There is an instrument for every personality, and a student is more likely to feel at home with certain instrument/s.
Most parents want their kids to learn to play a musical instrument, but it is also important to pick up the right instrument for your child.
It’s not a great feeling if someone is forcing you to take piano lessons, and you despise it. In that case, it is really not going to take you too far.
For instance, you may want to play the guitar or drums, but your parents want you to play the piano, or just because your parents have read that learning to play the piano has a positive impact on the development of a child, they want you to play the piano.
Here are some suggestions from experts on what instrument a child should play based on their personality and physical characteristics.
Piano
What experts like about the piano is that it is a great instrument to provide a solid musical foundation. However, the piano is suited to those who are in general quiet, thoughtful, inquisitive, intelligent, and analytical. However, extroverts, those who love to have people around, may not find the piano appealing.
It’s best if students start on the piano at a young age. The instrument is physically and mentally demanding and the adaptability of young children really helps them to learn to play the instrument.
Those who learn the piano also find it easier to switch to another instrument later on, if they wish to.
Violin
The violin is another physically and mentally demanding instrument and it’s best if kids start early on this instrument.
The violin requires the use of certain types of arm muscles, which is easier for kids to develop (it can be awkward for adults to acquire it later). However, it doesn’t mean that you cannot larn to play the piano later on; but you’re probably not going to be Itzhak Perlman.
Experts believe quiet, well-behaved children who are happy to be part of a group are more suited to a violin.
Percussion
For the restless child, playing the percussion could be the perfect outlet for that extra energy. Percussion includes instruments such as drums, cymbals, maracas, wood-block, drum kit, xylophone and timpani.
Trumpet
More suited to extroverted children – the bold, dominant and ambitious ones; it also requires good hand-eye coordination. The trumpet is usually played as a lead instrument.Trombone
Artistic, quietly sociable and sensitive children usually enjoy playing the trombone. The trombone is even more fun if your child likes jazz.
Bassoon
When assembled, the bassoon is almost six-feet tall, so its not very easy to manage for a small child. Bassoon players generally tend to be responsive, outgoing, with a quiet sense of humor.
Oboe
The Oboe is an intricate instrument and requires players above average intelligence; some experts feel the oboe is ideal for the determined introverts.
Clarinet
Clarinet players like working in groups, but they are born leaders; they are bright, alert and sociable.
Flute
Flute requires good hand-eye coordination, and also requires strong lungs. While one would assume that flute players are the shy type (and many of them do enjoy their privacy), I have seen a lot of talkative players who play the flute well. So, experts seem to be divided here.
Bass Players
Bassists (and even bass guitar players) are usually mellow, and quite comfortable staying away from the limelight and are ok to hang out in the background.
Guitar
The guitar is suited more to the extrovert who loves to be around people, although the classical guitar can appeal to the introverts too. The steel strings can be a pain on the fingers, so start on nylon strings.
Saxophone
Saxophone is better suited for extroverts and is also a great instrument to develop your own unique style and for improvisation.
Closing Thoughts
This list showing the instrument to player’s personality match is more of a guideline, and to an extent, it is true. Having said that, there are always exceptions. Also, a lot of people who are shy and reticent in their younger days do open up a little as they grow up; so, if you’re not comfortable playing in a group (or solo) in your younger days, its quite possible that you may enjoy it when you grow up. And even if you pick up the wrong instrument (assuming you go by this list), a player will adapt their playing style based on their personality.
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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