Piano *lessons* provide an incomparable background in music theory, even for those who never actually learn to *play* the piano with any degree of competance. Most of us can probably agree on this.

However, the piano is not always a practical choice for a first instrument, especially for a child. (Given the time of year, I assume that this question relates to the best musical present for a young person not already playing an instrument.) The piano is bulky and expensive (for anyone), and (for really small children) requires hands large enough to play it.

Depending upon age and size, the best first instrument for a given child might be any number of things. Cost is definitely a factor when there is doubt whether the recipient will develop a serious interest.

~ Instruments the player blows into or strikes with a mallet are generally better suited to small players with small hands than are stringed instruments that must be fretted and keyboard instruments requiring a certain degree of "reach."

~ Instruments that seem appropriately simple at first glance may be *too* simple -- frustrating for anyone trying to play. I'm thinking of the 8-key toy xylophone here; a child may be capable of picking out tunes by ear, but may quit trying after attempting too many tunes requiring sharps or flats or notes above or below the single available octave. A toy piano (if not a "real" keyboard of some kind) with black keys and two to three octaves would be more satisfactory for a kid with that level of interest and/or talent.

~What about scaled-down versions of standard instruments, like 3/4 size guitars -- any comments?