As a first instrument, ukuleles teach kids about music and music theory. Through ukulele lessons, a child learns about beat, harmony, melody, rhythm, and tempo. The ukulele also helps children develop eye-hand coordination as well as independent movement of fingers. If you have a child who wants to eventually learn the guitar, starting with a ukulele often makes the process easier and less frustrating.
Many kids want to learn to play the guitar, but their little hands aren’t big enough to wrap around the neck. If your child is interested in the guitar, consider introducing the ukulele first. Not only is it similar, but it’s small enough for a child’s hands to easily manipulate. And because it’s so small, a ukulele can be hauled around to practice and other places without issue. Many are small enough to fit in backpacks.