Being able to play a musical instrument is a talent that can open doors, start conversations, and even lead to a career in later life. Your child might not end up on America’s Got Talent, but they’ll have a lot of fun being able to make music. There are many different instruments for parents to choose from if their musical prodigy is keen to explore their inner Beethoven. The recorder or xylophone is popular with younger children as they are easy to play, but for older kids, string instruments are a good choice. Lots of kids learn to play the guitar, but if your child shows a passion for music, why not buy them a kids violin and encourage them to become a musical virtuoso?

Music teaches children many things. Plucking the strings on a violin will teach them about sympathetic and harmonic vibrations, which is basic physics. String instruments, such as a kids violin, also encourage fine motor skill development, coordination and ambidexterity. And let’s not forget – learning to play an instrument requires a great deal of patience; for parents as well as kids!

It’s important to match the instrument to the child, but if you think your child has the right temperament to learn to play the violin, here is our list of the top eight kids violins.

Top Kids Violin Toys

1. Handcrafted Solid Wood 3/4 Acoustic Kids Violin Starter Kit

The ADM acoustic violin is made from hand carved solid spruce with a rosewood fingerboard, chin rest and pegs. The neck, back and sides are hand carved from solid maple, so the violin is strong with excellent acoustic properties. The violin comes with a hard carry case for safe transport, two bows, an extra set of strings and a polishing cloth. In short, it’s the perfect first violin for older kids to learn their craft.

2. Solid Wood 1/8 Kids Violin Starter Kit

The YR.Seasons acoustic solid wood violin is 1/8 the size of an adult instrument, so it is ideal for younger children who show an interest in learning to play. The back, sides and head of the instrument are made from solid wood and the bow is made from ebony. The pegs, fingerboard and tailpiece are made from metal. This violin comes as a starter set, so your child will have everything they need to begin playing.

3. 1/2 Acoustic Violin for Kids

The GLARRY 1/2 acoustic violin is suitable for kids aged around 9 or 10. The back, sides and face are made from basswood and the chin rest, end pin and tuning peg is made from blacked wood. The black wood construction makes this an attractive instrument for young musicians, and since the violin comes with a case, bow and rosin, they can learn to play straight away.

4. 1/2 Size Natural Acoustic Violin

The Crazy K&A natural acoustic violin comes in a natural wood color and is suitable for kids aged 9-10 years. It’s an inexpensive violin that comes with a case, bow and rosin. If your child has expressed an interest in learning to play the violin, start them off with this instrument and once they are more committed to playing, you can upgrade to a more expensive model.

5. 1/2 Acoustic Violin in Natural Wood

The GLARRY natural acoustic violin is made from natural basswood with a maple top and blacked wood chin rest, tuning peg and end pin. The violin is half the size of an adult instrument, so it’s ideal for older kids who want to learn to play. The instrument comes with a case, bow and rosin. It is a great beginner kids violin.

6. 4/4 Full Size Purple Student Violin

The Merano MV300PR student violin is an attractive glittery purple color, which is sure to appeal to kids who want an instrument that looks a bit different. This acoustic violin is full size, but it is perfect for older kids and teenagers. The instrument comes with a hard case, a genuine white horsehair bow, and an extra set of strings. The neck, back and sides are made from maple wood and the fingerboard, chin rest and pegs from hardwood. For an inexpensive instrument, it produces a surprisingly good quality sound.

7. 4/4 Full Size Acoustic Solid Wood Intermediate Violin Outfit

If your child is showing some serious talent for violin playing, this is the instrument they need. The ADM 4/4 acoustic violin is an ebony fitted, professional standard violin in a matt-brown finish. The violin comes with a lightweight hard case, bow, rosin, shoulder rest and e-tuner. The back and sides are made from flamed maple and the top straight grain spruce. There is also a manufacturer’s one year warranty against defects. It’s a lovely instrument that is perfect for intermediate and advanced musicians.

8. 4/4 Full Size Handcrafted Solid Wood Student Acoustic Violin

The ADM student acoustic violin is the idea starter kit for older children. This violin is an attractive white color, so it will stand out from more traditional natural wood finish instruments. When you buy the ADM full size student acoustic violin, you also get a hard case, extra strings, a shoulder strap, two bridges, and a rosin. The instrument has a hand carved solid spruce top, and a rosewood fingerboard, chin and pegs. The neck, back and sides are handcrafted from maple for extra strength and stability. The bow is made from Brazil wood and genuine white horse hair. It’s a lovely instrument for beginners and more experienced players alike, plus it comes with a one year warranty against manufacturer’s defects.

9. Fun Fiddle Violin by lil Virtuoso

The Fun Fiddle Violin by Lil Virtuoso is great for little kids who are not quite old enough to learn how to play an acoustic instrument, but who are curious about music. The instrument is shaped exactly like a real violin and the bow is just the right size for little hands, but instead of strings, there are buttons. This kids violin is electronic. There are three activity modes and the violin is pre-programmed with seven classical tunes written by Mozart, Bach and Paganini. Kids can also create their own original melodies by pressing different buttons.

Don’t spend a fortune on an instrument until you are certain your child’s interest in playing the violin is not a one minute wonder. To begin with, it might be worth borrowing an instrument to gauge their interest, but if they are keen, invest in a suitable violin in the right size for them. Good violins don’t depreciate in value, so you won’t lose any money.

Have any of your own kids violin recommendations. Let us know your top picks in the comments below.

Feature image courtesy of Flickr, NickiMM.