For most people, music is something wonderful and for many, it is probably one of the most exciting and irreplaceable aspects of their lives. Listening to music has a calming or exhilarating effect on us, depending on the occasion. Beyond just listening, many people dedicate themselves to learning to play an instrument, an activity that is highly recommended as it brings numerous benefits.
It doesn’t matter what level you reach; strumming a guitar can often help relieve stress, and the same goes for playing the piano, a wind instrument, or percussion. Whether or not it becomes a career, knowing how to play an instrument gives you the opportunity to gather with other musicians and share hours of fun in a rehearsal room. This kind of activity relieves tension and acts as a stress-relief therapy.
These benefits can be experienced at any age, and engaging children in learning an instrument from an early age is an excellent way to help them grow.
Music and Children
Music also has a beneficial effect on infants and young children. Numerous studies show that listening to music during pregnancy has a relaxing effect on the fetus, making the delicate gestation period more pleasant. A 2016 study conducted by the Brain & Creativity Institute demonstrated that listening to music at an early age contributes to the development of the brain and cognitive functions, specifically aiding areas responsible for language learning and reading skills development. (Publication: Habibi, A., Cahn, R., Damasio, A., & Damasio, H. (2016). Neural Correlates of Accelerated Auditory Processing in Children Engaged in Music Training, Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, 21, 1-14.)
Beyond passive listening, even very young children and infants can be introduced to active musical practice through instruments tailored to different age groups. Undoubtedly, the first steps into the world of music can be taken through percussion. Striking a surface to produce a sound does not require particular skills and has an immediate effect. If you give a baby a small drum, you’ll see how quickly they start to enjoy hitting it; even if it’s disorganized and not rhythmic, their approach to percussion will be immediately enjoyable.
There are workshops dedicated to children that foster musicality and serve as an introduction to actual instrument learning. In these workshops, children use percussion instruments such as drums, maracas, cymbals, bongos, melodic percussion like xylophones, small wind instruments like trumpets or kazoos, and even electronic instruments like keyboards. These are the typical musical instruments for introducing children to music education.
To get started, you can find instrument sets suitable for children aged 1 to 3 years, ideal as gift ideas that contribute to their growth. Usually, the process begins with letting children express themselves in their own way, then gradually guiding them toward more structured and musical results.
Many videos available on platforms like YouTube demonstrate how natural it can be for children to start learning an instrument. We’re not talking about prodigies, but about learning, practice, and fun. Some children may have a greater aptitude for music, especially if they are surrounded by musicians and instruments, but dedication and enjoyment are crucial.
Musical Instruments and Child Development
Professional musicians or enthusiasts often have a clear idea of how to introduce their children to music and know which instruments are best suited for beginners.
Parents with no background in music but who want their children to start early can opt for toy instruments, which are suitable for toddlers up to 2-3 years.
From ages 4 to 10, if the child shows interest, you can transition to smaller-sized versions of traditional instruments that are no longer just toys. These include small guitars and basses, mini drum kits, and keyboards with mini keys. These instruments, while smaller, produce good-quality sounds that encourage children to continue learning.
Early instruments must be scaled-down because children’s hands aren’t capable of handling standard-sized instruments. However, many children today start playing full-sized instruments by the age of six or seven. Getting used to larger keys or strings early on can develop finger flexibility, which is a great advantage in adulthood.
Besides traditional instruments, there are also electronic synthesizers designed for children. These bridge the gap between toys and real musical instruments, sometimes even used by adults for composing music or live performances. Examples include the Blipblox, designed to introduce children to electronic synthesis. Its interface is intuitive, allowing for chaotic or organized musical results as children learn the cause-and-effect relationships between controls.
Similarly, the Dato DUO, a 12-bit monophonic synthesizer, features a unique pyramid shape that allows two people to play simultaneously. This enables two children or a parent and child to make music together. Both synthesizers have a significant advantage: they can be used with headphones, letting children experiment freely without disturbing others.
The two most desired instruments among children are guitars and drums. While these instruments are traditionally acoustic and are often the best starting point for learning (such as a classical guitar or an acoustic drum kit), they also have electric or electronic counterparts that allow for headphone use, minimizing household noise. Amplifiers for electric guitars or basses typically have a headphone output, and there are numerous electronic drum kits with rubber pads specifically designed to be quiet when hit with drumsticks. This ensures that children can start making music without disturbing the household or neighbors—especially during the early days when their first performances might not sound all that pleasing.
These instruments are a perfect solution and represent a fantastic way to encourage children to enjoy music from a very young age. This engagement might even pave the way for a future career in music.
Of course, beyond the instrument itself, guidance from a teacher or specialized school will eventually be needed. Additionally, there are tools to help children learn, such as apps for learning musical instruments, like guitar apps, which can be used alongside adults. Even video games like Guitar Hero can help children develop musical skills like rhythm and coordination.