Music is for everyone. Plain and simple. Everybody consumes music in one form or another, whether it’s simply listening to the radio during your daily commute, or making your own. But even so, most people only listen to music’s universal language, they don’t participate in it. Which is a shame, because music can be communicated and understood by every single culture on this planet Earth.

The process of learning and practicing, practicing and learning, learning and practicing to play an instrument is both repetitive, and infinitely rewarding. It has the ability to bring joy not only to you, but to others who hear to play as well.

If you’re looking to break into music, but you’re uncertain what instrument is best for you, you’re in luck! There are a number of instruments that are great for beginners. Ultimately, you’ll be the one to decide which instrument is best for you, but if you’ll be so kind, allow me to suggest the top 10 instruments for beginners.

1. Violin

Suitable for any potential performer over the age of 6, the violin can be played effortlessly after only a little practice. You’ll be able to find violins in a range of sizes to best match the arms of even the littlest learners, with sizes ranging from 1/16th normal size, all the way up to a regular, full sized adult version. Violins are very popular, and always in demand, so if you decide to make a career out of it, it shouldn’t be hard to find an orchestra or other musical group to join. When looking for your first violin, stick to acoustic, the electric versions, though somewhat rare, are much better suited to experienced musicians.

2. Cello

Part of the same family as the violin, the cello is another musical instrument that most people are able to learn easily. Basically, it looks like a giant violin, but the sound it produces is quite deeper. You even sort of play it like a giant violin, only holding it upright and between your legs. The cello isn’t one of the most obvious choices to go with as a beginner, but it’s a great one nonetheless. And just like its little violin cousin, the cello comes in a variety of sizes to fit it’s growing performer. Sizes range from ¼ to full.

3. Double Bass

Another member of the string family, the double bass makes the cello look small, and the violin look downright tiny. This instrument is also played in a similar way to either the violin or the cello, by rubbing the bow across its strings. That said, you can also play this instrument by plucking or “slapping” the strings, a technique common to genres like jazz. The double bass can be played either standing or sitting, and is a great option for musicians 11 years old and up. Also coming in a range of sizes, the double bass can be found in full, ¾, ½, and even smaller sizes. Another less obvious or popular option, but the double bass is essential to most ensembles, especially jazz!

4. Flute

Our first non-stringed instrument, the flute is thought of as a gentle, delicate instrument. The flute is ideal for beginners thanks to its small, easily transportable size, and simple technique. It’s fun and exciting to play! And not only that, but the flute also happens to be one of the world’s best selling instruments, and one of the most affordable in the whole orchestra!

5. Clarinet

Another woodwind, like the flute, the clarinet is a popular first instrument choice, and perfect for people 10 years and older. Also popular like the flute, the clarinet is incredibly diverse, found in jazz bands, classical orchestras, chamber groups, and solo performances. The clarinet is easy to pick up, can produce some really good music, and also acts as a foundation for other instruments. Many clarinet players go on to learn other woodwind instruments, like the saxophone, without any difficulty transitioning.

6. Saxophone

And speaking of saxophones! Another great instrument for beginners, the sax comes in a variety of sizes and types, including the soprano sax, alto sax, tenor sax, and baritone sax. The alto sax is usually the best place for beginners to start. A great option for musicians 12 and up, the saxophone is in high demand, a necessary part of most orchestras, from school level through the pros.

7. Trumpet

The trumpet is part of the brass family, and is another great place to start as a beginner. Best for anyone older than 10, trumpets are orchestral instruments, and are also an important part of any jazz band. This instrument is easy to learn, easy to transport, a blast to play, and easy on the pocketbook. One thing to keep in mind though, when looking to buy a trumpet stay away from anything with a painted finish; it’ll just chip off.

8. Guitar

One of the most popular instruments of all time also happens to be great for beginners! Suitable for musicians over the age of 6, guitars come in a range of sizes and styles to fit any student’s needs. Folk music is the easiest place to start for most beginners, and remember to opt for an acoustic guitar if you’re just starting out. You can learn on either acoustic or electric, but acoustic guitars tend to have a smaller cost without all those cords and amplifiers to buy.

9. Piano

The piano can take a lot of time and effort to master, but once you do it’s a wonderful thing to behold. The piano is simply one of the most versatile instruments ever created, and is also one of the most beautiful to listen to. Great for new musicians 6 years and older, traditional pianos are usually the best choice for beginners, but many of today’s electronic pianos often sound and feel like the real thing themselves. They can even have a smaller price tag too.

10. Harp

This one might be a little surprising at first, but the harp is actually amazingly simple to learn. Like many of the instruments on this list, harps come in a range of sizes, with the smallest perfect for students 8 years old and up, larger ones for 12 years and older, and full size for fully grown musicians. The one drawback to learning to play a harp is that not many people do it, so finding an instructor might be a little difficult. Nevertheless, if you can find someone to teach you, or have the will to teach yourself, the harp is a beautiful sounding instrument that is well worth the effort.