When a youngster decides they want to play a musical instrument it is an exciting time.
It signifies the growing of a child; the growing up of a child, and a time they will enter a whole new stage of life.
Learning a musical instrument is a serious endeavor which calls for a level of responsibility.
Hopefully there will be a level of commitment to increase self discipline and a sense of responsibility.
After all, an instrument does not appear out of thin air, and there will have to be some instruction, with lessons to attend and practicing to do.
This article will address the issues involved with purchasing an instrument for a beginning youngster.
On the top of all the new things to consider is the instrument itself.
Once the individual has decided on which particular instrument to play (this can be a chore in itself - for ideas, see my article on choosing an instrument) then the task of choosing a suitable instrument arises.
Finding an instrument for a child is very different than one for an adult.
There are several factors that impact this decision and I will try to address them here.
To start, the choice between renting and buying is probably the first consideration.
There are certainly good arguments for both choices.
Renting can get you a new instrument for a reasonable amount of money.
Many people opt for this since they do not know if the student will continue after the initial stages of learning.
If indeed the childloses interest and stops playing, you are not saddled with owning an expensive musical instrument that you won't use, and you will only be out a relatively small amount of money.
However, the price of renting can be as much as one third of the purchase price, and if the student continues for another session of lessons, and you have to re-rent the instrument, then you are starting to get close to investing as much as if you had purchased.
My advice at this point is to take a moment and asses the situation.
You know your child better than anyone, and you are most suited to determine if they are going to play for more than just the initial stage.
If they are taking lessons in school for instance, you will rent for the year.
If your child decides they like it, and will continue, then renting for a second year will bring your financial input close to purchase price.
Renting for three years is unwise, as there are certainly good instruments to be purchased for that amount of money, and by doing so you are then making a wise investment.
Musical instruments are valuable items, and will definitely give you a return on your investment.
If not monetarily, then in the form of benevolence.
There will always be another person looking to start playing, possibly another family member, and by lending that instrument you are performing a gesture of kindness worth far more than the money you might have saved by renting in the first place.
If you end up using it for a younger sibling, well then you have saved a bundle.
I have seen this scenario occur many times over the years.
So, if you feel that your child is going to play for more than one season, then the best choice is to purchase, as long as it is practical financially, Hopefully this article has shed some light on the options one has for obtaining an instrument for a beginning youngster.
It can be an exciting time, and by making a wise, and informed decision concerning the acquisition of a musical instrument, you will help to make this time even more enjoyable.
It signifies the growing of a child; the growing up of a child, and a time they will enter a whole new stage of life.
Learning a musical instrument is a serious endeavor which calls for a level of responsibility.
Hopefully there will be a level of commitment to increase self discipline and a sense of responsibility.
After all, an instrument does not appear out of thin air, and there will have to be some instruction, with lessons to attend and practicing to do.
This article will address the issues involved with purchasing an instrument for a beginning youngster.
On the top of all the new things to consider is the instrument itself.
Once the individual has decided on which particular instrument to play (this can be a chore in itself - for ideas, see my article on choosing an instrument) then the task of choosing a suitable instrument arises.
Finding an instrument for a child is very different than one for an adult.
There are several factors that impact this decision and I will try to address them here.
To start, the choice between renting and buying is probably the first consideration.
There are certainly good arguments for both choices.
Renting can get you a new instrument for a reasonable amount of money.
Many people opt for this since they do not know if the student will continue after the initial stages of learning.
If indeed the childloses interest and stops playing, you are not saddled with owning an expensive musical instrument that you won't use, and you will only be out a relatively small amount of money.
However, the price of renting can be as much as one third of the purchase price, and if the student continues for another session of lessons, and you have to re-rent the instrument, then you are starting to get close to investing as much as if you had purchased.
My advice at this point is to take a moment and asses the situation.
You know your child better than anyone, and you are most suited to determine if they are going to play for more than just the initial stage.
If they are taking lessons in school for instance, you will rent for the year.
If your child decides they like it, and will continue, then renting for a second year will bring your financial input close to purchase price.
Renting for three years is unwise, as there are certainly good instruments to be purchased for that amount of money, and by doing so you are then making a wise investment.
Musical instruments are valuable items, and will definitely give you a return on your investment.
If not monetarily, then in the form of benevolence.
There will always be another person looking to start playing, possibly another family member, and by lending that instrument you are performing a gesture of kindness worth far more than the money you might have saved by renting in the first place.
If you end up using it for a younger sibling, well then you have saved a bundle.
I have seen this scenario occur many times over the years.
So, if you feel that your child is going to play for more than one season, then the best choice is to purchase, as long as it is practical financially, Hopefully this article has shed some light on the options one has for obtaining an instrument for a beginning youngster.
It can be an exciting time, and by making a wise, and informed decision concerning the acquisition of a musical instrument, you will help to make this time even more enjoyable.
SHARE
