Good music instrument to learn for 3yr old?

[glimmer]

What is a good first instrument to learn for a toddler, that could be an avenue to express herself? I am thinking to start DD around 3 years on an instrument, since most likely she will have problems with expressing herself.
She loves music. It's not about 'learning' an instrument, it's about finding alternatives ways of communication in the absence of expressive speech. Her fine motorical skills are age-appropriate.

I am thinking: recorder? piano??? violin?????

Any ideas welcome.

Sorry no clue - I got kicked out of violin lessons aged 10 and ds cries when I sing :) but look forward to seeing the suggestions!!

Small hands can find it hard to completely cover the holes on a recorder - maybe a sopranino recorder would be easier to start with? Although I favour the piano, as if you press the right key, it makes the right note, so is instantly rewarding. With other instruments, you need to worry about breath control and fingers, or adopting unusual postures to play, etc, so are more affected by initial difficulties putting the child off before they've made enough effort to get anywhere of interest to them.

Not violin at 3, unless she's big. You can get teeny tiny violins but it's really hard to get the bridge right so that you only play one string at once (rather than 3). Have you considered cello?

If you are thinking more about communication than learning a musical instrument, have you thought about music therapy? Google the Nordoff Robbins site.

Someone explained the difference as: music therapy is centered on the child whereas music lessons is about the music.

Also, my nt children started the violin at 4. We tried the piano and keyboard at the same time but they struggled with it so we left that for a few years.

I child that young - the biggest issue will be focus rather than motor control.

I would go with a PP and suggest piano (if you can afford the instrument). Violin is a good second choice. Or, I have seen successes with young children on a good quality glockenspiel - develops reading skills and co-ordination, aural awareness etc. And almost any musician could teach it.

Piano. Definitely. Can't throw it when they get frustrated.

my mums a music teacher and she says in ideal world all kids should start with the piano - the only reasons schools start with record is it is cheap and portable (back in the day -don't think schools even bother with teaching them all an instrument now - other than banging claves together or a triangle

How about Colur Strings?

Piano is easier to learn than violin or recorder, because anyone can play a note. There's no way to play a note wrong or out of tune....

recorder - not record - tho you probably guessed that

i got a piano free off freecycle (the site thats for giving things away and so is greener)as you wouldnt want to spend a fortune to find out its wrong instrament, its been brill my DD had lessons on it and has gone on to electric guitar now but im thinking as ive heard its good for expression and helps concentration and is a great way to chill on getting a set of drums for DS(ASD) a good way of venting the stress of the day but im def getting those headphones for him i dont think my nerves could stand it lol

I definately think piano is the best choice and definately look into music therapy.My daughter is severly disabled with no speech she does really well at her sessions.

I'd say piano as well.. If you can get oneand have room for one.

Please for your own sanity don't encourage a recorder for self expression ( speaks from personal experience!)

string instruments need quite a bit of learning before you can express yourself.. However I started playing the guitar at 4 years old and dd started at about the same age..
Ds tried the guitar but his coordination made it too hard for him..

Blondie - I like your suggestion about the glockenspiel - does anybody know where to buy a good quality one from?

Dd2 loves music, she only has toy instruments as she would break a real one, she has a drum set (which she is quite good on) and the toy saxaphone from elc (which you can play tunes/notes on), we did have a 1/2 size electric guitar but it was still too big for her . We also have a recorder and mouth organ but DH has hiden them as dd2 gave him a head ache .

oh and dd2 had music therapy from the age of 2.5, she was non-verbal when she started but started singing after a few weeks of music therapy, she now loves making music but doesn't like other people playing or singing.

Thanks for all your replies.
Good point on the music therapy. This is definitely something we should do, best right away! I think the arguments on piano and glockenspiel are convincing. She has latter already.

I was waiting for the drums :-) I think it's a great idea if you need to get emotions out. I can't see if the right thing for DD right now, but one never knows...

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Hand drums and good quality toy instrumenst might provide a creative outlet without needing formal lessons. Piano is another good one, although an electric piano might be more suitable - you get the headphones option and less damage if like Dneice who chews anything wooden!

Ukelele has very soft strings and is the right size for little hands.

We have a franchise business round here called Jo Jingles which is music activities for mums and toddlers, something like that might suit you?