Everyone has read a book, seen a movie or know a friend that spent their entire child hood learning how to play the piano while other kids were out enjoying life. Beginning band students or anyone learning to play a musical instrument should have a desire to do it. Being forced to learn to play the piano, trumpet, violin or other instrument will soon cause a person wanting to learn an instrument to lose interest and give up trying.  Like anything else in life worth learning it should be enjoyable if you want to fully appreciate it.

Before deciding to join the school band, orchestra or other musical group you should have a full understanding of what it’s going to take to become proficient. Parents who have children that are asking about joining band should be made aware of the type of commitment it will take from them to get past the squeaks, bangs, and off tune screeches that are normal for any beginning band student.  If they go into it knowing up front that they won’t become experts over night it will make the steep learning curve that much easier to handle.

Deciding upon what instrument a beginners should start with is going to depend upon a couple things.  If they are starting out at the elementary school level you should meet with the director to determine what type of instruments they are willing to teach.  Some schools only offer a very limited choice when first starting out.  Depending upon your local school they may provide the student with an instrument for a small rental fee, you can rent, lease or rent to own most musical instruments from a local shop, or you can purchase a new or used one.  If you are thinking about buying an instrument understand that just because the student has an initial desire to learn to play that doesn’t mean it will last.  Consider looking online if you plan on buying one outright as the prices are often far cheaper than local mom and pop music stores. 

Buying a used instrument can be an iffy thing to do.  If you are not familiar with the instrument yourself make sure to have someone experienced check it out before you make any commitments.  You might just end up paying more in repair and maintenance costs than it would cost you to buy a new one.  I learned this the hard way when I thought I was getting a bargain on a used trombone for my son. 

After you and your students have decided which instrument they would like to learn, you have purchased it and have all the supplies recommended by the band instructor, you should make sure to prepare a practice schedule that both you and the kids can live with.  You don’t wan your son or daughter waking you up to the sound of an out of tune trumpet blast when they decide to practice early on a Saturday morning.  I would also suggest you set up an are of the house you set aside specifically for them to practice in.  The far end of the house away from the rest of the family was my choice when my kids were first learning to play their instruments.