Music opens doors, and gives kids opportunities that they may never have had without the benefit of learning to play an instrument.  So much of how we are, is a result of the people we choose to associate with.  Or hang with, as the kids would say.  Musicians are a slightly different breed of people, and have a very artistic view of the world.  While that may not be your view, is does expose your kids to a different perspective, and that I believe is fundamental to their growth and development.

That’s why I say it’s not that important which instrument you have your kids learn, as long as they learn something.  If your kids aren’t set on any particular instrument, and your not too sure, then choose the piano.  It’s hard to go wrong with piano lessons, and the piano can be used as a stepping stone to another instrument later on.  The basic fundamentals and theory of music are all there in the piano.  If they decide to play guitar, violin, drums, trumpet, or even the tuba later on, then what they’ve learned from the piano will be of benfit.

But, whatever they start with, make sure they stick with it for at least a year.  Two or three would be preferable, but I understand how hard it can be to get kids to practice their instrument even for one they want to learn.  Let alone one they’re not that keen on.

At some point, you need to give them the choice as to whether or not they continue with lessons.  With my oldest daughter, it was the second year of high school.  She had attained her grade 5 piano, and other things in her life were beginning to consume lots of her time.  Even still, she continued on teaching herself herself music from the current music charts.  Seeing her do that for a year or two was in some ways more rewarding than having her doing regular lessons.  She was playing the music because she enjoyed doing it.  That is afterall, how music should be played.