Learning a musical instrument takes time and commitment. Not every instrument is the easiest to learn, but it is possible and so worth the effort.
Take me for example, flute was not the easiest instrument for me to learn because I could not get a single note out. After two weeks of air coming out of the instrument, it was time for me to give up. I remember I was in my room just staring at this grade level 1 band piece, thinking “I can’t do anything.” I previously tried cheerleading, eh, baseball, eh, tennis, terrible life decision for myself. I honestly felt like I did not have a talent what so ever.
This is when I took the time and prayed, asking the Lord to “please guide me.” After sitting in meditation, teary eyed, I gained the courage to pick the flute up again. I looked at the music and started from the very beginning, and at that moment I felt this warm sound engulf my body. Wait, was that me? I did it! I was able to finally get a note out of the instrument after two weeks of trying! I was so overcome with joy that I ran out of my room in tears to my mother.
After that experience I couldn’t bear living without the sensation of those warm notes that exasperated out of the instrument and myself. Fourteen years later, I am accomplishing my dreams alongside this beautiful instrument, touching the hearts of my audience through God’s gift of music in places like Carnegie Hall, Chicago Symphony Center, and God’s many houses. I honestly have to thank my elementary school band director, Bryan Polacek, for introducing me to the instrument.
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When I first decided that I was going to give band a chance I went in to learn percussion. No particular reason, it was really because I thought I could bang the instrument and I would be still making music. I mentioned what instrument I wanted to play to Mr. Polacek, and he shook his head no. He then turned around and handed me this black box and said, “Haley, I actually would like you to try the flute.”
I was very confused for numerous reasons, and the first thing that came to mind was, “What is a flute?” When I asked him why, he said “Because your personalities match.” Our personalities match? That struck a chord with me, so I became fascinated with how he was able to tell what instrument I was born to play. It wasn’t until I was an experienced performer that I realized what he meant. These instruments are an extension of ourselves, and they bring a side of you that you are normally too afraid to express.
Every instrument has their own characteristics just like us. When choosing an instrument for another person, whether its for a student or for your children, you can not judge an instrument's characteristics based off the person. Instruments don't have the ability to tell you who you are, but they can show you what you are to become.
Take clarinetists: clarinets are the center of attention most of the time, but are very humble about it. What I mean by this is that even though they are in the front and they have the ability to stand out, that is not the first thing on their mind. The sound of the clarinet is distinct, but not showoff-ish like a brass player. It’s short and sweet. Clarinetists are normally the sociable type and natural born leaders. They step up to the plate when they feel it is truly necessary and they don’t shy away from anything. They take on any challenges that comes their way.
If your student or child gives you the impression that they are the introverted type, then the piano is one of the best instruments for them. Every musician must learn the piano because it is a standard instrument, but just like any other instrument, it's not for everyone. The piano is normally soft, shy, and analytical.
Everything has to make sense because it’s all laid out for you. If a note is supposed to be a major third, you can see that you are skipping three keys from your previous note. Unlike other instruments, you can see where the notes are on the page on your instrument. If a note just skipped a line on the page, then the note on the piano is skipping a key. It’s all left-brained experience for many pianists; it has to be logical.
Piano players are generally the intelligent, quiet, inquisitive type. They are the ones that are most likely going to view the piano as a science before diving into their right-brain creative side. But once they do, the gates of emotion open wide.
Trumpetists compose the world’s largest population of extroverted citizens. I say this because the trumpet is normally the instrument playing the highest melodies. They can outplay any instrument, besides the percussion, when it comes to confidence and sound. They can be dominant, bold, ambitious, and audacious. I can go on for years about how a trumpet player has made a positive influence in my life because they are normally the ones to help you when you are down. They live their lives to the fullest and carry out their individual stories. They have a sheer talent for seeing the unseen and having the guts to say what needs to be said. They have that hunger to explore where they are heading, and do not dwell on the past because they are so focused on the here and now.
Choosing an instrument sounds easy enough because there are endless varieties of them, so why not just choose one and call it a day? But it’s not quite that simple. There are just as many kinds of people in the world; would you just choose anyone and say, “I want to spend the rest of my life with that person?” No, no one can do that because there is someone for everyone. There are so many personalities in this world, and you should choose an instrument in the same way that you choose either your friends or spouse.
If you know yourself, you can deduct what instrument is the best fit for you. If you honestly feel like you can’t pinpoint what instrument is the best for you, that is absolutely okay! I would imagine you have someone very close to you that can tell you who you are and what instrument best fits your personality. If you are stumped on what instrument you should have your child play, that is okay as well. First before anything else, make sure your child wants to learn a musical instrument. Forcing a child to learn a musical instrument can destroy the bond between the child and that instrument because they will not have the ability to compliment each other and truly soar artistically.
You can never force creativity. Make sure your child wants to play a musical instrument, if they do then you can choose the best instrument for your child based off their personality. No one knows your child better than you.
