When students get to the age of starting an instrument in school, it may be overwhelming when they are trying to choose between the mulitple choices.
Depending how the music teachers recruit for their instrumental ensembles, a great way to give the students a feel for the instruments is to let them try any instrument they may be interested in. During this time, the teacher can demonstrate how the instrument is unpacked, pieced together (if it is more than one part), held and mostly importantly... how to make sound!!!
When I recruit for my public school orchestra program, I have a few of the sixth grade orchestra members come and help out with the third grade students that are trying to choose an instrument. The sixth graders bond with the third graders and set them up an instrument and show them how to hold it and produce sound. The third graders love all of the attention and look up to the sixth graders. At the end of the session of trying out the instruments, the sixth grade students perform for the third grade students to show them what they can do as the progress with an instrument!
*Just remember, your child should choose the instrument that THEY want to play, because if it is the instrument that YOU want them to play - they are not going to want to practice it.
Students should also make sure they choose what they really want to play instead of just choosing what their friends are choosing to play.
If you are looking where to buy or rent an instrument - some recommended places are:
The Long Island Violin Shop - Huntington, NY (where I rented my very first violin from at the age of 5)
Shar Music - sharmusic.com
I am a public school orchestra teacher and I love teaching kids music and watching them grow as musicians! I have availibility for private violin and viola lessons right here in Kings Park! Feel free to contact me for more info!
Happy practicing!!!!!!!!!!!!
