Why do kids so often miss the enjoyment of learning musical instruments? Here's parenting advice that can lay the foundation for a fun start to music lessons.

It’s important to make an introduction to music fun. Most squirmy kids aren’t going to be able to sit through Beethoven’s Ninth, but they might love a Pops-in-the-Park performance. Parents can buy some hot dogs and sit down with kids for a folk concert at the county fair. Even stopping for ten minutes to listen to a street performer can have lasting effects on kids. Stumbling on music in unexpected places and listening as the performers enjoy themselves is probably the best exposure kids can hope to gain when it comes to musical instruments.

Finding a musical instrument that fits a child’s personality can take time. It’s important to give kids freedom to explore what’s out there before pigeonholing them in a musical direction before they’re ready.

Since certain musical instruments can be pricey, and since buying an instrument of poor quality is a sure way to stunt musical interest, parents should let kids explore before making any major purchases. Children interested in flute or woodwinds might try out a recorder, tin whistle, or ocarina first. Those interested in strings might explore a lap harp or ukulele. Kids dreaming of a full scale drum set can try their hand at bongos or any number of affordable shakers or scrapers.

Renting a musical instrument is another option that allows parents to give kids freedom to explore. If parents don’t feel resentful about the money they’ve invested, they’re far less likely to push kids to play an instrument they don’t enjoy.