Choosing an instrument is an exciting first step in your musical journey — but it can also feel overwhelming. With so many beautiful instruments to explore, how do you know where to begin? Whether you’re new to music, returning after a break, or signing up your child for their first lessons, the key is finding the instrument that matches your personality, goals, and lifestyle.

At Shine Music School in Barcelona, we’ve helped thousands of students discover “their” instrument — sometimes on the first try, sometimes after exploring a few possibilities. The process should feel joyful and curious, not stressful.

Below is a simple guide to help you choose the instrument that’s right for you (or your child).

1. Start With Your Sound Preferences

Ask yourself: What kind of music do you love to listen to?
Your instrument should connect to your taste. That emotional connection will keep you motivated.

• If you love classical or film scores → violin, piano, cello
• If you love rock, indie, punk → guitar, bass, drums
• If you love jazz → saxophone, piano, double bass
• If you love pop & songwriting → guitar, piano, or voice
• If you love electronic & production → keyboards, digital instruments

Tip: Listen to recordings or playlists and pay attention to which instrument your ear follows naturally.

2. Consider Your Personality

Music is a language of expression, and different instruments encourage different ways of communicating. Thinking about your personality can help you choose an instrument that feels natural, rather than something you have to “force.”

If you enjoy focus, detail, and quiet concentration, you may connect with instruments like piano, violin, or classical guitar. These reward patience and allow you to explore subtlety and tone. Many thoughtful or introspective learners find comfort in the gentle structure these instruments provide.

If you’re someone who feels rhythm in your body and loves movement, you might be drawn to drums, cajón, or percussion. These instruments are physical and grounding, perfect for students who learn best through motion and sensation.

For those who are social or expressive, voice, ukulele, or saxophone can open doors to group music-making, choirs, bands, jam sessions, and shared creativity — a wonderful fit if you thrive in community.

And if you’re a storyteller or songwriter at heart, guitar, piano, or voice offer a canvas for composing your own music.

Most importantly:

There is no right or wrong match — choose the instrument that feels like “you.”

Studies in music education consistently show that students stay motivated longer when they feel emotionally connected to the sound and experience of their instrument. Let your instinct and curiosity lead the way.

3. Try Before You Decide

At Shine Music School in Barcelona, we offer our students:

• Trial lessons with different teachers
• Short-term instrument rentals

Sometimes, a student comes in convinced they want to learn guitar… and leaves wanting drums. And that’s part of the magic!

If you’re unsure, join one of our jam sessions, and come and meet some of our current students. They enjoy the support, and you get a chance to suss out our musical community.

5. For Parents: Choosing an Instrument for Your Child

When choosing an instrument for a child, the most important factors are comfort, curiosity, and the connection they feel with the sound and the teacher. Young learners often respond to the size and shape of the instrument, how it feels to hold, and whether the sound excites them. For children ages 4 to 7, we often recommend starting with something accessible like the ukulele (small and fun with quick progress), piano (a great foundation for understanding music), or violin (available in child sizes and excellent for developing the ear early). For our littlest students we also have Music Awareness Classes. It’s essential not to force an instrument based on a parent’s preference or expectations; a child’s genuine interest is what keeps them motivated and joyful in lessons. The most successful learning happens when the instrument feels like the child’s choice.

6. You Can Always Change Later

Choosing an instrument is not a lifelong contract!
It’s a starting point.

At Shine, many students:

• Start with piano → move to saxophone later
• Begin with drums → switch to bass
• Try singing → then begin songwriting with guitar

What matters is staying engaged and enjoying your music journey.

7. We Teach Both In-Person and Online

Whether you’re living in Barcelona full-time or traveling often, you can continue your music lessons without interruption. Shine offers both in-person classes at our school in Gràcia and flexible online lessons with our teachers, so you can keep learning no matter where you are. Many students switch between in-person and online when schedules, holidays, or sabbaticals require it — your musical progress stays consistent and connected.

Ready to Find Your Instrument?

Shine Music School has been part of Barcelona’s creative community for over 15 years, welcoming students of all ages, languages, and levels.
Our teachers are professional musicians who care deeply about helping you grow, step by step, with confidence and joy.

Book a lesson!

Or send us a friendly WhatsApp message:
📱 +34 635 91 72 88

We’ll help you find the instrument that feels like you.