Violin

The violin is a bowed string instrument that emerged in 16th-century Italy through makers like Andrea Amati, reaching its pinnacle with Antonio Stradivari's instruments, and it has been central to Western classical music ever since through composers like Vivaldi (whose "Four Seasons" showcases the violin beautifully) and performers like Itzhak Perlman and Lindsey Stirling. The violin is particularly excellent for kids because it comes in smaller sizes to fit growing children, it teaches exceptional discipline and ear training since players must find every note by finger placement, it's welcome in virtually every musical setting from orchestras to bluegrass to contemporary music, and it develops fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination - plus there's an enormous repertoire spanning four centuries to explore as they advance.