Musical instruments are fun but they are not toys

In my previous post I mentioned a tip to help kids practice their instruments "(a) Leave your instrument case open and accessible, so you see it there and the instrument can be easily picked up and played."

It is important to teach young children in the family how to handle musical instruments so the instruments are not scratched or broken.  Show children the instrument and let them gently touch it.  Just like teaching a child to pet a kitten, we can guide them as to how to handle a fragile violin.  Show them that pianos are not for banging, but rather let them slowly press one key to hear the sound it makes. Children need to understand how an instrument works and that it does not need force to make it sound nice.

Exuberant young children may bang on a delicate instrument -- perhaps thinking they are playing rhythm  -- so it is always wise to store your musical instrument safely away from small children when you are not able to manage the interaction.

Children  as young as 4 can be learn how to handle a wooden violin without causing the instrument any harm.