We know the value of providing children with as many opportunities to learn to play an instrument as possible. Music for Schools Foundation is the UK’s largest independent provider of instrumental music tuition in Primary Schools and we work with them to provide a package tailored specifically to the needs of the MFSF pupils. This package enables parents the freedom and flexibility to give their child the opportunity to start lessons without the need for a large upfront payment.
The rental package includes everything that your child would need in order to have the best experience learning an instrument, such as a maintenance agreement, hire of instrument, tuition book, music stand, a book bag and free delivery.
There’s no question that this is a secure option for any parent out there who wants their children to grow creatively. However, the first question you may ask yourself is - "which instrument to go for"? To help you understand a little bit further, we have comprised a list of our top five most popular MFSF rental instruments.
#5 Trumpet
Trumpets have always been a popular choice when it comes to brass instruments. They’re loud and confident and will certainly excite any child learning! Starting off with the trumpet will provide your child with the basic knowledge and skills that will enable them to progress in the future.
However, there are a few things to look out for when starting off with the trumpet. For example, the weight and length often puts small children off playing the trumpet. A cornet is often seen as an alternative if the child is struggling with the dimensions of a trumpet – which is undoubtedly why the trumpet is at the bottom of our list at number five.
#4 Saxophone
Generally children of ages 10+ begin to learn the saxophone, due to its weight and size. One of the most important things to understand when deciding whether your child should play the saxophone is the size. There are ways to establish this, as they come in a variety of different sizes: soprano, alto, tenor and baritone. Children tend to start with Alto, due to the smaller size and weight upon the neck. This is why it is a fantastic idea to choose the rental package, as they can try it out and see if it is the right size and weight for them.
For smaller children it is recommended to start with the mini saxophone, as they will feel much more confident holding and playing an instrument that isn’t straining their arms. This will provide them with the skills for them to be able to progress onto a sax in a few years to come.
#3 Flute
A flute is a fantastic beginner instrument, as it gives a child the experience and skills to move onto further woodwind instruments in the future. It’s lightweight and smaller in dimensions than most other beginner instruments, so it’s clear why it’s so popular.
However, looking into the statistics of the rental sales showed that the curved-head flutes proved to be more popular than the standard more traditional flute. This is due to the fact that the curvature brings the hands and arms closer to the body, enabling smaller children to support the flute more easily. A huge plus side to this is that a standard straight head joint is also included, for when the child gets bigger.
#2 Cornet
Number two is (not surprisingly) the cornet. Being the alternative instrument to the trumpet, it’s clear that most children get along much easier with a cornet due to the smaller size and weight. It’s a perfect way to introduce your child into the brass family and it will provide them with everything they will need to know in order to move up to different brass instruments as they grow older.
#1 Clarinet
At number one we have the beloved clarinet, closely followed by the mini clarinet (a lightweight plastic version suitable for smaller children). These are both great options for students and beginners, especially if you are looking to progress to a saxophone or other woodwind instruments in the future.
For smaller children it is recommended to start with the mini clarinet, as they will feel much more confident holding and playing an instrument that isn’t straining their arms. Another alternative is to start off with the recorder, but soon enough they will be able to progress to a mini clarinet. Generally, once your child has reached the age of around eight or nine, they will be big enough to support the weight of a traditional clarinet.
There’s no surprise that the clarinet is the number one most popular MFSF rental instrument, as it’s a professional and elegant instrument that children of all ages can learn to play comfortably and confidently.
Read more about the benefits of Music for Schools Foundation Rentals by clicking here.
