How much should I spend on a beginner instrument? I don’t wish to invest in an instrument for myself/ my child until I am absolute that I / my child can sustain an interest for it.

It is important to have an instrument once you have started lessons because your progress is determined by regular practice. A good instrument is a good investment. In most cases should you decide to sell your instrument, it retains much of its value hence there will be less cost in the long run. Moreover, a good instrument motivates students to practice and the improvement made will sustain one’s interest. For brass and woodwind instrumentalists, investing in a reasonably quality instrument is worth its higher price, because they are constructed with consistency and better intonation. A poorly made instrument is often more difficult to play and has an inferior sound. It would be an unfair test of a student’s talent if one has to overcome problems with an instrument during the initial learning stage.