A Real-World Approach to Helping Kids Discover Music
Over the past few weeks, my wife and I have been recording our kids as they explore music — one learning guitar, the other singing. We didn’t set out to make polished videos or push them toward performance. We simply wanted to make music accessible, fun, and encouraging, without pressure.
What surprised us most was how many parents reached out asking the same questions:
What gear should we start with?
How much should we spend?
How do we avoid overwhelming them?
This guide is written for parents who may not play music themselves, but want to give their kids a positive, confidence-building introduction.
Everything below is gear we personally use in our home. These are not “must-haves” — just thoughtful starting points that worked well for us.
Start With the Right Mindset (Before Buying Anything)
Before talking about gear, a quick note that matters more than any product:
- Start with interest, not discipline
- Short, fun sessions beat long practice times
- Let kids play songs they love
- Progress looks different for every child
The goal isn’t perfection or performance — it’s curiosity and enjoyment.
🎸 A Guitar That’s Easier for Kids to Play
Ibanez Talman TCY10E Acoustic-Electric Guitar
One of the best decisions we made was choosing a thin-body acoustic guitar instead of a traditional full-depth acoustic.
This guitar has been a great fit because:
- It’s lighter and thinner, making it easier for kids to hold
- It’s a full-size guitar, but doesn’t feel overwhelming
- It stays in tune well
- It’s an acoustic-electric, which adds flexibility as they grow
- The price point is very reasonable for the quality
For smaller players, the thinner body makes a huge difference in comfort and confidence. I have purchased three of these guitars so far and have been very happy each time!
👉 Find it on Amazon in Seafoam Green or Black
🎸 Let Kids Experiment With Guitar Picks
Colorful Guitar Pick Assortment (Multiple Thicknesses)
This is one of our favorite small additions.
A pick assortment:
- Lets kids try different thicknesses
- Helps them discover what feels comfortable
- Adds a fun, colorful element they enjoy choosing from
It turns something technical into something playful — which matters at this stage.
🎒 A Comfortable, Adjustable Guitar Strap
Adjustable Guitar Strap (Kid-Friendly)
An adjustable strap is important even when kids are sitting down.
We like colorful, comfortable straps because:
- They adjust easily as kids grow
- They’re more comfortable on smaller shoulders
- Kids enjoy picking their own color or style
Small details like this help kids feel ownership over their instrument.
🪑 A Comfortable Place to Sit While Playing
Pyle Adjustable Guitar Stool
Comfort matters more than people realize — especially for kids.
This adjustable guitar stool has been great because:
- The height adjusts easily for different ages
- It’s comfortable for longer practice sessions
- It sets up quickly and doesn’t feel bulky
Having a dedicated place to sit helps kids focus on playing instead of constantly shifting around.
🎤 A Beginner-Friendly Microphone for Singing
Pyle Dynamic Cardioid Microphone
When kids want to sing, they don’t need a studio microphone — they need something durable, forgiving, and affordable.
This mic works well because:
- It’s similar in design to a Shure SM58
- It handles drops and rough handling
- It sounds good enough for practice and fun performances
- It’s very affordable for beginners
It’s a great way to let kids explore singing without worrying about damaging expensive gear.
🎙️ A Mic Stand That Feels Fun (and Not Boring)
On-Stage MS7801W Telescoping Boom Stand (White)
This is a small detail that mattered more than we expected.
The white finish:
- Feels less “stage equipment” and more personal
- Looks great on camera
- Makes kids feel like the setup is theirs
It’s adjustable, stable, and inexpensive — perfect for home use.
✨ Let Kids Personalize Their Mic
Sparkly Microphone Sleeves (SM58-style fit)
One of the easiest ways to get kids excited is letting them personalize their setup.
These mic sleeves:
- Fit SM58-style microphones
- Come in multiple colors
- Add personality without affecting sound
- Are inexpensive and fun
Letting kids choose their own color gives them a sense of ownership.
🎼 A Simple Music Stand for Lyrics & Chords
Basic Music Stand
Whether it’s lyrics, chord charts, or simple notes, having music at eye level makes a big difference.
A basic music stand:
- Keeps kids from looking down constantly
- Helps with posture
- Makes practicing feel more “official” and fun
It’s one of those small additions that quietly improves the experience.
🎸 A Simple, Safe Place to Put the Guitar
Amazon Basics Adjustable Guitar Stand
A guitar that’s easy to grab is a guitar that gets played.
This stand:
- Is sturdy and stable
- Folds up easily
- Works with acoustic and electric guitars
- Is very affordable
Keeping instruments visible and accessible makes a big difference.
🎸 Protecting the Guitar Between Sessions
Gator Cases Foam Padded Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag
A simple gig bag goes a long way.
This one:
- Fits the Ibanez Talman perfectly
- Is lightweight and easy for kids to carry
- Offers enough padding for everyday protection
- Is very affordable
- Protects the guitar to and from lessons
It keeps the guitar safe without adding unnecessary bulk or cost.
🎵Recommended Practice Accessories
Hercules DG307B 2-in-1 Tablet and Phone Holder
Many kids practice using tablets or phones for lessons, sheet music, backing tracks, or learning apps. A stable holder keeps the screen at eye level and helps them stay focused without constantly adjusting their device.
- Holds both tablets and phones securely
- Adjustable height for seated or standing practice
- Keeps lyrics, tabs, or lesson videos at eye level
- Reduces distractions during practice time
It’s a small accessory, but it can make practice sessions smoother and more enjoyable. You can read the full Hercules DG307B 2-in-1 Tablet and Phone Holder review for additional details and real-world use.
🔊 Optional: A Speaker That Grows With Them
Bose S1 Pro+ Portable PA Speaker
This is not beginner-only gear, but it’s worth mentioning for families who already love music.
I use the Bose S1 Pro+ regularly, and:
- I’ve recorded all of the girls’ videos with it
- It handles both guitar and microphone inputs
- It sounds excellent without needing a separate mixer
- It’s simple enough for home use but powerful enough for gigs
This is the kind of gear that grows with kids — from practice, to performances, to real-world use later on.
(This is optional gear — not a requirement to get started.)
What We Intentionally Avoided
Just as important as what we chose is what we skipped:
- Overly expensive gear
- Complicated setups
- Too many accessories
- Pressure-based practice routines
Kids don’t need “pro” gear — they need tools that remove friction.
Final Thoughts
Getting kids started with music doesn’t require perfection, expensive equipment, or strict routines. It’s about creating an environment where exploration feels safe, fun, and encouraging.
If you’re a parent wondering where to begin, I hope this guide helps make the first steps feel a little clearer.