Most experts agree that when it comes to learning music, it's better to start young. If you want to give your child the best possible chance of becoming the next musical prodigy, you’ll want to consider introducing them to an instrument from anywhere between four and seven years old.
Of course, some instruments just aren’t suitable for players of this age. Have you tried handing a four-year-old a cello? Luckily, there are a number of specially designed pieces for this early and vital stage in your child’s musical journey. We've rounded up seven of the best for you to take a look at today. Let's go!
Xylophone
When it comes to perfect instruments for small children, you don't get much better than the Xylophone. It's super easy to make sounds on, and therefore a fantastic way for your child to get their head around combining different notes to make actual music. There are dozens of inexpensive (and colourful) xylophones out there made specifically for kids, too.
Take a look at some options here.
Recorder
the recorder is a wonderful first instrument for kids. It’s so easy to pick up, and the skills learned on it also help players to step up into more complex woodwind instruments, such as the clarinet. They can also be brought very cheaply: it's easy to get a recorder for well under £10, but if you do want something a little nicer you can pay more and get some really rather handsome pieces. Just be aware that younger kids are more likely to break those high-end recorders!
Take a look at some options here.
pCorder is the world's first carbon-neutral and antimicrobial recorder for beginners. It even comes in a sustainable cardboard box for life to make carrying it around a breeze!
pBuzz
The pBuzz is by far the easiest way for kids to start their trombone journey. It's durable, hassle-free, and a genuinely fun first step on the road to learning an instrument that makes developing a good technique and making those all-important first sounds so much easier. It's also under £20, making it a seriously low-risk investment at under £20!
Keyboard
The keyboard might not be the best option for kids on the younger end of the four-seven spectrum, but it could be a worthy investment once they've gotten to a point where they're really understanding how to string together notes and make music.
Most electric keyboards these days are really quite easy to use and have lots of built-in learning tools designed to help first-time players master specific songs and chords.
Take a look at some options here.
Ukulele
Again, we probably wouldn't give a ukulele to a four-year-old. But if they're around six and up, it's definitely worth grabbing them one to see how they get on with it - especially since it's not that hard to find a ukulele for around £20.
While it does play and sound quite differently from a guitar, kids will pick up a lot of the same techniques. Although to be very clear, the ukulele is a fantastic instrument to learn in its own right, and not just a stepping stone to something else.
Take a look at some options here.
For classroom teachers in the UK, the pUkulele is the innovative instrument designed to make playing the ukulele simple.
Bongos
Percussion instruments are among the easiest to jump straight in and get started with, and bongos are a great option for anyone looking to become a rhythm section master - especially if you don’t have the space or funds for a full-on drum kit! Bongos also work brilliantly in almost any group session, making it a brilliant instrument to play with friends.
Take a look at some options here.
pBugle
The pBugle is, simply put, the perfect place to get started for any kids looking to learn the trumpet. It's affordable, comfortable, easy to use, and will build essential music skills that can be transferred to any number of other instruments - even if your child suddenly decides the trumpet isn’t the best fit for them.
Find Out More
Feel free to browse through our comprehensive learning guide, or take a look at the full range of pInstruments to see if there might be a better fit for you. And if you still feel you need to do a little more research, check out the following articles:
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