Introducing Instruments

The introduction of instruments depends on the developmental stage of the child Recorders can be introduced in the third to fourth grade range. This is because of the finger placement coordination and the breathing required to play the recorder.  Xylophone can be introduced in kindergarten for playing the beat, but more intricate work on the xylophone would be developmentally appropriate for a child in in the third grade. Third graders have more developed hand-eye coordination than a kindergartener which allows them to play more complex work on the xylophone. Rhythm sticks are generally introduced in kindergarten and are used for a period of time in the younger grades. Rhythm sticks are appropriate for this age because they have the ability to repeat rhythmic patterns with precision, but are not able to play instruments with full fine motor skills. Finger cymbals can be introduced in kindergarten because students have the needed skills to play them. The kazoo would be appropriate to introduce to a kindergartener. Kazoos give the child the opportunity to explore and experiment with the differing pitches that are heard from the kazoo. All of these ages would be appropriate times to introduce these instruments, but it is important to take into consideration every child’s personal development stage when choosing to introduce instruments.