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ParentsHelping your child(ren) choose what instrument is right for them can be really confusing! There are so many factors: are there instruments that your family already has at home that are ready for your child to play? Will they like the instrument that they choose? How expensive will it be to rent/buy? How many hours a week will they need to practice?
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Positive physical characteristics for each instrument
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Your child's pitch sensitivity
Pitch sensitivity refers to the ability to hear different pitches (notes) and how they relate to one another. For example, imagine hearing one note, and then hearing another, different note. Having a high pitch sensitivity means that it's easier for you to tell if the second note was higher or lower than the first note. Sounds easy, but it can get pretty hard! You can try taking the test yourself, by clicking HERE.There are also some instruments that children with a higher degree of pitch sensitivity have an easier time starting and are more successful earlier (including oboe, bassoon, french horn, trombone, tuba, and timpani). If your child does NOT have a high degree of pitch sensitivity, it doesn't mean that they won't be successful; they will just have to work a bit harder to develop their ears!