What to Look for When Buying your Child’s first Wind Instrument

Does your young one have a desire to learn a musical instrument? Let them go for it.

Some of the most excellent musicians began their journey at a young age as child prodigies. This includes the likes of Niccolò Paganini and Wynton Marsalis. Wind instruments, in particular, are a favorite among children.

A wide range of wind instruments exists in the musical world. These include:

• Flute
• Clarinet
• Saxophone
• Trumpet

Understanding how these instruments work will aid in making a duly informed decision when purchasing your child’s first wind instrument. 

Below are the specifics of each wind instrument. These will help guide your selection and ensure your child has the best experience learning the instrument they love.

The sweet-sounding flute

A beginner flute is quite simple but a child can learn a lot while playing it. The instrument has padded holes, making it easier to hold notes; a curved head joint further eases the playing process as your child can reach the notes without much hustle. As a result, your child can play more styles and improve their understanding of the instrument and music in general

Moreover, the instrument has a wide range of playing options making it good for both beginners and intermediate players. This makes the transition into advanced playing styles simple and reduces the need for upgrades at different levels of playing.

A silver finish on your child’s flute makes it much easier to clean. A simple wipe down is enough to restore the instrument to a tidy look. Be sure to get a quality flute for the best experience.

The mellow clarinet

A plastic or ABS resin clarinet is the perfect starter for your child. It’s light and easy to handle; maintenance is also relatively effortless.

It’s easier to produce sound from a plastic clarinet than a wooden clarinet. Moreover, the latter is heavier and requires greater maintenance to ensure tip-top condition.

A good clarinet should have a smooth feel on the keys, which should also be rattle free. Undercut tone holes help your youngster as it is easier to cover the finger holes without producing a squeaky sound. 

Wooden reeds are advised over plastic reeds, which require more effort to vibrate. However, wooden reeds are fragile and need constant replacement since they determine the quality of sound.

The smooth saxophone

Size is the foremost factor to consider for your child’s saxophone. The sizes vary, as do the prices.

Most people prefer to start on the alto saxophone as it’s the family’s smallest saxophone. In addition, it’s easier to play than the tenor and baritone saxophones which are much larger.

It’s easier to move on to larger saxophones once your child can comfortably play on the alto saxophone. Although the soprano saxophone is the smallest, it’s the hardest to play and is the most expensive to acquire. 

The trumpet sound

A small-sized trumpet is fitting for your child. This is easier to blow into, enhancing the tone quality. However, make sure the funnel size isn’t too small, as this requires more effort to maintain a steady tone. 

The quality of the valves is critical to the function of the instrument. Shaky valves will affect the quality of sound produced. Monel alloy valves are preferred as they last longer. 

Valves should move smoothly up and down and are supported by valve oil. Ensure your child’s trumpet comes with valve oil to treat the valves regularly. 

You can comfortably select the best instrument for the most promising learning process with all these tips in mind. If your child has the right instrument, learning will be easier and more enjoyable.