Music is a wonderful skill for children to develop, and finding the best musical instruments for children in the UK can help them build confidence and creativity from an early age. Whether your child is showing interest in rhythm, melody or performance, starting with beginner-friendly instruments makes all the difference.
From colourful A-Star percussion instruments and the 3rd Avenue ukulele or drum kit, to the Forenza Prima I violin or Montreux Bb cornet, there’s something suitable for every young musician. Choosing the right first instrument for your child ensures learning stays fun, engaging and rewarding - helping them take their first steps on an exciting musical journey.
10. Small Hands Percussion Pack
This pack includes a wide variety of percussion instruments, which are perfect for younger players. Introducing them to some interesting sounds while being able to provide younger players with new ways to learn rhythm. This is perfect for any younger budding musician!
9. Montreux Bb Cornet
A fantastic choice for young brass beginners, this cornet offers a comfortable size and excellent ease of play, which helps children feel successful early on. Its free-blowing nature, smooth valves and well-balanced build mean that smaller hands won’t struggle with awkward reaches or awkward mechanics.
8. 5-Piece Junior Drum Kit
This scaled down drum kit is a great start for budding drummers who aren’t quite big enough to benefit from a full size kit yet. It is designed to withstand hours of playing and intended for children up to the age of 10.
7. Violin Outfit
The Forenza Prima I violin is ideal for young beginners and is available in a range of sizes to suit growing children. Its solid wood body produces a warm, balanced tone, while the lightweight case, bow and rosin make it a complete starter outfit that’s easy to use at home or in school lessons.
6. Curved Head Flute
The curved head flute is designed especially for younger beginners, making it much easier for smaller players to hold and play comfortably. The curved head joint brings the keys closer to the body, helping children maintain a natural posture while learning. As they grow and their reach improves, the included straight head joint can be fitted to allow for smooth progression without needing a new instrument.
5. Junior Electric Guitar
The 3rd Avenue Junior Electric Rock Guitar Pack is perfect for young players who want to express themselves and make some noise. Its smaller size makes it comfortable for children to hold and play, while still offering the authentic feel of a standard electric guitar. Complete with an amplifier, cable, strap and plectrums, it has everything a beginner needs to start rocking straight away - an ideal choice for kids who love lively, energetic music.
4. 25 Note Glockenspiel
Chances are your child will already have encountered this glockenspiel during music classes – the familiar black and white (natural and accidental) note layout makes it an excellent bridge into piano-based instruments. With 25 chromatic notes, it introduces rhythm and pitch skills in a compact, friendly form.
3. Table-Top Electronic Drum Kit
The 3rd Avenue Portable Electronic Drum Kit is a brilliant option for your child to enjoy drumming without needing a full kit. It sits neatly on a table or desk, meaning it’s perfect for smaller spaces and can be quickly tidied away when not in use. With a headphone output built in you can keep the noise under control - so your child can play freely without disturbing the rest of the household!
2. 37 Key Mini Keyboard
The mini keyboards are a brilliant introduction to music for young children. Compact and easy to use, it features a clear layout that helps beginners learn notes, rhythms and melodies with confidence. Available in a range of fun colours, it’s as eye-catching as it is educational - perfect for sparking creativity at home while keeping learning light and enjoyable.
1. Ukulele
For younger children especially, the ukulele is a great string instrument to start on. Its easy chords, small body and fun melodies are a great way to encourage your child to move onto more string instruments further down the line. We particularly love the 3rd Avenue Rainbow Ukulele for its bright, cheerful design that makes learning feel playful and inspiring for young musicians.
What is the best first instrument for a child?
The best first instrument depends on your child’s age, interest and ability. For younger children, percussion instruments such as the A-Star 25 Note Glockenspiel or hand percussion are perfect introductions to rhythm and melody. As they grow, many children enjoy ukuleles, keyboards or violins, which help develop coordination and pitch awareness.
Which instruments are easiest for children to learn?
Some of the easiest instruments for children to learn include the ukulele, keyboard and recorder. These are lightweight, affordable and designed with beginners in mind. For children who enjoy brass or string sounds, the Montreux Bb Cornet and Forenza Prima I Violin are excellent next steps once basic musical skills are established.
How can I help my child enjoy learning music?
Keep music fun and pressure-free. Encourage your child to explore different sounds and styles, celebrate small successes and let them experiment with a range of instruments. Compact and engaging options like the 3rd Avenue Portable Electronic Drum Kit or colourful classroom percussion sets are ideal for sparking enthusiasm at home.
Are beginner musical instruments expensive?
Not at all – there are many affordable beginner instruments for children that still offer great quality. Brands such as 3rd Avenue, A-Star, Forenza and Montreux provide excellent value and are widely used in schools and by young musicians across the UK.
