperaments or learning preferences. For example, energetic and extroverted children might enjoy drums or brass instruments, which are loud and expressive, while quieter or detail-oriented learners may be drawn to piano or violin, which require patience and fine motor control. Consider your child’s personality — do they enjoy playing alone or as part of a group? Are they more creative and improvisational, or do they prefer structured, step-by-step learning?

5. Musical Goals and Interests

Think about what kind of music your child enjoys listening to. If they love pop and rock, they might enjoy guitar or drum kit. If they’re drawn to classical music, then piano, violin, or flute could be more appealing. If they dream of joining a jazz band or school orchestra, instruments like saxophone, trumpet, or clarinet offer many ensemble opportunities. Aligning the instrument choice with your child’s musical tastes can help keep them motivated.

6. Opportunities to Play with Others

Some instruments offer more opportunities to join ensembles or bands. For example, strings, woodwinds, and brass are in high demand for orchestras and school groups, while pianists often play solo unless they accompany others. If your child is keen to play in a group setting, choosing an ensemble-friendly instrument could be a big plus.

7. Start Simple, Switch Later

It’s worth remembering that your child’s first instrument doesn’t have to be their lifelong choice. Starting with a more accessible instrument — such as recorder, keyboard, or ukulele — can help build musical confidence, coordination, and reading skills. Many children switch instruments after a year or two, once they’ve developed more musical maturity and a clearer idea of what they enjoy.