Our Musical Instrument for First & Second Grade

In the curriculum we've been loosely following, the beginning instrument for the early grades is a flute or recorder. Many people opt for the expensive tho' beautifully sounding wooden choroi flutes, some in the pentatonic scale, others a recorder, and some even get a penny whistle instead. There are many articles and videos out there to assist in making an educated choice. We first tried with a recorder, but the kids had a lot of difficulty with it, and we also gave a flutophone a try.   

We finally settled on this one. Yes, really: the durable, cheap molded plastic, $3.99 song flute that sounds amazingly mediocre.  No one would recommend it as a part of a curriculum, no one says it's a quality instrument (you get what you pay for), and everyone agrees the notes it plays are "just okay". But I would recommend it. 

It is really just right for small hands! The finger holes are not straight but in a curved line that fits a more natural hand hold, and the size is just right for small hands. On the other instruments we tried, the kids had a hard time handling them and we spent all our time on motor skills and no actual time on music. Already one has gotten thrown around and dirtied by a younger sibling. No problem: just threw it in a sink of soapy water, rinsed it, and voila, ready to go again. I also have zero stress worrying about a instrument getting lost or ruined. If one of these really tough ones actually does somehow get trashed (that would take a lot of work), then I won't feel like I'm breaking the bank to replace it. 

The four kiddos have picked up on it so quickly!  Even though it is still odd for them to hold their fingers in that way, pressing over the instrument holes, they are no longer struggling. In only four classes with it we found our "musical breath", good posture, how to place it to our mouth, and have learned our first two-note song.  I'd say that's success.

Also, it's so easy to learn!  The notes are directly in scale order one right after another. I taught myself with a few YouTube videos and took it from there teaching myself "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star", "We Thank You God Most High", a late medieval tune I can't remember the name of, and the St Martin Lantern walk song "Glimmer, Lantern, Glimmer". I think I'm coming right along (and staying nicely ahead of my students).