Today there is only an umpteenth number of instruments to begin music on. (Yay!)

Narrowing it all down to a single instrument can take a bit of work, sweat, a few headaches and a dose of careful consideration.  Let’s first look at how instruments are categorized and what are your options.

Musical instruments are divided into families.  Each family includes various instruments which are similar in structure and resemble each other in tone. 

The Keyboard family, for example, includes the piano, organ, electric piano and synthesizer.

The String family is made up of violins, violas, cellos, and double basses.

Fretted strings include guitar (electric, acoustic and classical), bass, five string bass and the fretless bass.

Woodwinds include the clarinet, saxophone, flute, oboe and bassoon.

The Brass family consists of trumpets, trombones, French horns, and of course, the tuba.

Percussion instruments involve conga drums, various hand drums, tambourines, shakers and the cowbell.

These are the main instrument families.  However, the list gets much longer when talking instruments beyond these borders.  Additional instruments include the harp, ukulele, bagpipes, recorder, fan whistle and so much more.

So how do I decide which instrument to play first? 

First, consider what are your goals for learning an instrument?  Are you hoping to read music better?  Perhaps you’re longing to just play along with a few friends.  Will it be your next hobby or form of de-stressing?  Are you vying a spot in your local orchestra?  Maybe you just want to improve your music grade at school and better understand what’s going on in music.  Or maybe, you’re hoping it’ll be an avenue for worship?

Next, be sure the instrument is size appropriate.  If you’ve got a small hand or short fingers, you might brush past the bassoon.  Or if your mouth is full of braces, it might affect the brass instrumentalist in not-so-pleasant ways (poor tone, etc).  Fortunately, instruments like the violin and guitar are built in various sizes to accommodate even young musicians.  Is the instrument you’re considering even available in your size?

To aid in the selection process, stop by a local music store and try a few instruments for yourself.  Are their certain tones you feel drawn to?  Perhaps a deep cello resonates with you more than a bright flute?

Then, consider your possibilities.  If you’re hoping to play with a local band or orchestra, which instruments do they even conclude?

Add some numbers and crunch a few figures.  Do you have sufficient funds to purchase an instrument, start music lessons, grab a few books and keep your instrument in good condition?

Are you excited about it?  Perhaps redundant and an apparent no-brainer – but a crucial question none-the-less.  Ask yourself if you really like the instrument?  Are you pleased with how it sounds?  Do you like how it looks?  Are you hopeful for the opportunities it could bring your way?  Do you really, really like it?

If yes, then go ahead, pick one, and get started.

Because every day you practice now is one day closer to excellence later.

If you’re still undecided, you could always opt in for the instrument that’s already attracting 21 million Americans today.

The most popular instrument  

The most popular instrument is, hands down, the piano.  Today 21 million people across America are known to play the piano.  (Yes, you read that right!)

Why?

It’s versatile, it’s found in a wide variety of genres and it lays a great foundation for learning other instruments.

It’s easy to first start playing as you (literally!) just press a key.

A keyboard is set up like the musical staff.  As a result, note learning and music theory become more intuitive.

Much of what is learned in piano can be transferred to other instruments.  Whether you’re talking key signatures, note reading, or musical interpretation, it applies to more than just piano.

Students learn to read in both the treble and bass clef.

Piano allows for a wide range in dynamics and expression.

With progress, students learn to read four lines of music at a time (cheers for some serious multi-tasking!).

Through piano, students develop concentration, perseverance and emotional expressions.  Plus, fine motor skills are enhanced and memory is improved.

So…

Instruments vary and students are unique.  While one person will thrive at the piano, the next will come alive behind a guitar.  And that’s okay.  So go ahead, grab an instrument and get that practice started.  If it’s your perfect match, great.  If not, no worries.  You can always switch later.