While it is now generally accepted that music is important for the
development of babies and young children, many parents are confused by
the array of musical toys, instruments and recordings that are available
in the market place. Musical instruments shall be discussed here.
The percussion family
There
are a number of musical instruments generally from the percussion
family that are suitable for little ones. Percussion instruments are
defined as those instruments that are shaken, scraped or struck with a
beater or mallet. There are two kinds of percussion instruments: tuned
and un-tuned. Tuned percussion instruments are correctly pitched
enabling the playing of melodies. The piano is a tuned percussion
instrument as are electronic keyboards and instruments with bars such as
xylophones and glockenspiels and individual tone or resonator bars. By
far the majority of percussion instruments are un-tuned and some
examples include maracas or shakers, triangles, jingle bells and
tambourines and drums.
What is best for baby?
It is important
that babies are provided with musical toys and instruments that are age
appropriate. Adult musical instruments can often be unsuitable. Size
really does matter. For example a large pair of Latin wooden maracas
would not be suitable for a young baby as they are too heavy and cannot
be easily manipulated. Strong sounds may also startle babies. There are
however many types of mini maracas or baby maracas that are lightweight
with a delicate sound, have easy grasp handles and are safe and
washable. They provide visual stimulation as well with lots of bright,
colourful beads that are safely enclosed. This is an important
consideration as all children under one year will put everything in the
mouth. Halilit produce some beautiful mini maracas for babies as well as
lovely rainbow rain shakers in small sizes. They also have a mini sea
drum with beads and a lovely sea pattern.
Care needs to be taken
when selecting bells. All bells have jingles and small parts that can be
a choking hazard. Bells should only be used under supervision with
little ones. There is however a completely safe bell for babies produced
by Kindermusik where the jingles are enclosed in cloth. These bells are
attached to Velcro and can be wrapped around wrists and ankles.
Appealing to young children
Babies
and young children learn through all the senses. Musical toys and
musical instruments should be appealing in many ways. They should not
only sound great but should be visually attractive with good design and
bright colours. They should also feel good to play and encourage active
playing. They are not just for looking at. Good quality musical
instruments can withstand vigorous use. Many toy drums for example can
be five minute wonders but a sturdy drum with a natural skin head or
quality synthetic head can give years of enjoyment. Remo produce some
beautiful children's drums from the delicious looking lollipop to jungle
patterned toms, djembes, and bongos.
Quality and price
Good
quality can often mean paying considerably more. This is the case not
only with drums but certainly with xylophones and glockenspiels. Sonor
produce a glockenspiel with precision tuning and an incredibly beautiful
sound that is built to last for years. In comparison many cheap barred
instruments have a tinny, dull, highly inaccurate pitch. But quality can
also come at bargain basement prices if you know what to look for and
where to look. Many examples can be found with wooden toys and wooden
musical instruments such as castanets, tone blocks, spinning crackers
and recorders.
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