Music Lessons for Kids on a Shoestring Budget

For years I have wondered how to learn more than one instrument a shoestring budget. As a music lover, it is a hobby of mine to learn how to play different instruments. I do know how to play the clarinet, piano, and am learning the handbells. but, I know nothing about a harmonica or any stringed instrument.

For my children to be adept in the music world it would be ideal for them to know many different instruments. With three children in our homeschool still and one income more lessons are not in the budget. I have had to research many different ways to teach them other instruments. Here are a few ways that I have found to try.

Youtube Lessons for a Shoestring Budget

Number one go to now is YouTube. There are so many videos to watch and literally learn anything you want. YouTube is a great tool for tutorials. I am convinced that if I were still in high school this would have been my home economics go to. We have used Youtube to learn the guitar, but not long term. Likewise, there has to be some patience and self discipline to learn on a tutorial. On the other hand, it is a free resource and works great on a shoestring budget.

Also, there are several online music apps that can be used to help with music lessons!

Learn an Instrument that is Versatile

We have all two of our four boys learning the guitar. We have one on the Ukulele and our oldest son has an acoustic guitar and took lessons in his later high school years. He decided to quit though with the demands of college. Moreover, we wanted them to all learn a stringed instrument because we heard that the chords are the same. So, later they can try the banjo, bass guitar, mandolin or any other instrument with the same chords.

In addition to the availability of learning other stringed instruments they will all have something in common. Hopefully, they will put their skills to good use in the future.

Buy a Book, Cd or Dvd to Self Learn

Another way to learn an instrument is through self teaching in a book, Cd or DVD. For younger students this may not be really easy, but if you homeschool like we do then it can be a curriculum. Daily practice is important and following the lessons that build on each other. Also, a weekly review of notes and chords is important.

There are many books that can teach different musical instruments. Doing some research on the best brand or instruction manual is ideal.

Download a Teaching App

There are teaching apps too download for learning. Some are free and some cost money. Either way, they can work on a shoestring budget because they are going to be cheaper than in person lessons. I personally feel that in person lessons work well for me. In addition to downloading the app, like a book or cd there will have to be a self discipline to learn the instrument.

Take Online Lessons

Online lessons are good for a shoestring budget due and can be done as group lessons. Instead of paying for individual lessons, shop around for a teacher to instruct all of the children. If homeschooling, this can be counted as a music course. Piano lessons for kids are also available online.

Another convenience of online lessons is they happen from your home. This also saves on time, money, and wear and tear on the car. Learning a new hobby from the comfort of home does sound inviting. In addition to being at home, it is a great way to be creative with live interaction from a teacher.

Group or Sibling Discount on One Instrument

Finally, try out a specific instrument and have them all learn the same instrument. All four of my boys’ take piano lessons. When my oldest graduated, to continue our discount I began to take lessons. This kept us at the group rate, and the kids are seeing mom as an example. At first, the lessons were not a shoestring budget activity because the teacher we had did not offer it. In spite of having taken lessons from her for five years’ we did go to another location that offered the discount.

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