From 5/6 years old

Piano/Keyboards
One of the most popular instruments, but in many ways the hardest to learn because it involves so much at once. There is a plethora of music for all styles in piano and keyboard. At 5/6 years old children are grasping reading and writing skills and music/piano will greatly assist with their development. Lots of enthusiasm helps too. Buying a piano can be anything from £400 up for second-hand uprights to new Steinway grands. A new keyboard (with at least six octaves!) starts from around £100.

Guitar
This is great for wannabe rock stars. Though learning is tough and enjoyable and there is a distinction in classical, jazz/blues, Spanish and rock guitar. We suggest beginning with the basic acoustic guitar and allowing interest to develop. The guitar is available in half and 3/4 sizes. You can buy a new starter guitar for about £50.

Violin
Available in quarter and half sizes, young children can initially learn to play the violin through learning by ear. Reading music is gradually introduced as the child establishes reading and writing skills together with aural sophistication. Many children learn in groups, as offered by The Music House for Children. Learning in groups can inspire children to continue and to perform together. You can buy one for around £50 - £80.

Drums/Percussion
A massive area, demanding commitment and skill. many learning opportunities within smaller percussive instruments are available. Drum fanatics must be prepared to start lessons from scratch in order to play them properly. percussion is great for all styles of music. Once you can play be invited into any group or start your own. You can buy a reasonable complete second-hand drum kit for about £200.

Recorder
Many younger children begin on the recorder. It is good for little fingers to play and they can make a reasonable sound quite quickly. Learn to read music and enjoy playing favourite tunes. It’s worth investing in a decent one, like a Yamaha, for about £10. Later, this recorder can be transferred to larger recorders or your child may decide to move into different arenas such as the clarinet or flute and other wind instruments.

From 7 years and up

Flute
This lovely instrument has a great range in sound. It plays soft melodies then entrances you with its dexterity. We recommend that you hire at first. This costs about £30 per month. With commitment investing in a purchase starts from about £300 upwards.

Clarinet
The clarinet is a member of the woodwind family. It has a wonderfully soft and descriptive sound as well as an ability to play bright, shrill notes. This allows the clarinet to adapt well to different styles of music – classical, jazz and pop. Remember (as with all instruments) to master it takes practice and patience. We recommend that you hire initially, about £30 for three months. A new clarinet will start at about £300 up.

Cello
A beautiful and mellow instrument that can be played by younger children too. Although larger than the average instrument cellos are a popular instrument. You can hear them in favourite pop tunes as well as in classical performances. We recommend that you hire for about £30 per month. If you are interested in purchasing a new cello consider costs from £800 up.

Saxophone
The saxophone was invented to fill the tonal gap between the clarinets and tenor brass by Mr Adolphe Sax. Many classical, jazz and pop composers have written for the saxophone. Hire one for around £40 for three months. Purchase a saxophone and you will be starting from about £600 up.

Trumpet and Brass
Since the middle ages the trumpet has not really changed it’s long elegant shape. It holds a firm place in performance both classical and modern. The cornet as a smaller, similar version of the trumpet is also fun, lighter for younger children. Both are mobile. Hire either for about £35 for three months or consider purchasing a trumpet for around £500 up.

Oboe
A more challenging but beautiful instrument to learn. Played through thin reeds it sounds haunting and unusual. An ideal instrument to learn fro orchestral playing. Hire initially for around £35 per three months or buy one new for around £400 up.

Bassoon
A colourful and larger instrument to watch, hold and listen to. This lovely instrument has been around since the 1600s. Many solos and chamber works have been written for the bassoon. The mini-bassoon is a perfect starter size for youngsters and relatively inexpensive.

French horn
The French horn is also a member of the woodwind family despite being made of brass. Invented around the 14th century the French horn has a wonderful circular shape and mellow voice. There are many great pieces of classical composition written entirely for French horn. Consider hiring from a reliable source for around £60 for three months. Purchasing a good French horn will cost in the region of £600 up. More recently French horns are now made smaller and ideal for the younger beginner.

Trombone
The trombone relies on a sliding mechanism to change each note as opposed to valves. Many ceremonies were entertained by this dramatic instrument. Youngsters are able to learn this instrument despite it’s size. Do hire the trombone initially at around £35 over three months. Or buy one directly at about £600 up.

Harp
The harp is one of the oldest instruments – they were played in 3300 BC. This heavy instrument means that many professional harpists have two – one for practice and one for performance. Beginners can hire or buy cherub harps. The smaller sizes can be hired for about £40 for three months. Buying one is anywhere in the region of £1,200 up.