All 3 of my kids play instruments. It is an expense but I really view it as an investment in their development. I doubt any of them will be professional musicians. I look at it as a way to enhance their lives and something that will bring them a lifetime of enjoyment.
I pay about $12-15 for a half hour lesson. I don't think that is expensive. Think how easily we fritter away $15 at McD's, some trinket, a toy or whatever. So, I think that is bargin.
As for buying an instrument. Buying a used instrument is probably the best bet. However, I would caution that you do some research by checking music stores, etc before purchasing anything used. There are good instruments and their are junk instruments. You may be better off buying a new instrument from a reputable music store so you know what you are getting. A poor quality instrument will frustrate the child and if the child does take off he/she will quickly progress and a good instrument can take them a long way.
My 5 yr old daughter is taking piano. I have a full size organ and a keyboard. However, I realized that there are many nuances to a piano in terms of the hammer action and so forth that could not be realized on a keyboard or organ. So, I did purchase a digital piano with hammer action and true piano action. It was an expense but I think well worth it.
My son plays trumpet and i bought him a new low-end price trumpet which is adequate. I do wish I would have bought an intermediate quality now that he is playing so well. I may sell his and buy up.
My other son plays drums. I did start him with just an inexpensive drum pad to see what his level of interest was. He stuck with the lessons so I purchased him a drumset for Christmas.
And, my trumpet playing son decided he wanted to learn the Bass guitar. Because he has stuck with trumpet, I went ahead and bought him a bass on which he is now taking lessons. I bought a good quality bass guitar which he can play all his life.
Anyway, you can see I have the whole band in my house! Now you know how I fritter my money away!
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