Your Child's First Instrument

"The right instrument has to match your child's brain, body and emotions," says Ben-Tovim.

Apart from actual size and weight, certain instruments require particular physical properties in order to be played properly. Take the flute, for instance - thick lips or very thin lips would make playing difficult, as would large front teeth.

Consider, too, your child's personality - is he or she sociable or solitary? Brass instruments such as the trumpet, cornet or trombone are perfect for outgoing children, as they are loud, flamboyant instruments, designed to be played in a band. String instruments, like the piano and guitar, are better suited to a less gregarious child, perhaps those who enjoy their own company, and are  happy playing alone. Often, it is not until the child gets very proficient that he or she will be able to accompany others.

Ask yourself how patient your child is. Woodwind and brass instruments tend to give quicker results than string instruments. String instruments require a fair amount of mental energy - a young flute player can create pleasant-sounding melodies within a few months but it will probably take a young violinist a year or even two to achieve the same level of fluency.

The instrument has to make sense to the child - it has to be something that they have chosen and feel strongly about. Of course, you can guide your child's choice, but it's a good idea to talk to a teacher about whether a particular instrument will suit your child. Don't make the mistake of deciding for them. Let the child explore the range of instruments available - take them to concerts and get them listening to different instruments on the radio so that their choice is as informed as possible.

Late starters - You're never too old to learn

"You shouldn't feel that music is something you have to do professionally," says Jimmy Smith, who took up the violin in his thirties. "It's a stress buster - it's all about enjoyment... about having fun."

If you have always liked a particular instrument, why not take it up now - it's never too late. The former leader of the Conservatives, William Hague, only took up the piano after he resigned as leader of the party. His teacher, Susan Digby, says: "He's a case of somebody who had no musical exposure at all in his early life. He started from scratch and a year later, is playing at a very high standard. His progress has been quite remarkable." And Atarah Bem-Tovim says she has many adult flute learners: "A lot of retired people are very successful because they have both the time and the motivation."

And if you don't fancy learning an instrument, why not join a choir? Singing with 100 other voices can create a huge buzz. Susan Digby (who is also the founder of the Voices Foundation) runs one-day singing workshops for adults who think they can't sing. "I find their voice for them and give them the experience of singing chorally - the endorphin release you get when you sing in a group is very uplifting and beneficial to health," she says.