By Maurice Richard
There are many choices to make when it is time to get your child involved in music education.
Some of the more popular choices you could get your child to learn are piano, voice, ukulele, drums and guitar.
These all have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to learning them, but with the right approach your child can certainly learn to play music with any of those choices.
But what would be the best or the right choice for your child? Is there even a better choice that can be made?
Ideally you want to pick the one that your child is absolutely in love with but as a parent of 3 children I know that is not likely to happen. So, what do you do when there is no clear winner?
Here are 3 reasons why you would want your child to learn to play guitar instead of other instruments.
1. Economical
When it comes to overall cost you have several choices. Singing does not require an instrument, ukuleles are not very expensive and guitars are definitely lower on the pricing scale than others.
If you want your child to play piano or drums you are going to have to pay a lot more money if you want to give them the right gear to learn properly.
On top of that you have to use up more real estate in your house for those 2 instruments. If your child learns to sing, play ukulele or guitar they will not take up nearly as much real estate in your home.
I have all of those instruments in my house and so I know the struggle is real!!
At this point if all we look at is the cost, guitar is not winning, especially if you get a decent model to help your child be successful. However, it is not far behind.
2. Portable
This is a huge factor.
Playing an instrument is more than just a skill. Most people who play an instrument beyond childhood do it for other reasons.
They want to be admired, they want to relax and relieve stress, or they want to share it with other people in a more social environment.
Ever go to someone’s house and have a kitchen party with a drum set? Not likely. The others are possible but there is usually one that wins out every time.
How about at the campfire? That’s where the difference really starts to appear. You are not bringing a piano or drums to a campfire. Ukulele is possible but not typically as the main instrument.
You’ve still got your voice but without the support of a guitar, it’s usually not going to happen.
The cool thing about acoustic guitars is they can be carried just about anywhere and used to play, have fun, entertain. Huge advantage.
3. Popular
This is where guitar really stands out.
Let’s face it, when you look at all the instruments I listed which one do you think is the coolest? Most people will agree it is guitar and usually by a longshot.
Think about the music we listen to every day. What’s the dominating instrument you hear? It’s not Ukulele, or piano! Sure, you will hear drums and vocals but the driving force is usually guitar.
Go to a campfire and what do people break out? Not a piano, not the ukulele, not drums; they get their guitars out.
It’s the most popular instrument of choice and also the go to instrument for social occasions. It rules!!!
Give Your Child The Biggest Advantage
As a parent myself, I want my children to have every advantage they can get in life and no doubt you are the same way. Playing guitar is a way to give them a social advantage. Do not underestimate it!
Learning guitar is also one of the few instruments that children continue to play into adulthood. Talk to anyone who learned to play piano as a child and most of the time they will tell you they stopped playing it. What a shame!
If I were you I would choose to invest in an instrument that can give your child benefit today and forever.
Play guitar has many benefits beyond the childhood year. As an adult it is a great way to relax and reduce of stress. It is also a great way to keep your brain active and sharp.
When you look at the whole picture guitar is definitely the best choice for your child!
About The Author:
Maurice Richard is a professional guitar teacher that operates out of the city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. He has been a member of an elite guitar teaching mentorship program since 2007 and has taught many people, including many children, to play guitar successfully.
