Woodwind Instruments (piccolo, flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, bassoon. recorder) play one note at a time so are therefore single note instruments. The music is not difficult to read and a good sense of pitch is not vital as the instrument does most of the work. Playing them does not require a lot of strength. Instruments can be expensive but hold their value well. Best suited for quietly social or pleasantly gregarious children who are quietly behaved.

Brass Instruments (trumpet, trombone, tuba, French horn, tenor horn, cornet, euphonium) are also single note instruments. Their powerful sound may best be suited to boys although the mid-range brass can suit girls. Most instruments require only three fingers so little coordination is required. They require a lot of energy and playing a brass instrument builds a healthy body. Brass instruments cover a wide range of musical styles from classical to jazz to modern pop. May suit the out going, sociable type.

Strings (violin, viola, cello, double bass) are for those with mental energy while brass and woodwind require physical energy. They require a disciplined approach as results come about after years of study, not months. String instruments are constructed simply but are difficult to play. Brass and woodwind are complicated instruments made in order for them to be easy to play. Responsive, conscientious children, not solitary, but not gregarious either suit the strings. A good sense of pitch is helpful.

Percussion (drum kit, tambourine, timpani, xylophone) is for those with bundles of nervous energy to spare. The kind suited to the drums are usually bright, quick witted, and restless. The kind who start something but quickly move on to the next activity.

The self-contained instruments.

Piano
The piano does not demand physical energy, but rather the reverse. It requires the ability to sit comfortably and at ease for half an hour or more at a time. A physically energetic child may dislike this. The piano requires good coordination as all ten digits are used. Quiet and intelligent children, eight or older, with spare mental energy and good at mental arithmetic can make steady progress on the piano.

Classical guitar
Children who are good with their fingers, who are determined and independent and who don’t mind application and hard work will enjoy the guitar. The instrument requires good coordination and steady applied work for progress.

The Harp
Usual to begin on the Celtic harp which has 29 strings before moving on to a full-size instrument with 46 strings and seven pedals. Usually played by girls, the music is written in both bass and treble clefs as with the piano. All ten digits are used.