Find the right instrument for your child

By Emily Kulkus, Special to The Sunday

Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014 | 2 a.m.

Helping a child select a musical instrument is a little like buying a car (without the monthly payment and heavenly new-car smell). You’ll want to try a few on for size to see what your child likes and what model best fits his or her body, interests and abilities.

And while you most likely wouldn’t buy a new car for someone who has never been behind the wheel, the same goes for a choosing a musical instrument. If you can expose your child to some hands-on musical experience before you head out shopping, your long-term investment will go that much further.

Jeff Brewer has been director of music education at Family Music Centers for 18 years. With stores in Henderson, Las Vegas and North Las Vegas, Brewer has talked to countless families over the past two decades and knows how important early musical decisions can be. He still remembers the Snoopy snare drum he received when he was 6 years old. He has been playing ever since. Here, Brewer offers tips on helping your child select the right musical instrument:

Talk to a pro

The people who work at music stores typically are musicians. They enjoy sharing their passion with others and are eager to help. The first questions Brewer asks involve interest and exposure. Does the child know what instrument he wants to play? Has he ever touched or played the instrument?

Size matters

A child’s age and size are essential in determining a good fit for an instrument. “Physical limitations can play in quite a bit, especially with anyone younger than 9 or 10,” Brewer said. “Hand size is also very important.” Consider whether your child is strong enough to hold the instrument or press down keys or strings. Remember, however, instruments can be modified. One of the best instruments for a young child (3 or 4 years old) is the violin. “A violin can come in a 1/32 size for a 2-year-old,” Brewer said. Ask a salesperson or teacher to measure your child to find the right size instrument.

It’s the sound, silly

Expose your child to how instruments sound when played. Borrow CDs from the library or turn on the radio to help your child identify the sounds of different instruments. YouTube can be a great resource to find something specific. Brewer said sound can be a powerful influence. “A student may find something a little challenging, but if they like the sound of it, they will overcome that,” he said. “If they really love it, they’ll keep working on it.”

Keep blowing out the candles

The more birthdays your child has had, the more wind power he or she should have. Woodwind instruments (clarinet, flute) are easier for younger children to blow and play than brass instruments (trumpet, tuba). “I haven’t seen anyone younger than 8 play the trumpet,” Brewer said. “You have to have a lot of blowing power.” If your young child is interested in woodwinds in general, consider a recorder.

Instruments are for playing

Give your child an opportunity to touch and try a variety of instruments. Let her pick up a saxophone, strum a guitar, tap away at a piano or blow a trumpet. Does she like the way it feels to hold and play? Family Music Centers hosts kid-friendly “instrument petting zoos” to let children touch, hold and play a variety of instruments.

Be realistic

Consider your lifestyle when choosing an instrument. Do you live in an apartment with neighbors nearby? Drums might not be the best option. Also, ask: Is the instrument one your child will want to carry around, back and forth to school or lessons?