These instruments are known to have the largest family in the orchestra, besides having the oldest musical instruments. The percussion instruments significantly distinguish from the rest- as these instruments are those which make a sound when:

• Hit
• Shaken
• Struck against one another
• Scraped

Hence, it is not as easy as it seems to be a percussionist. It takes years of practice to learn and know how much strength to exert in the right spot at the right time to get the perfect sound. Yet, after getting the hang of it, these instruments keep the band lively.

Instruments of these kind follow a rhythm, and can add different notes in between, create more excitements, add colours to the overall music, making it an interesting piece of sound. In short, these instruments are a whole package, which enhances and completes a performance.

However, there are some instruments in this percussion family that can be auto-tuned. Thus, allowing it to play various notes. Such instruments are timpani, piano, and xylophone.And, percussion instruments that are untuned and don’t have defined pitch are bass drums, cymbals, and castanets.Indeed, we can understand that these instruments need proper training and practice. Yet, when it comes to kids, these instruments are not ideal. 

So, how can kids start early? 

Training students from a younger age gives them better control in managing the percussion instruments. Moreover, they also practice steady beats and learn new rhythms. According to a study, learning to play a musical instrument makes a kid more active and smarter. Therefore, a few elementary schools have educational percussion instruments that are perfectly suitable for children to use.

These are not heavy or big, yet, they function similarly to the original instruments. Hence, these instruments are specifically designed for music instructors to train the younger group of students. Instruments are available in both, non-pitched percussion instruments and pitched percussion instruments.

Below mentioned are a few instruments you can give your child to play!

Non-pitched percussion instruments

Key-tuned Bongos

These two pieces come at a very reasonable price. Apart from that, they are also simple to tune in to and are user-friendly too. This set of bongos also comes with an adjustable stand.

Egg shakers

Straight from its name, these instruments come in the shape of an egg. These shakers can produce a couple of sounds. 

First of all, shaking it in a rhythmic way is one way to play this instrument. Another way is to grip the egg shaker in one palm and hold one shaker in the tips of the fingers on the other hand- this is a form of creating a distinct sound.

Non-Pitched Percussion

Mini Cabasa

To produce a rough, crisp sound- use this mini-cabasa. It is relatively smaller in size and lighter in weight than the standard cabasa. Indeed, an excellent instrument for the students.

Headless Tambourine

It is one of the most common and easily accessible types of instruments. This basic headless tambourine is super light in weight and pretty small in size, yet; rock out in band!