Top 10 Most Popular Musical Instruments to Learn and Play

Whether you are a professional musical instrument player, or thinking of picking up one for the hobby, you must know how valuable honing a skill like this can be. Playing an instrument opens several doors, both musically and socially. Most importantly, if you are a parent, you must want your child to stick to the instrument they picked out as a kid- unlike most adults (still kicking themselves for not committing to the violin or cello).

But that is not it, playing an instrument is a lifelong commitment that has multiple other benefits. According to a recent study by the University of Southern California, children who learn to play musical instruments are entitled to faster brain development. At the same time, students learning instruments also see a huge improvement in motor skills sensory development, listening, and most importantly, self-esteem. This is why a parent gets excited usually when a child says they want to learn how to play any musical instrument - because, of course, it is much more than just beating the drum all night!

What do children learn from learning how to play a musical instrument? 

There are several benefits students learn from taking up any musical instrument. The most popular ones are listed below - 

    • Interpersonal skills development 

Many people consider artistic lessons or getting involved in music as soft skills. However, these soft skills become an essential part of everyone’s childhood, but mainly adulthood. Students who are learning to play musical instruments are usually a part of a music group where they have to work with each other as a team. Here they learn teamwork and develop other key interpersonal skills.

    • Creative expression

Students only become successful adults when they think outside the box to solve complicated problems and bring innovation into this world. Learning instruments gives young people the opportunity or a window to express their creativity which becomes necessary to grow into successful people in their adulthood. 

    • Memorization 

Young people and students need to be able to collect a huge amount of new information and internalize it to become successful in their coursework. While learning how to play a musical instrument, these young minds also learn an entire language of notes. This learning process takes practice and muscle, helped to build by music programs. So when students practice musical instruments, their brain power increases, and so does their memorization power, helping them with their coursework. 

    • Motor skills improvement 

Learning musical instruments helps students improve coordination and dexterity. So in the process, their motor skills develop as well. 

    • Self-esteem boost 

Facing criticism over how they are can be hard for anyone of any age, but it becomes even harder for young minds who are still developing. When they learn musical instruments they go through a process of receiving constructive criticism and are constantly challenged to improve themselves positively. This helps these young minds grow character and build self-worth. At the same time, this also helps them grow resiliency against non-constructive criticism, and most importantly, bullies. 

The top 10 most popular instruments - 

10. Cello

In recent years, Cello has become more and more popular all over the world. The intense and warning sounds of the instrument ensure the fact that anyone can play an impressive solo routine which makes it a fan-favorite not only among the young people but also their parents. Additionally, Cellos are also part of various musical formations such as string quartets and orchestras. When you think of a cello, you probably do not think of it as an instrument suitable for a child. However, cellos come in different sizes which makes it appropriate for children to learn and play. If you have a kid, you can probably encourage them to start playing Cello when they get 8 years old. 

09. Trumpet

The trumpet has been around for quite some time and is still one of the most played musical instruments in the world. If you listen to music, you will still find trumpets in the most diverse musical groups and genres. Starting from a funk band to an orchestra, or from a fun chapel to harmony, trumpets will be there. This is also the only brass instrument in this list which is one of the world’s oldest instruments as well. A trumpet has 3 valves with which a player can create notes; a little different than a saxophone which has more than 10 pressure valves. If you play a trumpet, you can also make a large number of musical notes from your lips, using the mouthpiece. However, this makes it a tough tool to master, requiring a lot of practice and patience, but the fun is guaranteed! It is also inexpensive and a lot easier to transport. 8-10 years is a great age to start! 

08. Flute 

It is one of the quietest, and most easily portable instruments ever! The Flute has also been one of the most popular wind instruments in the music industry for decades. On top of that, buying a quality Flute also does not cost a lot of money. When it was first invented, it was known as a classical instrument, but over time it has adapted to other genres. To become a good flutist, students need to put in a lot of time and effort, just like any other instrument. However, the basics on the other hand can be mastered quite easily, and quickly. Though professional flutes can be quite expensive, you can get the starters at a quite cheap price. 

07. Violin

The next on the list is the Violin; though it is played a lot in classical music, it is an important part of several musical genres. In recent times, Violins have become more and more popular due to the increasing popularity of modern classical music. However, a Violin can be quite tough to start whereas pure playing can impose a lot of challenges to beginners. These instruments are made in different sizes which allow children to pick them, even the youngest children would be suitable players. Six years is the recommended age for beginners and according to experts, non-electric violins would be great for starters. 

Also Read: Why Are Drums The Best Musical Instrument Ever?

06. Keyboard

Playing keyboard may have lost the popularity race to pianos, but they still are relevant and used in various music styles and genres. In a music store, keyboards still stand as one of the most-selling instruments. Many people assume that due to similarities, both keyboards and pianos are the same instruments, in different shapes. But the reality is quite different. While playing keyboards, the chords are played with the left hand, and the melody is played with the right hand. Players can also choose and select different styles of music, rhythms, and sounds of all kinds to play the entire band on their own. Anyone can quickly master the basics of keyboards as well. 

05. Saxophone

Amid all classical instruments, the Saxophone remains immensely popular in the world. Among wind instruments, it is still the most-sold as well. It is also widely versatile, as you can use a Saxophone from Pop music to Jazz, and everything in between. Due to its huge popularity, it is easily accessible. If you are a beginner and just want to start learning a musical instrument, a Saxophone would make the perfect choice for you. The most-used Saxophone among beginners is called the alto saxophone which you can get by spending a few hundred euros. These are also available in all sound ranges from alto to contrabass and come in all shapes and sizes. 

04. Drums 

If you want to start playing music and your choice is a drum, then it might not make you the most neighbor-friendly, but it is a great instrument that is extremely important in today’s music industry. On top of that, today’s electric drum sets are soundproof, so you will not be making any noise for long! For starters, beginners might find it difficult to drum, as it is hard to adjust to the rhythms and let your hands and legs do different things at the same time. However, with time, this can be mastered. All it takes is a lot of practice and patience. 

03. Piano 

Third on the list is one of the most popular musical instruments of our time, the Piano. It is also another incredibly versatile instrument that can be played and used in almost any type and style of music. Especially in the last couple of years, the popularity of pianos has increased immensely. Perhaps it also adds to the fact that you don’t need to buy an expensive acoustic piano to start playing anymore. You can also get started on a limited and with the arrival of electric pianos, you can also practice in silence. It is also a relatively easy tool to start with, whether you are a fan of classical music or pop - you can play it all on a piano. 

02. Ukulele 

Just like how the name sounds, the ukulele is also cute sounding, most probably the happiest-sounding instrument of all. Over the years, the ukulele has become unprecedentedly popular which made it quite accessible. Moreover, it is also quite an easy instrument to play. With simple grips and nylon strings, your fingers will not have to do much either. Ukuleles also come in different sizes and are available most commonly in major to minor: Sopranino, soprano, concert, and tenor. Among starters, the soprano and concert ukulele are the most popular. 

01. Guitar 

The winner on this list is the all-time favorite, Guitar. The Guitar is an incredibly versatile instrument that you can hear in almost every style and genre of music. You can get several different types of this instrument, such as western guitars, classical guitars, and electric guitars. Although beginners almost always opt for classical guitars to start learning. Guitars are also lower in purchase price and easy to lay, causing less stress on your fingers. However, guitars are tough instruments, so it might take a while before you start playing your first songs.