Maybe you’re in need of a hobby, or maybe you need your kids to play with something afterschool that doesn’t connect to Wi-Fi. Maybe it’s time to try music. Learning an instrument like the violin, viola, or cello is something you can work at a little bit each day, or as your schedule allows. It’s a rewarding uphill climb: it’s good for your brain, increases digital dexterity, introduces you to a world of music, and gives your eyes a much-needed break from screens. Here are five instruments, from violin to cello, to launch a strings hobby at home.
Learning a musical instrument can yield all sorts of benefits: beautiful sound, for one, a habit of disciplined practice (as useful in the “real world” as the orchestra), not to mention it’s a great way to keep your brain active without subjecting your eyes to glowing screens. And as these products illustrate, you don’t have to break the bank to get started on a musical hobby. A small investment in the right instrument for you, whether violin, cello, or viola (or all three if you’re ambitious), lets you fill your free time (or your child’s after school hours) meaningfully and beautifully.