Best First Instruments for a 6 Year Old
You feel like it’s time! Your child is old enough to start learning a musical instrument! Maybe they’ve shown a little interest in learning, or maybe this is the age you started learning your first instrument. Maybe you’ve read about the benefits of playing a musical instrument, and you are excited for your child to have that experience.
Whether your child is 5, 6, 7, or older, you need to ask yourself,
Why do you want your child to start learning an instrument?
- They have asked to play a particular instrument. If this is the case, I recommend allowing them to learn that! Some people believe that everyone should start on the piano. Really though, your child can learn music theory with any instrument. The best first instrument is the one they are most excited to play. Let them play what they choose, and they’re more likely to enjoy it! I’ll share my experience with that, and how to get started on some good first instruments.
- They aren’t asking about any instrument in particular, but YOU know the benefits of playing a musical instrument, and you want your child to have that experience. If you need a little help deciding what to start with, this article is for you!
Our top picks for a 6 year old’s first instrument:
Read on to find out why!
Every child is different.
As parents, we learn over and over again that our children are unique people with their own interests and personalities. As much as we try to mold them, the best we can do is present them with experiences and allow them to discover what sparks them with joy.
I grew up in a musical home of seven children.
All of us sing and play one or more instruments. The oldest kids started out with the violin (Suzuki method) and piano when we were 5 or 6 years old. While we did take lessons as long as we enjoyed them, we were never pushed to play an instrument we weren’t interested in. My older brother loved the violin and still plays it, while the rest of us found our favorite instruments later on.
I am grateful my parents allowed us to find true joy in music, rather than making it a chore.
My dad travelled the world playing guitar for the BYU Folk Band in college, and he was always excited to introduce new instruments to us. I can clearly remember the day was he brought home a mandolin. I was 7 years old, and it instantly clicked with me! I have smaller hands (especially as a kid) and it was just the right size. I absolutely loved the sound of it, and how special it seemed to have such a unique instrument. I took some lessons to get me started when I was little, and then taught myself from there. The mandolin is still “my” instrument.
I also wanted to play the flute when I was in elementary and middle school, and my parents were supportive of that. In high school, I wanted to take piano lessons again, and I’m glad I did it at a time when I was sincerely interested.
When my little sister, Madelyn was about 10, my dad brought home a banjo. He always dreamed of her playing it in our family bluegrass band. However, she couldn’t stop thinking about playing the cello. She started orchestra in 5th grade, and eventually graduated with a degree in cello performance.
My oldest sister, Melanie, played the piano and violin for a little while, but her true love for playing an instrument didn’t come until high school, when she learned how to play the guitar and started writing songs. This began our journey as the band Firefly. We love combining the sounds of the guitar, cello, and mandolin.
My younger siblings have picked up the ukulele, guitar, drums, and piano. While none of us have mastered the banjo yet, we have so much fun playing music together when we get the chance!
And remember how my dad played in the BYU folk band? He learned guitar in college BECAUSE the folk band needed a guitarist! It’s never too late!
I share these family stories to illustrate how every child (and adult) is different! The best thing you can do is expose your child to different instruments, so they can discover what they like. That might happen when they’re 6, 16, or 60.
If they don’t stick with the same instrument for the entire life, they haven’t failed, and neither have you as a parent! Remember that they do not need to be a child prodigy to enjoy all the benefits of playing a musical instrument.
That being said, starting them on any instrument is a great way to start their musical journey! Here are some that I think are GREAT choices for a 6 year old.
You can have them be part of the process by taking them to concerts and recitals, showing them videos of different instruments, and taking them to music stores to see what peaks their interest.
Ukulele
This seems like such an easy choice because it’s already kid-size! The strings are nylon, which makes them softer and easier to press down. Many chords can be played with one or two fingers, so your child can be encouraged by getting a beautiful sound right from the beginning.
Soprano Ukuleles are the smallest. Ukuleles come in many bright colors, and if you think your child would like that, go for it! Personally, I think instruments that look and feel real are the way to go for kids. If it looks like a toy, they’re more likely to treat it like one. If it looks like an instrument, they’ll feel like a musician.
While plastic ukuleles might be fun for toddlers, I’d definitely buy them a wooden one if you’re serious about your 6 year old learning to play. You really don’t need to buy a fancy one though – save that for when they decide they want to keep playing! There are plenty of great wooden options for a decent price. Mahogany has the best sound, and this kit comes with everything you need to get started.
Mandolin
Most people don’t think of this one, but my (biased) opinion is that the mandolin is a perfect starter instrument for a child! Like the ukulele, they can learn to read tablature (a little easier than sheet music), learn rhythm by strumming, and enjoy the unique sound and feel of their instrument. When I was little, I loved telling people what a mandolin was (to be honest, I still do)! Most people don’t know, so it was fun to feel like an expert just by knowing how my instrument worked.
Bluegrass music follows repetitive patterns, which also makes the mandolin a great choice for kids. And they don’t always have to stick with bluegrass – the mandolin can be used in country, folk, pop, and alternative songs now as well. I would start out with a lightweight flat-back, since it’s easiest to hold. This one from Guitar Center would be perfect.
Violin
Many people choose the violin as a starter instrument, and for good reasons. It is fun to play, and violins come in a wide variety of sizes, so you can find one just right for your kid. Typically, a 5-7 year old would begin with a 1/4 size, like this beginner set.
You’ll need to be extremely patient and supportive if you do choose the violin, because the sound isn’t always pleasant at the beginning. But don’t let that discourage you – if your child does stick with it, it is one of the most beautiful and versatile instruments! And if they don’t, it can still help them learn other instruments later on. Just make sure to find a great teacher, since there is a lot of technique involved.
If you are considering the violin, you might also consider other stringed instruments such as the cello or viola. They also come in small sizes and will be about the same level of difficulty.
Drums
I think I’m going to get my son in drum lessons sometime soon (he is turning 6 this year). My parents used to have a drum set in their basement, and he could not get enough of it. Every time we go to a music store, he gravitates straight to the drums. I know my son’s personality, and that when he is interested in something, he will throw himself into it. When he isn’t, he gets discouraged pretty quickly. So I am glad he has an instrument he’s excited about!
Drums can be tricky because they take up more space, and they are loud, so you’ll need to make sure your neighbors don’t mind! Luckily, drum sets for kids are smaller, so you’ll just need a free corner.
Good drum sets can also be a bit pricier. Right now, we have a little second-hand set that he plays around with. But if he decides he really wants to learn, my pick would be this drum set based on the price and quality. For me, the most important thing is that the set has all the pieces in the correct placement (and sounds decent). Some kids sets come without a snare, which is a really important part of playing the drums.
Another option, if sound or space is an issue, is to get an electric set. These can be pricey as well, but this one looks nice, and you don’t have to worry about the noise while they learn!
Piano
Ah, the piano! It makes such a great first instrument because it is so visual. Every note is separate, with a clear high end and low end. Your child will start learning to read sheet music, and can enjoy playing simple songs on the piano from the very start.
Their excitement for the instrument might come in waves, but it will be a skill they can use their whole life (even if they only learn the basics). If you don’t own a piano or have room for one in your home, you can purchase a keyboard for them to practice on.
Hopefully you already have a piano or keyboard, or access to one, because unfortunately, good ones not cheap. I would highly recommend a weighted keyboard. Preferably with all 88 keys, but a smaller one will definitely still work for beginners. You can look on OfferUp or Facebook Marketplace for used options.
“Weighted” means the keys feel like a real piano, rather than bouncing back up immediately after they are played. This has a big impact on the way you play, which is why I think weighted keys are so important.
The best weighted keyboard I can find is this one, made by the trusted brand Yamaha. Don’t be too enticed by all of the bells and whistles on many keyboards! Unless your child plans to get into electronic music, they won’t need their piano to make so many different sounds.
Good luck!
I hope this post was helpful for you in choosing the first instrument for your 6 year old. Whatever instrument you choose, help your child have fun with it! Let us know what you decide! What other instruments would you add to this list?
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