Back to school approaches, and a question for many parents is: What instrument should my child play in beginning band or orchestra? Learning an instrument and playing in an ensemble is an exciting opportunity for any child. However, determining what instrument a child should learn requires careful thought to ensure the best possible experience. Let’s unpack some basic information, then look at things to consider when choosing an instrument that best fits your child.
Band and orchestra are not the same thing! If your child will be in a beginning band program, the instruments they can choose from will include flute, clarinet, alto sax (woodwinds); trumpet, trombone, baritone/euphonium, tuba (brass); and snare drum/bells (percussion). Some programs allow beginners on other instruments such as oboe, bassoon, or French horn; however, more often, students switch to these after studying one of the instruments listed above for a year or two. If your child will be in a beginning orchestra, they will be choosing violin, viola, cello, or perhaps string bass (a.k.a. double bass). Guitar, ukulele, keyboard, and drum set are not beginning band instruments and are likely not offered as part of the band or orchestra program.
Here are six factors to consider as you and your child make a decision:
1. What kinds of sounds did your child like when instruments were demonstrated? What kind of music does your child know and enjoy?
It is a great idea for you and your child to review a video such as the Cleveland Orchestra’s Choose Your Instrument series or the US Army Field Band’s Instrument Demonstration for Beginning Band to illustrate the sound and aspects of instruments you are considering. Higherpitched instruments include the flute, trumpet, bells, and violin. Midrange instruments include the clarinet (though it can move into higher ranges as well), viola, and alto saxophone. Lower-pitched instruments are trombone, euphonium/baritone, cello, tuba, and string bass. Brass instruments are loudest, woodwinds next, and strings the quietest. If your child is familiar with different musical genres, consider this as well. Is your child set on playing jazz in the future? Saxophone, trumpet, or trombone may be good choices. Do they have a classical background on piano, or want solo opportunities? Flute, clarinet, or a string instrument may be the direction to look.
2. What kind of personality does your child have? Do they like being front and center, or do they prefer being in the supporting cast?
Flute, clarinet, trumpet, bells, and violin play the melody most often, and this is appealing to many young players. A young saxophonist won’t play the melody as often in a beginning band. The lower instruments provide the foundation that all other sounds in the band or orchestra are built upon and can fit students who like that role. Viola is critically important to the orchestra, but because of its alto voice and its use of a different musical clef, it’s a less popular choice than the better-known violin. But for a student who likes something a little different and enjoys harmony parts, it can be a terrific fit. If your child likes to be heard, a brass instrument can be a good choice. Percussion can be an option for a child who would like to learn to play many different instruments over time and who is a kinesthetic learner.
3. What musical experience does your child already have? Do they already play an instrument such as piano? Did they love learning the recorder?
If your child has studied piano and already reads music to some degree, this can influence instrument choice. If they plan to continue piano study seriously and want to play in beginning band as well, percussion can be a good choice. The existing rhythmic background and ability to read treble clef can make learning beginning percussion instruments relatively easy. Young pianists may also gravitate to instruments traditionally seen as a little harder to start physically, such as violin and flute, as they will be able to concentrate on instrument mechanics instead of learning music reading fundamentals. If your student has been told they have a good ear, any of the string instruments is a choice to consider. If your student loved learning recorder, clarinet or flute may be a natural extension for them. If all that finger work turned them off, trumpet or baritone may be better.
4. What physical characteristics does your child have that may influence success on a given instrument?
Playing an instrument is a physical activity, and physical characteristics can make a difference in success. If you know your child will be having braces on for an extended period of time in the next year or two, choosing clarinet over flute or trombone/euphonium over trumpet may give them a better chance of less discomfort and more success. A very small child will find the alto saxophone or euphonium to be a heavy lift at first—though it’s important to remember that kids grow and instruments don’t. If your child tries on a particular instrument and the teacher recommends not pursuing that instrument (the student could not buzz on a trumpet mouthpiece, for example), it is important to listen to that counsel as it likely reflects something in their physical makeup that will make a particular instrument a poor fit.
5. What are the entry costs for a particular instrument?
The least expensive instruments to rent are flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, snare/bell kit, violin, and viola. Alto saxophones, French horns, baritones, and cellos are more expensive to rent due to their size. It may be difficult to rent a tuba, oboe, or bassoon; if your child will be starting on one of these, find out whether the school has instruments to lend. If you are considering saxophone and the cost or size of the instrument is an issue, it is highly recommended to consider having your child start on clarinet for a year or two. The entry expense is lower, the size is more manageable, and making a switch from clarinet to saxophone is actually quite easy once a solid foundation has been laid. Some programs do not even offer saxophone in the beginning band for this reason. Clarinets and saxophones do require the purchase of reeds throughout the year.
Rentals are almost always the right choice for a beginner. There are two major mistakes involving cost that parents should avoid: First, it is unwise to insist a beginner play a particular instrument only because you have access to that instrument from a family member who played it years ago. If using a preowned instrument, make sure to have it checked out by a music store well in advance of the start of the school year so that the instrument can be repaired and ready in time for use. Recognize that the expense of repairs, replacing mouthpieces, and outfitting with the basic accessories may exceed the cost of a rental. Second, follow the recommendations of your music teacher for finding instruments to rent or purchase. There are new instruments available for sale at unbelievably low prices at box stores and online. The problem with these instruments is that they are cheaply made, often do not work well out of the box, and are not repairable due to their initial lack of quality. Every year, teachers see students fail who could have succeeded when these types of instruments are purchased. Work with your music teacher to find a quality used instrument if you wish to purchase rather than rent in the first years.
6. What practice limitations might your child have?
Practice is required for success in learning any new skill. Unless your child is in a band program that meets daily, there will be an expectation of home practice. Muscle memory has to be built in order for the student to succeed. Limitations of the practice space are real as well and should be considered as you and your child make your choice of instrument. How much space is there for your child to practice in? If space is tight, a smaller instrument may be best. What is an acceptable noise level within the home—especially if there are shared walls? Consider quieter instruments if this is of concern. How many days a week is realistic for your child to do the necessary 15–20 minutes of practice? Those who play the melody instruments often need to be comfortable with more notes and rhythms sooner than other students, making a harmony (lower-pitched) instrument a choice to consider if practice time will be at a premium.
Your school band or orchestra director is your very best resource as you embark on this journey with your child. They will do everything they can to help your child have a wonderful experience learning a musical instrument. And of course, a reputable company like J.W. Pepper will be a trusted resource for the method books and accessories your child will need.
