VIOLIN: Recommendations on the best time to take up the violin vary from age five to age eight.

It takes a long time to master the violin and it's wise to ensure that children have had some introduction to music on a more general level before introducing a stringed instrument.

Instrument cost: Expect to spend at least 250. Anything less and you could be buying an orange box.

Tuition cost: Be prepared for an annual investment of up to 600.

Tuition time: Half an hour per week.

Practice time: Children should be prepared to practice every day, even if only for 10 minutes.

GUITAR

The guitar demands a certain level of physical maturity from the player because of its shape. Depending on who you ask, the appropriate time to start ranges between eight and 12 years of age. One teacher admits to accepting a five year old for tuition against his better judgment and the arrangement did not work out.

Guitar playing will give novices sore fingers, but they quickly callous up, so don't let your children lose heart. Remember that if your child is left- handed, he will need a left-handed guitar. Some children can take a while to get the hang of fingering strings - don't expect instant results.

Instrument cost: A small-sized regular guitar, such as a Taylor, is good for children, yet can be used into adulthood, and costs about 450. A regular guitar will cost from 150 upwards. Chinese-made copies of standard names can provide quality at an affordable price for a beginner.

Other costs include strings, which cost about €10 per pack and need to be changed fairly regularly, depending on the player's style, and plectrums, which cost about €1.

Tuition cost: Around 25 per half hour.

Tuition time: Half an hour per week.

Practice time: A minimum of 20 minutes per day, six days a week