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Recommended musical instruments for children's lessons

If you’re a parent with a young child, you probably want them to develop at least one thing they’re really good at, right?

The first things that come to mind are often instruments like the piano or violin.

But there are actually far more unique instruments out there.

We’ve picked out a variety of instruments, so be sure to check them out!

Recommended instruments for children’s lessons (11–20)

shamisen

a six-year-old playing the shamisen
shamisen

This is also a traditional Japanese instrument.

Unlike a guitar, it has no frets or position markers, so it looks very difficult at first glance, but once you get the hang of it, you can improve quickly! What would be called the neck on a guitar is called the sao (neck), and the places where you press the strings are called kankoro (stopping points).

How elegant that is.

koto

When it comes to traditional Japanese instruments that express the Japanese spirit with delicate tones, the koto comes to mind.

One thing that hasn’t changed from past to present is that when you hear “Spring Sea” played on that instrument, everyone slips into a New Year’s mood.

Through the instrument, one can also cultivate essential qualities as a person—such as manners and posture.

cello

Sho Nishida: Haydn Cello Concerto No. 1 in C major, 1st movement — Haydn Cello Concerto No. 1, 1st Movement, Sho Nishida
cello

The cello, an instrument like a larger violin, is a string instrument whose voice-like range gives a calm impression.

Although it may seem more minor than the violin, it is quietly popular as an instrument for children to learn.

It’s a recommended choice for those who dream of having their child participate in a junior orchestra, for example.

handbell

Handbell duet - Butterfly (Kaela Kimura)
handbell

Handbells were originally developed to perform hymns and other music in churches.

With handbells, several people play bells of different pitches to create a single piece of music.

It cultivates not only musical sense but also teamwork, so it’s highly recommended as an activity for children.

It’s hard to practice alone, but it might work well if you practice with your family.

clarinet

With its gentle tone and wide range, the clarinet is used in many genres.

It’s a versatile instrument not only in classical music but also in jazz and wind ensembles.

It’s a popular activity for adults, too, so it might be nice to give it a try as a parent-child pair.

recorder

Probably a wonderful world of recorders that you don’t know about
recorder

When we think of recorders, they’re a very familiar instrument from elementary school, but they are originally a profound instrument used in Baroque music and the like, and ensembles with them are truly beautiful.

They also serve as a good introduction to flute playing, so if you find school recorder classes unsatisfying, you might enjoy attending a dedicated recorder class.

Recommended instruments for children's extracurricular lessons (21–30)

Andes

Keyboard Recorder Andes 25F - Suzuki Musical Instruments Mfg. Co., Ltd.
Andes

The Andes, a keyboard recorder released by Suzuki Musical Instruments.

Its cute, chirpy tone reminiscent of a flute and the easy playability like a melodica make it perfect for children.

Its construction is almost the same as a melodica, but the range is narrower, so it might be well-suited for playing children’s songs and the like.

The standard color is green, but there are limited editions in other colors as well.