Musical instruments.
 

My 4 year old is fascinated with musical instruments, mostly drums and piano. My wife plays the piano but hasn't done so in over 15 years. I play several instruments myself, harmonica, clarinet, Chinese flute.

I'm not sure about getting a drumset or a piano for him. Money isn't a big issue but I'm afraid he may lose interests after a couple of weeks. When and how do you instruduce young children to musical instruments?

as early as they're willing.

I started when I was 5.

Just don't make the mistake my folks did and turn practice time into work. They'd set a timer and make me sit there sawing away for an hour a day - got to where I no longer enjoyed music and instead dreaded having to take an hour off of other stuff to play. And before they started that policy, I'd play the thing at least 3 hours a day, just not all at the same time. Ruined the violin for me.

Fortunately, I have lots of other instruments I still play ;)

I agree with shakran, but also if I might add, make sure you let him choose what he wants. My family stuck me with the clarinet (a wonderful instrument, but not my thing) and I was forced to play it for 5 years. I never want to touch one again. But once I started learning the instrument I wanted, the bodhran, I was happy beyond belief. I even carved me own tipper. :-P

~Liz

Alright, as an experienced older sister...

Not the drums!

Really. Yes, bands are always looking for drummers, so he'll always be popular if he's even half decent, but you as a parent will never ever read peacefully again. Drums are louder than you'd think.

Mind you, music is an excellent way to increase creative and positive thinking. And most musicians are very intelligent. Get him an instrument, just not the drums. Or the piccolo... :crazy:

If he shows a little bit of interest in piano, I say go for a keyboard. You can change instrument sounds so it will keep it interesting AND...they usually have a headphone jack ;)

This is a great way for a child to start. The piano is one of the best ways to understand how music works and it will help him in the long run if we wants to pursue music to a grander scale.

Definitely let him take it at his own pace. It needs to remain fun in order for him to stick to it. If it becomes work, he will likely lose interest.

Pay close attention to his progress. If it turns out that piano/keyboard is not for him, have him try something else. Be supportive of his skills, let him know he's doing well and that you're proud of him. Encouragement is such a positive influence.

How exciting! If I ever have kids, I hope they express an interest in music :)

Good luck!

We have music schools over here that offer a program called KindiMusic. It's really good because all the instruments are there and the children get to swap and play with them all in a fun and relaxed manner. Are there any programs available like that in your area?

The concept is great because there is no pressure and the child can explore different instruments. If you see a leaning towards a specific instrument you could persue it, otherwise if it's a passing phase, you haven't lost out on making an instrumental investment. :)

I'm also leaning toward a nice keyboard, I can play it lya little (slow). I wanted to play sax in Jr. High but band director "assigned" me to play clarinet. I guess my bigger challenge isn't getting my 4 yr old's interests, but keeping my 2 yr old from fighting his brother for keyboard playing time. Looks like I might need to get a PC for the little one. :D :D

Buy kid instruments from Toys R Us or other such stores. Don't invest in the "real" thing until they are 4th or 5th grade, and then rent. My kids went through several instruments each. The fifth grader rented a violin last year and this year is playing flute. Thankfully we are able to let her do this as we have not invested a great deal of money in any one item.

Ditto sexymama.

Rentals are great as most places will let you apply the rental towards purchase if your kid is really interested. And if they want to change instruments as in the case of our 11 year old, they will usually transfer the account to the new instrument.

I think choosing a single instrument for a 5 year old can be risky. I second Seeker's suggestion of finding a music program for young children that exposes them to many instruments, and introduces them to melody, and rhythm. I suspect that a child who is introduced to music in a fun manner is more likely to develop a lifelong love of music.

I got a copy of Animusic, both my boys are fascinated by the animation / music. My 4 yr. old now knows piano, guitar, flute, xylophone, harp, cello, violin,trumpet and of course, drum. I asked him which one is his favorite and he answers "drum". He flips over the tupper ware and play them as drums, sometimes with bare hands and sometimes with a pair of chop sticks. I think I may look into a set of inexpensive digital drums for him. What do you guys think?

I think music at a young age is a wonderful Idea, but there is also no thing as a cheap set of digital drums! as I think someone else mentioned earlier try going to a toy store and getting a toy set to play with first. And also make sure the music stays fun!! When I was younger I wanted a guitar so bad, my parents made me save up my own money and purchase a guitar by myself (they chipped in a couple hundred at the end). I think I was 13 or so when I got my first guitar, I saved all my money for a year to get that baby! I still play guitar to this day. When the other kids saw I played the guitar they all wanted one too so their parents went out and got them all guitars, they ended up playing for less than a year before the guitars became dust collectors. I know your kid is alittle young now, but as soon as they are able to earn some of there own money (babysitting, Alowance, chores) then make them WORK towards getting there own instrument, this will ensure that they apreciate it.