Finding the Right Instrument for You

Unsure of what instrument is right for you or your child? It’s a pivotal step in any musician's musical journey, whether you’re a beginner or you’re a seasoned musician looking to branch out into new sounds. Finding an instrument that resonates with you is crucial and we’re to help you! Here are some tips to help you find your new musical companion.

1. Personal Interest & Passion

The first thing to consider is what excites you when it comes to music. Do you or your child feel moved by the sounds of violins or do you find yourself intrigued with the rhythms played on the drums? This usually is an indicator of where the heart lies. One of the best ways to discover the right instrument for you is through the enthusiasm one has when encountering the instrument.

1. Goals
   

A large part of finding the right instrument for you or a loved one is considering your goals as a musician. When it comes to thinking of specific instruments, we want to consider the genre you are wanting to play. For example, many parents sign their child up for piano lessons and hope to hear many well-known classical tunes, such as Ode to Joy, Minuet in G, or Clair de Lune, all of which are wonderful & beautiful songs. But as a child gets older and starts to discover music that fits their personality and music taste, they may want to learn more popular music from Billy Joel or Elton John. If you’re wanting to learn something that fits a little bit more into rock music, then the guitar or bass may be the instrument for you! Yes, instruments can be played in a variety of genres, but consider what your goals are in your musical journey and be okay with those goals changing as time goes on.

1. Physical Considerations

Many instruments can pose a physical challenge for many people, which makes this another point in finding the instrument for you. But have no fear – many of the physical challenges can be overcome and we definitely believe that whatever physical challenges you face doesn’t stop you from becoming the best musician you can be. 

We want to consider multiple physical challenges with various instruments. For example, let’s take a look at wind instruments.

Wind Instruments:

Instruments such as the flute, saxophone, or trumpet require lots of air and good lung capacity. As a beginner, this will be a challenge, but as time goes on your lung capacity, airflow, and stamina will improve with practice. This may prove challenging for those with respiratory issues, but there have been studies showing that learning a wind instrument can help those with respiratory issues! Asthma patients were more aware of their breathing, enhanced their muscle strength, and helped their overall respiratory function! 

Another physical consideration is the size of the instrument. A great example of this would be the cello or double bass, which are both large string instruments. Make sure that you or your child are comfortable with the size of the instrument before committing to it, especially when it comes to transportation. Definitely be sure to give the instruments a try to get an idea of what it feels like playing it, but also when it comes to lifting it or carrying it.

1. Investment

Instruments have a wide range of costs depending on the instrument, the model, etc. What we suggest is to start with a beginner model, which is usually cheaper, when starting out learning an instrument. This way you can invest is better models down the line as you or your child become more advanced. Many places, Loud & Clear Music School included, offer rental programs which is a great way to give an instrument a try without the large upfront costs. 

Investing in an instrument is more than just the instrument itself, but also lessons. At Loud & Clear, we believe that lessons should be accessible for all, regardless of budget! Whether you’re interested in weekly or biweekly lessons, or you want to do a check up on your own instrument studies and send in a video for a teacher to give feedback, there’s something for everyone! Visit our website to learn more about what we have to offer! www.loudandclearmusicschool.com

Conclusion

Choosing an instrument is a very personal decision that includes many factors, including the few we covered today. Take time to explore the many options and you’ll see that there is an instrument for you! Seek advice from teachers and experienced musicians for any questions you may have. Just remember, playing an instrument should be an exciting and fulfilling adventure for you! Yes, there are times of doubt and struggle, but overall it should be a time for you to relax, enjoy yourself, and make art.