If possible, let the child select an instrument she is curious about. Research the sound of the instrument and find songs that include the instrument. This allows her to get a full grasp of what the music she makes could potentially sound like.
Let the child assist in the purchase of the instrument. This action will provide a sense of ownership and pride in the item he chooses. If finances permit, buy a quality item that produces good tone. A shiny, well-kept instrument will create more enthusiasm than a rusty, out-of-tune unit.
Schedule a time to share one or two aspects of the instrument at each sitting. If you know how to play the instrument, this will be easy. The length of time depends on the age and attention span of the child. For young children, five to 10 minutes may be sufficient. The goal is to capture the child's attention and teach for as long as her interest is piqued. If at any point during the lesson a child seems disinterested, put the instrument away and move onto another activity he enjoys.
Obtain lessons on CD or DVD from a local music store, a local library or online.
These can be an excellent resource for beginners to advanced students and will help parents who do not have experience with a particular instrument. Easymusiclessons.com and iPlayMusic.com are two companies offering guitar, drum, piano and bass lessons on disc, some directed for children. The DVD "Play Music Together," offered by iPlayMusic, was a 2007 Parents' Choice Approved Award Winner.
Register with Berklee College of Music to access free online lessons in guitar, percussion, wind, voice, keyboard, brass and bass. Another site, 8notes.com, offers free online lessons, access to sheet music and recording tools. Many sites provide free lessons from amateurs and professionals (see Resources section).
Set up a camcorder and capture moments of the child playing and practicing. Children love to see themselves on film and might be surprised to hear what their music sounds like from another perspective.
Most important is to instill a sense of self pride. The child should feel good about each accomplishment, so provide plenty of praise. This fosters self-motivated practice which results in rapid skill growth.