When your child is ready for formal instrumental training, the piano is a good place to start, as the finger movements are easier than those for a stringed or brass instrument.

Piano playing develops a child's understanding of chords and harmonies. This can then be applied to other instruments. However, the piano is one of the most expensive instruments to buy, so the level of investment is considerable. It's tempting to buy a keyboard instead of a piano, but this will not serve the purpose long as the key weighting and size of a piano is quite different from a keyboard.

Opinions vary on the best age to take up piano, but by the time a child is six she should be ready.

Instrument cost: A budget- price, entry-level piano with a 10-year guarantee should cost between 2,400 and 3,400. Quality varies, so get advice. The piano will need to be tuned once or twice a year at a cost of 60 to €70.

Tuition cost: Varies, but expect to pay between €20 and 30 per half hour, or 200 to 300 per term.

Tuition time: Half an hour per week .

Practice time: At least 10 minutes a day, more as the tuition progresses