Top tips all mums should follow when buying the first musical instrument for their child
When it comes to buying a musical instrument, there are countless options. And while you may know what you want to purchase for your child, the process can be daunting. If this is your first time purchasing an instrument, here are some top tips all moms should follow when buying the first musical instrument for their child!
What type of music do they like?
Before purchasing an instrument, stop and think about what type of music your child likes. While children are naturally drawn to anything with rhythm, knowing this information will help you choose an instrument that’s both fun and rewarding. For example, a child who loves rap or hip-hop might enjoy learning the drums, whereas a child who loves pop music might enjoy playing the guitar.
Most of the time, you can find instruments that are designed for small children’s hands and grip. That way, you can find a guitar for a kid, for example, that has a smaller body, thinner neck, and easy-to-press strings. These types of instruments are often lightweight and easy for little fingers to wield.

If your child isn’t sure about their favourite genre of music yet, don’t worry! You can have them try out several different instruments to see if they enjoy anything in particular.
What is their skill level?
Knowing how well your child plays an instrument will help you determine the age group they fall into. For example, if your child is in the first grade, they’re probably not ready for a saxophone. If your child can play “Mary Had A Little Lamb” on the piano but nothing else, they might need to practice their scales before picking up an instrument like the guitar or trombone.
Most instruments can be divided into two types: beginner and intermediate. Generally speaking, beginner instruments are smaller and easier to use, whereas intermediate instruments can be more difficult to hold or play. If you buy your child an instrument that’s too challenging, they may become discouraged and unwilling to practice.

The transportation
Before you purchase an instrument, think about how easy it will be for your child to transport it. Instruments with a big neck and bulky body can be difficult to carry around, so if the neck is removable, this might solve the problem. However, you’ll need to be careful when your child is playing the instrument because if the neck isn’t safely attached, it’s easy for them to drop or damage it.
If you plan on travelling or moving often, it might be worthwhile to buy an instrument that is easy to break down and store. If your child’s school has music classes, they may also need to bring their instrument with them every day. Because of this, it can be worth it to purchase something lightweight and easy to carry around.
What is your budget?
Prices vary widely for different types of musical instruments, ranging from around $20 to more than $1,000. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s often possible to find decent instruments for under $100.
However, if you have a little money to spend and want your child to develop their skills and passion for music, you might be interested in instruments that cost several hundred dollars or more. Instruments like violins or clarinets can be extremely expensive. If you’re buying a special instrument for a child with a talent in music, it’s well worth the cost to support their passion and help them develop.
A care for the instrument
If your child is interested in playing an instrument, think about when you purchase your child’s first instrument, it can be easy to forget about caring for it until something breaks. However, instruments need love and care just like every other type of item in the world!
After purchasing an instrument, you should teach your child how to take care of it correctly. Your child should know not to leave their instrument in the car or the sun for too long, as this can warp the wood inside and ruin the sound of their instrument. You should also teach your child how to change their strings if they break them and what to do in case they’re unable to tune their instrument correctly.
Some instruments are easier to care for than others, like brass or woodwind instruments. However, your child should always know where they can find a new set of strings and reeds in case they need them.
As you can see, buying the first musical instrument for your child isn’t as hard as it sounds! You just need to think about their skill level, what genre of music they like best, and how much you’re willing to spend. It’s also important to keep in mind the size, weight, and transportation of your child’s instrument as well as how easy it is to take care of. Hopefully, this article will help you understand that buying an instrument isn’t as daunting as it seems!
Additional reading:
- AudioAssemble Says Understanding Your Child’s Preferences Helps Choose A Better Instrument For Them
- 6 Tips That Can Help Your Child Learn A Musical Instrument
- Making Music Can Help With Education

![[AD] We’re a cricket-mad family, so we’re buzzing that @thehundred is back this August! 🏏🔥
To get ready, M tried out the official FREE Activity Pack — and it’s brilliant! 🙌
Packed with fun games, creative challenges and sporty tasks, it’s perfect for getting kids hyped whether you’re at home or on the go.
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![[AD - Press visit]
We enjoyed the glorious sunshine this weekend with a trip to Brighton. We went on the @brightoni360official which is right by the sea front.
The i360 pod take a slow journey up, allowing you to take in views across Brighton and the South Downs 450ft above ground. There’s a bar inside with drinks and snacks available to purchase and the experience lasts 25 minutes.
Afterwards, we headed to the open air roller rink for a roller skating session!
The roller rink is:
⭐ Suitable for over 5s
⭐ £6.50 if you have your own skates or £9.50 if you need to hire them
⭐ 45 minutes per session
Full details to visit the i360 + skating
📍 Brighton i360, Lower Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2LN
🚗 Parking nearby (we parked in the Regency Square Car park)
🎟️ Prices start from £25.40 for an adult and £16.90 for a child
🕐 Opening hours are currently Sun-Fri 10.30am-18.30pm and until 19.30pm on Saturdays
☕️ Bar inside the i360, cafe and gift shop
Book tickets here:
https://tickets.brightoni360.co.uk/tickets/?_ga=2.195305772.1869001490.1689671753-1757164059.1689671753/#events?eventid=157](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/417980235_313576471048632_3682382982231216432_n.jpg)

![[AD] ***Summer of fun at Barracudas Activity Camps!****
There is plenty for kids to do at @barracudas_activity_day_camps
From Tennis, Archery, Swimming, Motor Sports and more you can be sure that there will be something for kids aged 4.5-14. ⚽🏈🥅🎾🏓🏎️🏹🏊♂️🏉
You can book on a day by day basis - so it can fit in with any other days out/activities you have planned and there are early drop off and late pickup options available. Barracudas are also Ofsted registered so you can use your Childcare Vouchers too.
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![[AD] We have some super exciting news...we have been chosen to be Laser Quest Ambassadors, and the boys are over the moon!
We are really lucky that our local Laser Quest (@laserquestkingston) is just around the corner from us. It means we can pop in of a weekend or anytime during the school holidays, and with summer just around the corner, I know Laser Quest will be one of our go-to places for some family fun.
As well as games of Laser Quest, there are also VR experiences and arcade amusements too. To find out a bit more about how Laser Quest works, you can read my blog post: https://www.suburban-mum.com/laser-quest-kingston/ (clickable link in bio)
Don't forget to keep an eye out for our Laser Quest posts - I'm going to be giving away two family passes to use at Laserquest Kingston!
If you can't wait and want to head down to Laser Quest to try it out, use the code SUMMER30 for 30% off your booking. The code is valid from now until the end of August 2023 and can be used on Laser Quest games and birthday party bookings.
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![[AD] The sun has finally made an appearance and the boys have been making the most of it by spending it
in the garden.
They’re go-to is always football and they’ve been trying to improve their aim and accuracy with the new Messi Foldable Footlball goal from the #MessiTrainingSystem range.
I love the fact the goal is foldable, making it easy to store away when not in use. It is also lightweight so you can effortlessly pack it up and take it to the park or to a friend’s house.
The Messi Foldable Football Goal retails at £36 and can be purchased from @argos
You can read my full review here: https://www.suburban-mum.com/messi-foldable-football-goal/
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![[AD] We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we are Barracuda Ambassadors again this year.
With Easter just around the corner, the boys were sent the @barracudas_activity_day_camps new camp kit in preparation for the school holidays.
There’s a wide range of activities for kids aged 4.5 - 14 including Tennis, Archery, Basketball, Arts & Crafts and more.
If you like the sound of Barracudas, find out more over on their website. You can also save £20 a week or £4 a day, using my discount code: MARIA20](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/336812306_765234558514317_685553691647241974_n.jpg)


![[AD - Gifted]
Last weekend we were invited to try out @tsarettaspice’s new Bottomless Brunch menu and I can tell you it was thumbs up all round!
There’s a good choice tapas on offer from Punjabi fish fingers, Indo Chinese Chicken to Spiced Lamb Scotch Eggs and Manchurian Cauliflower (which was amazing!)
If you’re local to Twickenham and fancy giving them a try here’s are the details.
Tsaretta Spice Bottomless Brunch
⭐️£37.50 per head for bottomless Prosecco or cocktail of the day
⭐️£55 per head for bottomless Champagne
⭐️ Food included: 4 tapas selections and dessert or 2 tapas selections, a pav or naanwich and dessert
⭐️ Non-alcohol brunch is also available
Tsaretta Spice
55 Church Street
Twickenham
TW1 3NR
You can also read our full review over on the blog (link in bio)](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/334565436_5960402314015030_663031098700829518_n.jpg)
![[AD] What does family look like for you?
I am fortunate to be surrounded by strong, powerful women in the form of my mum, sister and mother-in-law (along with many others). With Mother’s Day just around the corner, @BootsUK want to celebrate all the different mums and mother figures we are lucky enough to have in our lives. They have a huge range of Mother’s Day gifts to choose from so we can show them how much they mean to us. (swipe to take a look at some of my choices)
If you want to express love and appreciation for the mother figure(s) in your life, head to Boots.com to find the ideal gift. They have a whole host of gifts, so you can be sure to find something to suit all tastes. Celebrate the #LoveForAllMums this Mother’s Day with Boots.
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