Interactive-learning Instruments

Interaction

The instrument is interactive in the sense that it gives the child feedback, if they wish, as they play. As they press a key, or press down on a string, the key or corresponding button will light up.

Principle

Children can improve listening skills, dexterity, and concentration.

Cost: Maybe around $60-100, depending on construction costs.

Durability: Rather durable, though not something one should get wet or drop.

Safety: I imagine it would be rather safe, save for potential snapping of strings from over-tightening.

Reflection

I remember, as a typical  kid, I really enjoyed visually stimulating things, things that lit up or had moving parts---as well as taking them apart and trying to put them back together. I also really liked music. And though I had never taken an orchestra or band class in elementary/middle school like everyone else seemed to do, I enjoyed playing on this little Casio keyboard and taught myself some of the demo songs I liked. I think that this could actually be something I would enjoy as a kid, and could learn something. It seems that the next step would be to make sure that the child playing would also learn any proper fingering, which is really helpful as the piece played gets more complicated.