Which instrument is right for your child?

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Quiz Questions

1.
How old is your child?
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- A.
  Age 4-7
- B.
  Age 8-10
- C.
  Age 11 +
2.
What personality best describes your child?
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- A.
  My child enjoys doing tasks on his own and is fully self motivated.
- B.
  My child can be motivated on their own but sometimes needs support staying motivated.
- C.
  My child needs help and a lot of creative ways to stay motivated. It changes from day to day what he/she loves to do.
3.
How much $ are you willing to spend on music lessons?
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- A.
  $100 or under a year.
- B.
  Up to $300 a year.
- C.
  Up to $500 a year.
- D.
  Up to $750 a year.
4.
What style of music is your child drawn towards?
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- A.
  My child grooves to music, dances around the house and moves to rhythm often.
- B.
  My child expresses interest in rhythm but doesn't actively express himself.
- C.
  My child stays away from loud music.
- D.
  My child is more drawn to lyrical lines.
5.
Does your child sing around the house?
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- A.
  All the time!
- B.
  Sometimes.
- C.
  No but I can tell he has a nice voice.
- D.
  Not at all. He cannot match pitches.
6.
Can your child multi-task?
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- A.
  Yes, he/she loves to do multiple things at once.
- B.
  My child can handle a few things at the same time.
- C.
  No, my child needs to do one thing at a time with his hands.
7.
What is the focus ability of your child?
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- A.
  Short focused periods of time is best: 10-15 minutes max.
- B.
  A 20-30 minute "lesson" or learning time is fine.
- C.
  My child can sit for hours working on something they love.
8.
How social is your child?
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- A.
  They prefer to stick to activities on their own.
- B.
  My child loves social settings and is fueled by being with others.
- C.
  My child enjoys some time with others but also does well on his/her own.

Quiz Outcomes

1.
You need a group lesson that teaches the fundamentals of music!
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Learning about the fundamentals of music in a group setting may be just what your little ones need! Your child is likely still young and learning together with other kids while covering a variety of topics in a fun and childlike way sets a strong foundation! There is still time for your child to learn an instrument and succeed (I'm a professional violinist and didn't start playing until I was 10!).There are many amazing children's programs that vary in cost and are nationally acclaimed programs:Kindermusik - Whether you’re looking for classes for your children, strong curricula for your students, or fresh teaching methods for yourself, Kindermusik has you covered. You can attend classes near you for under $15 or take part in their membership starting at just $5.95/month, you can access searchable, pre-planned musical play activities with 100+ streamable songs for ages 0-7.Link: KindermusikMusic For Young Children - MYC provides the best quality music education program by blending the pleasure and joy of music making with sound instruction. Music for Young Children® has been teaching children from the ages of 2-10 the foundation of music education and piano playing, in a group situation, for 41 years. Today there are over 800 locations on 3 continents, confirming that we are an international leading quality program for early childhood music education.Link: Music For Young ChildrenClaps for Classics - Clap for Classics! makes music easy, fun and educational. Your child's earliest musical training can take place in your living room, whether or not you are musically trained yourself. Through a membership or engaging podcasts, CFC is the perfect program for you and your child if you don't want to leave your house!Link: Clap For ClassicsHey! I’m Sonja Hindmarsh. I am passionate about my faith, family and serving the world through music!Whether it means performing or mentoring children in their musical abilities, music has been important to me all of my life.As a professional musician, I have been blessed with opportunities to perform in countries around the world including Germany, Romania, and throughout the United States and Canada. Being able to use music as a ministry, both in mission settings and local church settings, is a dream come true.I direct a private music studio of violin students, freelance as a professional violinist and am the conductor of The Pacific Mennonite Children's Choir in Abbotsford, Canada. Oh, and I run a music curriculum business on the side 😎 I am so lucky to be able to inspire children to love music themselves, whether that means performing, enjoying, or listening.Looking for some quick wins to jumpstart your family's journey with music?1. Check out my FREE resources. I love giving families hands on curriculum to get them started, so head on over to my free library and download as many resources as you'd like! Free Resource Library2. Join me in my “Music Support” Facebook group! We’re a supportive community of people at all stages in our musical journey where we support, give help and ideas if needed.Music Support Group3. Read one of my popular blogposts! This post about "How Much Technology Should We Use In Music" and "6 Free Music Sites For Children" is the perfect place to start!Blogposts
2.
Piano lessons would be an awesome start for your child!
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The piano is the MOST popular instrument to learn music on for a child. A few of the benefits for learning the piano include strengthening hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Because children use both hands with the piano it requires a complex neural framework where the brain simultaneously processes signals from the hands and the eyes.Nowadays, there are so many options through which a child can learn the piano!While it can be on the pricier end, private piano lessons are always the best. The one-on-one (or group lesson) instruction a child receives will take them very far. As well, the accountability that a weekly lesson offers keeps your child on track and practicing daily, knowing they see their teacher at the end of the week. In order to find a suitable teacher, ask other moms for their reviews or contact your local community music school to find teachers and available lesson times.If your child is 5 years or under, consider starting with 15 minute lessons. Most teachers would consider this as an option seeing as your child is still quite young. Usually halfway through the year they are ready to move to a full 30 minute lesson. ~~~~~~~~~If weekly lessons are not an option (perhaps you are in a rural area or on a tight budget): Pianote or Simply Piano are subscription based programs that can be done with live teachers online.Hey! I’m Sonja Hindmarsh. I am passionate about my faith, family and serving the world through music!Whether it means performing or mentoring children in their musical abilities, music has been important to me all of my life.As a professional musician, I have been blessed with opportunities to perform in countries around the world including Germany, Romania, and throughout the United States and Canada. Being able to use music as a ministry, both in mission settings and local church settings, is a dream come true.I direct a private music studio of violin students, freelance as a professional violinist and am the conductor of The Pacific Mennonite Children's Choir in Abbotsford, Canada. Oh, and run a music curriculum business on the side 😎 I am so lucky to be able to inspire children to love music themselves, whether that means performing, enjoying, or listening.Looking for some quick wins to jumpstart your family's journey with music?1. Check out my FREE resources. I love giving families hands on curriculum to get them started, so head on over to my free library and download as many resources as you'd like! Free Resource Library2. Join me in my “Music Support” Facebook group! We’re a supportive community of people at all stages in our musical journey where we support, give help and Music Support Group3. Read one of my popular blogposts! This post about "How Much Technology Should We Use In Music" and "6 Free Music Sites For Children" is the perfect place to start!Blogposts
3.
Try a String Instrument!
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There are a few key string instruments to try if you've made it this far!The three I recommend are the violin, cello or guitar. The viola requires the basics of violin to be mastered and the double bass are for when your child is nearing teen years.There are so many benefits to learning string instruments, especially those without frets; the violin and cello. A child will rely heavily on using their ears to correct pitch which makes children who learn these two instruments very skilled in ear training! Because the violin and cello are some of the hardest instruments to learn, they also require the most focused attention and committed practicing. Two programs I particularly suggest are the Suzuki method and the Royal Conservatory Of Music. If you can find a local violin or cello teacher that teach either method, that would be a fabulous start!~~~~~~~~If you'd like a cheaper "Do-It-Yourself" 6 week program to test the waters and see if your child enjoys the violin, I suggest you grab my Step Into Strings Beginner Violin Course. This course is for all ages but focuses on ages 5 to 12 years old. My easy to follow instructions, video tutorials and child-friendly graphics and pictures are a fantastic way to whet your child's appetite for the violin and see if it's an instrument to pursue! Check out some reviews and a sample lesson at the link below!Step Into Strings: Strings Course~~~~~~~~The guitar! If you child is looking for an instrument to learn on their own or at their own pace this is the perfect instrument! A guitar is so versatile and can be used in so many facets of life. You'll want to choose between the classical guitar, which is a more formal way of learning or the acoustic guitar where students learn to read chord charts and strum more often than not. Call your local music school for more information about guitar lessons!Hey! I’m Sonja Hindmarsh. I am passionate about my faith, family and serving the world through music!Whether it means performing or mentoring children in their musical abilities, music has been important to me all of my life.As a professional musician, I have been blessed with opportunities to perform in countries around the world including Germany, Romania, and throughout the United States and Canada. Being able to use music as a ministry, both in mission settings and local church settings, is a dream come true.I direct a private music studio of violin students, freelance as a professional violinist and am the conductor of The Pacific Mennonite Children's Choir in Abbotsford, Canada. Oh, and run a music curriculum business on the side 😎 I am so lucky to be able to inspire children to love music themselves, whether that means performing, enjoying, or listening.Looking for some quick wins to jumpstart your family's journey with music?1. Check out my FREE resources. I love giving families hands on curriculum to get them started, so head on over to my free library and download as many resources as you'd like! Free Resource Library2. Join me in my “Music Support” Facebook group! We’re a supportive community of people at all stages in our musical journey where we support, give help and Music Support Group3. Read one of my popular blogposts! This post about "How Much Technology Should We Use In Music" and "6 Free Music Sites For Children" is the perfect place to start!Blogposts
4.
Try a Children's Choir!
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"Children's choirs! I hadn't even thought of that as an option for my child!" is a typical response I get from a parent who's child loves to sing and they just don't know what to do with them. Sure, voice lessons are an option. But can I tell you a secret? They can be lonely. Children's choirs are a wonderful opportunity for your child to grow their vocal skills and ability AND to do it within a community of other singers. Singing is a very social skill and what better way to learn to sing with other voice parts and other singers!I conduct a 150 voice children's choir up in Canada and the joy, camaraderie, and teamwork my singers have learned over the years can do more for a singers soul than years of private voice lessons when a child is too young. There is definitely a time and place for private voice lessons but singing together in a choir setting is a perfect start!Most communities have choirs available to sing in and for a variety of ages either in local schools, church settings or even communities. Depending on where you are, throw "Local Children's Choirs in (wherever you live)" into Google and I know you'll be blown away at what you'll find!~~~~~~~~Can't commit to a full year of choir or perhaps you'd like to get started from home first? Check out my Step Into Singing - Beginner Vocal Training Unit that is an easy to follow course that teaches children how to explore and use their voices properly but in a fun and interactive way!Find a sample lesson at the link below and watch your child's confidence soar!Step Into Singing: Singing CourseHey! I’m Sonja Hindmarsh. I am passionate about my faith, family and serving the world through music!Whether it means performing or mentoring children in their musical abilities, music has been important to me all of my life.As a professional musician, I have been blessed with opportunities to perform in countries around the world including Germany, Romania, and throughout the United States and Canada. Being able to use music as a ministry, both in mission settings and local church settings, is a dream come true.I direct a private music studio of violin students, freelance as a professional violinist and am the conductor of The Pacific Mennonite Children's Choir in Abbotsford, Canada. Oh, and run a music curriculum business on the side 😎 I am so lucky to be able to inspire children to love music themselves, whether that means performing, enjoying, or listening.Looking for some quick wins to jumpstart your family's journey with music?1. Check out my FREE resources. I love giving families hands on curriculum to get them started, so head on over to my free library and download as many resources as you'd like! Free Resource Library2. Join me in my “Music Support” Facebook group! We’re a supportive community of people at all stages in our musical journey where we support, give help and Music Support Group3. Read one of my popular blogposts! This post about "How Much Technology Should We Use In Music" and "6 Free Music Sites For Children" is the perfect place to start!Blogposts
5.
Your child may enjoy an accessible instrument or music appreciation course!
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When money is a hindrance and you are in the "wanting to test out the instrument stage" then accessible instruments like the harmonica, ukulele, guitar or recorder might be a good option! These instruments are well priced for beginners yet still require a "system" of learning that can readily be found through music books, online tutorials or even YouTube channels. Many libraries, in fact, loan out these instruments for free as part of their educational learning plans. If not, then at least you may be able to track down some of "how to play" books in your library's collection!~~~~~~~~You can also keep costs down by purchasing music appreciation and/or composer units from My Homegrown Symphony (written by yours truly 🎶). These hands on, engaging lessons come to less than $4 a lesson and give a thorough lesson plan on themes and subjects such as rhythm, the orchestra, instrument families, world music, jazz music and over a dozen famous composers. What's even better is that these creative lessons can be done together as a family with multiple ages!Come browse our music appreciation lessons: PRELUDE - An Introduction To MusicCome browse our composer lessons: CONVERSATIONS WITH COMPOSERSHey! I’m Sonja Hindmarsh. I am passionate about my faith, family and serving the world through music!Whether it means performing or mentoring children in their musical abilities, music has been important to me all of my life.As a professional musician, I have been blessed with opportunities to perform in countries around the world including Germany, Romania, and throughout the United States and Canada. Being able to use music as a ministry, both in mission settings and local church settings, is a dream come true.I direct a private music studio of violin students, freelance as a professional violinist and am the conductor of The Pacific Mennonite Children's Choir in Abbotsford, Canada. Oh, and run a music curriculum business on the side 😎 I am so lucky to be able to inspire children to love music themselves, whether that means performing, enjoying, or listening.Looking for some quick wins to jumpstart your family's journey with music?1. Check out my FREE resources. I love giving families hands on curriculum to get them started, so head on over to my free library and download as many resources as you'd like! Free Resource Library2. Join me in my “Music Support” Facebook group! We’re a supportive community of people at all stages in our musical journey where we support, give help and Music Support Group3. Read one of my popular blogposts! This post about "How Much Technology Should We Use In Music" and "6 Free Music Sites For Children" is the perfect place to start!Blogposts
6.
Your child may love the Drums!
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This is an honest conversation we are having. Let's face it. Your results are likely the loudest instrument of all. But can I tell you, it can feel so rewarding to find an instrument your child loves and that they are good at. It's worth pulling out your earplugs! I've seen children who need to move around a lot (or *ahem* need to let out some steam with some rhythmic banging) do quite well on the drums!The opportunities for kids who play the drums are huge! Every church worship team, home garage band, school jazz band or public performance usually needs a drummer in the middle of the action!Yes, the drums can be loud but thankfully there are a few good options to keep the noise level to a minimum. Of course, you can always put the drum kit in the garage or in another room but investing in an electric kit that streams through a child's earphones is ingenius! Or, just invest in a good pair of ear protection alongside your child. 😎Call your closest music school and ask about private drum lessons if you can! If not, there are great online drum programs where you have access to the world's best drum teachers and step by step tutorials. Drumeo is one of those top-notch programs.Online Drum Lessons: DrumeoGood Luck!Hey! I’m Sonja Hindmarsh. I am passionate about my faith, family and serving the world through music!Whether it means performing or mentoring children in their musical abilities, music has been important to me all of my life.As a professional musician, I have been blessed with opportunities to perform in countries around the world including Germany, Romania, and throughout the United States and Canada. Being able to use music as a ministry, both in mission settings and local church settings, is a dream come true.I direct a private music studio of violin students, freelance as a professional violinist and am the conductor of The Pacific Mennonite Children's Choir in Abbotsford, Canada. Oh, and run a music curriculum business on the side 😎 I am so lucky to be able to inspire children to love music themselves, whether that means performing, enjoying, or listening.Looking for some quick wins to jumpstart your family's journey with music?1. Check out my FREE resources. I love giving families hands on curriculum to get them started, so head on over to my free library and download as many resources as you'd like! Free Resource Library2. Join me in my “Music Support” Facebook group! We’re a supportive community of people at all stages in our musical journey where we support, give help and Music Support Group3. Read one of my popular blogposts! This post about "How Much Technology Should We Use In Music" and "6 Free Music Sites For Children" is the perfect place to start!Blogposts
7.
Learn the Trumpet!
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The trumpet is an ideal instrument for those that can see themselves playing in a band or jazz band setting some day. The trumpet notation only includes one single line instead of two different staves (like the piano) so coordination isn't as much of an issue with this instrument. Although loud, the trumpet is a very useful instrument and can be used to play as a soloist (think TAPS on Remembrance Day), in jazz band or concert band settings. They require some time to get used to the embouchure (a term used to describe how your lips and mouth play the mouthpiece of the instrument) but if your child is 10 years old and up and you see a future with a band program, then get a hold of a local teacher!Hey! I’m Sonja Hindmarsh. I am passionate about my faith, family and serving the world through music!Whether it means performing or mentoring children in their musical abilities, music has been important to me all of my life.As a professional musician, I have been blessed with opportunities to perform in countries around the world including Germany, Romania, and throughout the United States and Canada. Being able to use music as a ministry, both in mission settings and local church settings, is a dream come true.I direct a private music studio of violin students, freelance as a professional violinist and am the conductor of The Pacific Mennonite Children's Choir in Abbotsford, Canada. Oh, and run a music curriculum business on the side 😎 I am so lucky to be able to inspire children to love music themselves, whether that means performing, enjoying, or listening.Looking for some quick wins to jumpstart your family's journey with music?1. Check out my FREE resources. I love giving families hands on curriculum to get them started, so head on over to my free library and download as many resources as you'd like! Free Resource Library2. Join me in my “Music Support” Facebook group! We’re a supportive community of people at all stages in our musical journey where we support, give help and Music Support Group3. Read one of my popular blogposts! This post about "How Much Technology Should We Use In Music" and "6 Free Music Sites For Children" is the perfect place to start!Blogposts

Which instrument is right for your child?

Wouldn't parenting be simpler if only you knew which instrument you should offer your child?!Take this 2-minute quiz to discover which instrument could be ideal for your child, so you can set them (and your family) up for a successful musical journey. What are you waiting for?

Quiz Questions

Quiz Outcomes