Choosing the Right Musical Instrument

Once you've decided to embark on a musical path, choosing the right instrument can be a daunting task. There are countless options available amongst brass, woodwind, stringed, and percussion instruments. How can you tell which one is right for you?

Often, seeking the advice of an objective musician can help. They can share their experiences and attempt to guide you in the right direction. Learning from their mistakes can allow you to avoid similar pitfalls. The important thing is to select an instrument you're interested in and one that is tailored to your natural abilities.

For instance, if your fingers aren't exactly nimble, playing a woodwind could be difficult since they require sometimes complex fingering. Slow fingers and a large lung capacity could translate to success with brass instruments like the trombone or tuba. A natural sense of rhythm will make drums an ideal selection, particularly if you don't want to learn how to read music. The guitar and bass guitar also avoid traditional musical notes, relying on tabs instead. So your interest level in regards to learning music could go a long way to determining your instrument.

Of course, how and where you intend to play your instrument will also greatly influence the decision. If you intend to join the school's marching band, the piano really won't be an option. On the other hand, if you're dreaming of rock and roll glory, it may be wise to consider something other than the clarinet.