A percussion instrument is any instrument that makes sound when you pluck it, thump it or hit it with something. Drums are one of the best ways to introduce music to children. They are flashy and fun to hit, and children see drums on television, sparking their interest. Drums give children a chance to work off energy without getting too technical. Another percussion instrument that is perfect for children is the xylophone. It works the same way as drums, but it has colored bars that produce a pleasing tone when struck with a mallet. Small versions of xylophones can even be purchased for toddlers.
The keyboard is one of the best ways to teach and introduce music to children. Modern keyboards are programmed with tutorial music pieces built in. The small keyboards are portable and children can even carry them from room to room. Keyboards teach children how notes relate, arranged in a chromatic scale, progressing up the scale one note at a time, including all the sharps and flats being marked in black and white. Keyboards also teach timing to children through their built-in drum tracks. Once a child has outgrown the small keyboard, the natural progression to a piano comes easily.
There's nothing else like guitar for children. Even though its a bit harder to manipulate for children, thier interest in guitar can be overwhelmingly positive. Guitars are just fun and children are less likely to lose interest in instruments when they are drawn to them. There are all kinds of guitars for small hands and the outlandish colors, sparkles and themed guitars attract children. The aesthetic motivation alone can bring the gift of music to a child through the guitar. There are hundreds of guitar tutorials geared to small children both online and in any music shop or bookstore. If your child shows any interest in popular music, she will take to a guitar readily. Guitars are slightly harder to learn than other instruments, but the payoff is the gift of music and self confidence.
One of the most overlooked of all the children's instruments is a flutophone, also called a recorder. The flutophone is the precursor to any wind instrument, the catalyst that opens the door to music. Similar to a clarinet, it is a plastic wind instrument with 10 holes that teaches the child how his breath and fingers work together to create music. The flutophone is often introduced to children in elementary school because it is very user friendly. Simple songs like "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" can be learned in one day. The flutophone can be the bridge to other instruments.