Parents; Do you buy instruments for your kids?

Question

Do you consider a musical instrument a good investment for your children? Would you introduce the idea of playing music, or would you wait for them to express interest in it?

If your child bought their own first instrument and practiced a lot, and suddenly expressed interest in another instrument too, would you buy it for them? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Yes, I would.  I think if they prove to be musically inclined, show a love and actually use the instrument, then it is a great investment.  I played several musical instruments as a child and I still play guitar, which I learned later on in life.

Music is a great form of expression, especially for teenagers and can keep their head "in the game".  It's better than them sitting around and smoking pot, right?  At least if they show an interest in music, they expand their mind the correct way, acheive goals, and could possibly go a long way with the talent they posses.

I would probably wait to buy one, and maybe have them take a few lessons in something they choose.  If they want to continue and show promise, then I would buy one.  Since my husband and I are both very musically inclined, I'm sure when my daughter grows up she may have a love for music too.  I want her to learn piano since I never did, but if she doesn't want to...I'm not going to make her because then it feels like a chore instead of something you enjoy.

I agree with the above.  I saved up and bought my own instruments and I appreciated them more.

Answer 2

no most kids would rather hang out with there friends

Answer 3

Whaaaa! parents buy instruments for their kids. Sigh, my parent say "if you want something, you get it your self." Sad but it's my reality.

Answer 4

ya......i am teen and music helps us concentrate.........especially violin....but i play guitar

Answer 5

yes there are many that showed no interest and are now rock stars,if they show interest that's even better then you know you are not wasting your money its something they want to do.a want is better then a need in this case.

Answer 6

I would not get carried away and buy a whole band, but children need access to music and musical instruments.  My children are grown, but they played guitars, mandolin, drums, trumpet, violin, piano (keygoard) and were very involved in music throughout school.  They still play their guitars and mandolin regularly and they find this a very relaxing and fulfilling activity.  

Answer 7

my parents rented mine until I showed a true interest.  I think that route is wise- they are expensive!  My son expressed an interest in guitar and the drums- he was leant a guitar for lessons and loved it so much I didn't have any issue in buying him one.  The drums however- his grandparents bought him the set and it sits in the garage collecting dust.

Answer 8

I would try to introduce them to lots of different activities. I would rent instruments first and if they really like it then I would buy one. And for the second question, Yes, because they already showed effort with the other instrument. I think music is a great form of expression!

Answer 9

Yes. My child plays three instruments. If you think that they are serious about the commitment to the new instrument.

Answer 10

If you think your child may have an interest, bring up the idea. So many types of people are musicians, and your child may find that they have hidden love of music. Don't be afraid to bring up the subject. Also, if they are interested, ask your music center about an instrument fitting. This is a session in which your child can try any instrument they want.  

My parents DID buy me my first instrument, but there was a condition. First, it was a used instrument, which was about $200.00. Most music shops sell these, and prices can be VERY low. Second, I had to keep with band for 1 year. If they do want to take up another instrument, and they have bought their first, think about it for a second.  If the child has been for less than 1 year, I would say NO. But longer than that, have them tell you why they would want to take up another instrument. However, I would not buy a new one, opt for a cheap used instrument.

Hope this helps.

Answer 11

My Kids are not really interested in playing an instrument.But I would wait till they show interest an come and ask you,Because you don't want to waste your money if you  got them one and they never play it.

Answer 12

I'm not a parent, but my school does a thing for our middle school "band" where u can either buy the instrument or u can rent it for $24 a month. So, unless they plan on playing it through their life then try renting one....unless u want to buy it

Answer 13

My friend is Asian and his dad forces him to play instruments and the piano even though he has no interest in it. hes starting to become a bad kid I think its because his dad opresses him so much to do stuff he doesn't want to do and hes starting to rebel out now that hes a teenager.  

Answer 14

I am a  Freshman in High School, and I have been playing guitar since I was nine, I used to earn money by doing chores, and then I bought myself a Cheap 99$ Fender Stratocaster, that I still have today.

I feel that if you buy it for your child that it will probably make them disregard it a little more, as they didnt exactly save up for it, and buy it on their own. I find that if I buy something (even though I like to treat other peoples property with respect) I am much more careful, delicate, and patient with it.

The only instrument that I had bought for me was a trombone, which I was not very good at, or Interested in. So you can see the difference,

I hope my information helped you :)

Answer 15

My personal feeling is that as a parent you should encourage your children to explore all phases of their total education.  Music plays a large part in most people's life whether it is actually creating the sound or listening.  In our family it was just part of the children's education to learn to play the piano and from that, interest in playing other instruments developed.  I think that whenever possible, a parent should first rent the new instrument the child has expressed interest in, and only buy it if they continue to maintain  their practice schedule.

Answer 16

let your children experiment with all the instruments.

If he o she seem to be all into a instrument with passion

then there you'll know that will be a a nice investment and gift.  

Answer 17

Well think about it. would you rather have your kid in the street causing trouble. or having them actually doing something productive that might or will benefit in life. As for buying a second instrument, i would buy it if they are going to keep playing both instruments.  

Answer 18

I am hoping to be able to rent an instrument first and if he takes to it well, then invest...